ALL EVENTS CATERING

After researching; I decided to go with All Events Catering; aka Rays Prime Meats, located in Taylor MI.  The menu choices for the price per person is outstanding; by far the best I had found.  I originally placed my order for 40 people but later changed it to 55 due to the response.  When ordering for 40 people I was told I would receive a tray of each entrée, which would be sufficient but when ordering for 55 I would receive two trays of each entrée.  With the back up trays to be stored in a warming unit which they would provide.

They arrived on time for set up.  I was very surprised when there was only one tray per entrée; the potatoes especially; I was so afraid that I wouldn't have enough food.  The potatoes were gone before all my guests each were served.  I knew it wasn't enough and I had questioned it while they were still there.  I was assured there was plenty.  Honestly, when I make cheesy potatoes for my home parties of 30 guests and less, I make a larger quantity than what they bought me for 55 people.  I really believe they made a mistake.

Another turn off for me; when bringing the food into the venue for set up; food was transported in used cardboard meat boxes.  Anyone knows how unsanitary this is.  Especially anyone in the food business; which I am.  I was unimpressed with the cleanliness of the chafers themselves.  They were not clean and shiny like they should have been.  It was obvious that they were not a polished clean prior to being set up.  And lastly, I ordered coffee both regular and decaf for my guests.  The very least they could have provided was clean labeling.  The starburst signs that labeled one regular and one decaf were in horribly dirty shape.  This is something so minor; and could have been corrected so easily.  Details are very important to me, I never thought that cleanliness was something I needed to worry about when placing my catering order.  I mistakenly assumed that being in the food business, things would be sparkling clean and sanitary. 

For the food review; I give them a "C" average.  The green salad and pasta salad were excellent, as were the cheesy potatoes.  Probably the best cheesy potatoes I've ever tasted; just wished there was enough for 55 people.  The green beans were satisfactory as well.  I had chosen three meat entrees; roast beef in au jus, baked chicken, and Italian sausage with peppers and onion.  The roast beef and chicken were mediocre; the flavor was good but the meats were dry.  As for the sausage and peppers, I was disappointed; as were my guests, because it didn't get eaten.  If ordering the Italian sausage & peppers; do not expect nicely browned sausage and caramelized peppers and onions.  The sausage is cooked through but not browned whatsoever, so it has an unappetizing grayish look.  The sautéed vegetables were just okay; would have been 100% better if cooked longer to a brownish coloring.

Please keep in mind this is just my review and opinion.  I thought the price was really good for 55 people, but the quality and quantity just wasn't there.  My motto has always been, "you get what you pay for", I don't know why I didn't live by it for such an important event. 

Would I recommend or re-use "All Events Catering"?         .......sorry but my answer is "no".