Event Catering Sample Menu

Final pricing varies by guest count, service style, and customizations. These starting prices are based on a minimum of 25 guests.

Not every event calls for the same vibe — so no two menus are ever exactly the same.

Below are just a few ideas to get you inspired. Everything is customizable based on your vision, your guest count, and your budget.

Let’s build a menu around your moment.

Slider & Finger Food Menu

🍔 Slider Party

Great for birthdays, cocktail hours, game nights, or corporate mixers.

  • Cheeseburger Sliders w/ MOOD Sauce

  • Fried Chicken Sliders w/ Eclipse Honey

  • Veggie Sliders (or Grilled Mushroom + Swiss)

  • Mac & Cheese

  • Vinegar Slaw

  • Banana Pudding Pound Cake Bites

Optional: Nacho Bar | Add Wings | Add Grazing Board

(12-24 sliders per tray)

  • Basic Sliders (Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheddar, BBQ Pulled Pork, Buffalo Chicken, etc.) – $48-$72 per dozen ($4-$6 per slider)

  • Premium Sliders (Mushroom Swiss with Garlic Aioli, Smoked Gouda Fondue, Lamb, Caprese, Jerk Chicken, etc.) – $60-$84 per dozen ($5-$7 per slider)

Finger Foods & Snacks

  • Caprese or Antipasto Skewers – $30-$45 per dozen

  • Deviled Eggs – $24-$36 per dozen

  • Charcuterie Cups – $8-$12 per cup

  • Stuffed Mini Peppers – $24-$36 per dozen

  • Cold Shrimp Cocktail Cups – $8-$12 per cup

  • Smoked Salmon Crostini – $36-$48 per dozen

  • Pretzel Bites with Mustard Dip – $30-$45 per tray (feeds 10-12)

  • Spiced Nuts or Parmesan Crisps – $20-$30 per pound

  • Mini Brownie Bites, Lemon Bars, or Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels – $24-$36 per dozen

Package Pricing (For a Variety Mix)

If you want a mix of sliders and snacks, you could do:

  • Small Party Package (Feeds 10-15) – $225-$275 (2 slider trays + 2 snack options)

  • Medium Party Package (Feeds 20-25) – $375-$450 (3 slider trays + 3 snack options)

  • Large Party Package (Feeds 30-40) – $600-$700 (4-5 slider trays + 4 snack options)

Fine Dining Sample

🍷 Elevated Dinner Plate

Perfect for intimate dinners, formal events, or plated service.

  • Garlic Butter Filet or Braised Short Ribs

  • Roasted Sweet Potatoes or Mashed Potatoes

  • Seasonal Vegetables

  • House Salad w/ Vinaigrette

  • Banana Pudding Cheesecake or Custom Dessert

Optional: Wine Pairing | Tasting-Style Menus

Starting at $40/person

Includes:

  • One Premium Entrée (Short Ribs, Filet, etc.)

  • Starch + Vegetable

  • Side Salad

  • Dessert Plate

Service Style: Plated or Buffet
Optional Upgrades:

  • Passed Appetizers – $8/person

  • Wine Pairing – Custom Quote

  • Servers & Tablescape – Custom Quote

Soul Food Spread

🍽️ Soul Food Buffet

Comfort. Elevated.

  • Fried or Grilled Catfish

  • Chicken Wings (Eclipse Honey, MOOD Lemon Pepper, or Plain)

  • Mac & Cheese

  • Candied Yams

  • Collard Greens

  • Hush Puppies

  • Peach Cobbler Pound Cake

Optional: Shrimp & Grits Appetizer | Eclipse Glazed Ribs

Starting at $25/person

Includes:

  • 1 Protein (Fish or Wings)

  • 3 Sides

  • Hush Puppies

  • 1 Dessert

Popular Add-Ons:

  • Both Proteins – $6/person

  • Extra Side – $4/person

  • Sweet Tea & Lemonade Station – $50 flat

Brunch Bar

🥂 Brunch Vibes

For weddings, baby showers, day parties, or VIP mornings.

  • Shrimp & Grits

  • Lemon Spinach Pasta

  • French Toast Casserole

  • Brown Sugar Bacon

  • Fruit Salad

  • Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream

  • Pound Cake Bites

Optional: Signature Mimosa Station | Iced Coffee & Biscuit Bar

Starting at $28/person

Includes:

  • 2 Entrées (e.g., Shrimp & Grits, Pasta)

  • 1 Sweet Item (e.g., French Toast Casserole)

  • Bacon or Sausage

  • Fruit or Salad

  • Dessert Bites

Popular Add-Ons:

  • Mimosa Station – $7/person

  • Biscuit & Jam Bar – $4/person

  • Signature Drink – $6/person

💰 Minimums & Payment Policy

Booking Minimums:

  • Drop-Off Catering: $500 minimum

  • Full-Service Catering: $1,000 minimum

  • Private Dining (in-home): See Private Dining page

Minimums may increase based on travel distance or special service needs.

Payment Terms:

  • A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your date.

  • Final headcount and remaining balance are due 7 days before your event.

  • Payments accepted via Zelle, CashApp, Venmo, or Card.
    (Processing fee may apply for card payments.)

Cancellations & Changes:

  • Cancellations made less than 7 days before the event are non-refundable.

  • Guest count increases must be confirmed 5 days before the event.

  • Reductions in headcount are not refundable after the final payment is made.

Travel Fee:

Events outside of 25 miles of Carbondale, IL may incur a travel fee. This will be included in your custom quote.

Final Word:

My goal is to serve you with excellence and transparency — these policies help make sure every client receives a consistent, quality experience.

🙋‍♂️ Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book?

As early as possible. Most clients book 3–6 weeks out. Some weekends fill quickly, especially during holidays or wedding season.

What’s included in Full-Service Catering?

Full-service includes setup, on-site cooking (if needed), buffet or plated service, and clean-up. Staffing and tablescape options are available as add-ons.

Do you offer tastings?

Yes, for premium bookings. Private tastings start at $75 per person and are credited toward your final bill if you book.

Do you travel?

Yes. Travel within 25 miles of Carbondale is included. Outside that range, a travel fee will be added based on distance.

Can I customize the menu?

Absolutely. Every menu is flexible — tell me what you’re craving or what vibe you’re going for, and we’ll build from there.

How do I secure my date?

A 50% deposit locks in your event. The final headcount and payment are due 7 days before your event date.

Let’s build your menu, your way.

Whether you need trays dropped off or full-service with staff, we’ll create something that fits your budget, your vibe, and your guest list.

Don’t see what you’re looking for?
We’ll create a custom menu together based on your taste, vision, and event size.