Picking the right menu can save money and please guests. If your team is meeting in Salinas, small choices add up fast. Local people searching for Salinas restaurants often look for good food that won’t break the bank. Here are simple, useful tips to plan smart catering for a small business event.
Choose hearty, low-cost mains
Go for dishes that fill plates but cost less per person. Pastas, rice-based dishes, and roasted chicken are great picks. They feed many and stay warm well. The Village Bistro Restaurant offers half and full trays of pasta and chicken dishes so you can scale to your guest count.
Use trays and family-style service
Half/full trays reduce waste and cut service costs. Trays like Fettuccine Alfredo or Linguini Pomodoro stretch your budget. A few trays of pasta plus a protein tray keeps variety high while cost low. Trays are easier to serve — less staff needed. \
Balance protein with sides
Match a smaller amount of expensive protein with filling sides. Serve a modest amount of grilled salmon or skirt steak alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or a big green salad. This feels upscale but controls per-person cost.
Offer one hot main + two sides
A simple formula: one hot main, two sides, plus bread. Guests feel satisfied. Bread and salad are cheap but popular. Use seasonal vegetables — they cost less and taste better.
Focus on crowd-pleasers
Choose familiar items. Burgers, chicken marsala, and pasta usually work. Avoid overly complex dishes that need last-minute finishing. The Village Bistro’s trays include crowd-friendly items like Chicken Parmesan, Calamari Picatta, and garlic bread — good choices for business lunches.
Dessert: keep it simple
Offer one or two dessert options. Sliced cheesecake, fruit platter, or mini crème brûlée serve many people without high cost. Dessert trays are easy to portion.
Drinks: bottled water + one signature
Skip a full open bar. Provide water, iced tea, and one signature beverage (like a lightly flavored iced drink). If you want wine, ask for house selections from local labels — they pair well and cost less than premium bottles.
For easy, budget-friendly catering from one of the known best restaurants in Salinas, call The Village Bistro Restaurant. They provide half & full trays, breakfast options, pasta, seafood, steaks, salads and desserts — perfect for meetings and small corporate events.
Phone: 831-444-6724 or visit their site to view menus and tray prices. Book early to lock in choices and avoid last-minute upsells.
Small events can taste great and stay on budget. A little planning goes a long way — and you’ll get nice feedback from the team.