Business Details
Expert Catering Services in Pasadena, CA
For over three decades, The Kitchen for Exploring Foods has established itself as a premier catering service dedicated to creating exceptional culinary experiences. Our commitment to using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients ensures every menu reflects the freshest flavors of the region. With expertise in designing events ranging from intimate dinners to large-scale galas, our team combines creativity and precision to meet each client's unique vision.We pride ourselves on personalized service, attention to detail, and a passion for culinary innovation that sets us apart in the catering industry. Our extensive experience and dedication to excellence have made us a trusted partner for clients across Los Angeles and beyond.
Services
Wedding Catering
Corporate Events
Gourmet-to-Go
Menu Customization
Beverage Services
Delivery & Pickup
Event Planning
Seasonal Menus
International Cuisine
Dietary Options
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of experience in event catering and menu design
- Our team sources ingredients from trusted local purveyors and specialty suppliers
- We provide personalized service from initial consultation to event execution
- Our full-service catering includes design, decor, and botanical elements
- We guarantee attention to detail for every event size and complexity
Services
Wedding Catering
Our wedding catering service specializes in creating personalized culinary experiences that reflect each couple's unique style and preferences. With decades of experience in wedding coordination, we offer comprehensive menu design, venue decoration, botanical arrangements, and full-service execution. Our team works closely with clients to develop custom menus featuring seasonal ingredients and specialty items that ensure memorable dining experiences for guests of all dietary needs.
Corporate Events
We provide tailored catering solutions for corporate events ranging from executive meetings to large-scale conferences and product launches. Our services include customized menu development, interactive food stations, branded dining experiences, and logistical support for venues of all sizes. Our experienced event planners ensure seamless execution while maintaining professional presentation standards that align with corporate branding and messaging requirements.
Gourmet-to-Go
This convenient catering option offers pre-prepared meals and event-ready dishes for pickup or delivery to locations across Los Angeles County. Our gourmet-to-go service includes complete meal packages with serving utensils, disposable platters, and optional presentation enhancements. Available for both individual orders and large events, this service maintains our signature quality while eliminating the need for on-site cooking facilities.
Menu Customization
Our menu development service creates bespoke culinary experiences tailored to specific event themes, dietary requirements, and client preferences. We offer extensive options for flavor combinations, ingredient sourcing, and presentation styles while maintaining nutritional balance and visual appeal. This service includes consultations with our executive chefs to ensure each menu perfectly complements the event's atmosphere and guest expectations.
Beverage Services
We provide comprehensive beverage solutions including wine pairings, signature cocktails, non-alcoholic drink stations, and specialty coffee services. Our offerings range from basic soft drink packages to premium open bars with professional bartending staff. We also offer curated wine lists featuring California vintages and international selections that complement our seasonal menus.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We cater all event types including weddings, corporate functions, private parties, social celebrations, and non-profit fundraisers across Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes, we offer gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options with advance notice and can customize menus to meet specific dietary requirements.
Do you provide staffing for events?
We offer full-service staffing including servers, bartenders, and event coordinators for complete event management and execution.
What is your minimum order requirement?
Our minimums start at $750 for delivery/pickup orders and $1,000 for full-service events before applicable fees and taxes.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least five days in advance to ensure availability and proper preparation for your event.
Do you offer beverage service options?
Yes, we provide comprehensive beverage packages including wine, beer, cocktails, soft drinks, and specialty coffee services.
Reviews (6)
Susie
Aug 23, 2021
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I can't believe that a professional business treats their customers like this! I had event scheduled with them on a Saturday and called them the Monday prior to finalize the menu. After calling 2 times and leaving voicemails, a woman finally called me back that evening to gather more information. She said that she would pass my information on to the sales team and they would get back to me right away.
On Tuesday morning I called them at 11:30, 2:00pm & 4:30pm before I realized they weren't going to return my call. I then found a contact name and email address for a woman by the name of Carly D. I went ahead and sent her an email and received a message back right away saying that the person I am trying to reach is not accepting emails at this this time. It is now Wednesday night and they never did return my call.
I had to scramble to try to find another caterer for our event. Horrible customer service! I told our event coordinator and she is removing them off of the preferred vendor list. They never returned her emails and calls either! The worst customer service!
On Tuesday morning I called them at 11:30, 2:00pm & 4:30pm before I realized they weren't going to return my call. I then found a contact name and email address for a woman by the name of Carly D. I went ahead and sent her an email and received a message back right away saying that the person I am trying to reach is not accepting emails at this this time. It is now Wednesday night and they never did return my call.
I had to scramble to try to find another caterer for our event. Horrible customer service! I told our event coordinator and she is removing them off of the preferred vendor list. They never returned her emails and calls either! The worst customer service!
Sean P. Kelly
Dec 01, 2019
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Best catering food on the planet. Amazing team of seasoned culinary professionals and guest relations specialists. Chef Jen rocks. Executive Chef Carl MacPherson leads with Culinary Institute of America finesse and confidence. Sous chef Omar will guide you through a tasting menu sure to delight the senses. What are you waiting for. Book your next event or private party with them NOW.
Olivia Hughes
Nov 28, 2019
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I needed tacos for a surprise party for my boyfriend and this place delivers. The tacos were delicious and ready earlier than we had anticipated for all of my hungry guests. They were timely, professional, and the food was delicious.
Sean Kelly
Apr 03, 2019
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Gourmet To Go rocks. And for large catering events this is the place to handle all your culinary desires. With over 30 years experience providing special events you will be the talk of the town basking in the afterglow of a successful and memorable event thanks to The Kitchen.
Alex Vasquez
May 10, 2018
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I came here for lunch and enjoyed my experience. I ordered the Hawaiian chicken wrap and a potato salad. Things seemed fresh to me. Folks were friendly. You can do catering here, too. A good alternative to Little Flower if it's too busy for you.
Brett Bernath
May 04, 2018
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The Kitchen is a wonderful place to go if you would like to have your event catered by excellent chefs. They are extremely professional and everyone is pleasant to work with. They also serve food for lunch. It is a nice place to while away some time while eating a sandwich and enjoying a cookie.