Frequently Asked Questions

Catering

  • We cater a wide variety of events, both big and small! Whether you're planning an intimate dinner party or a large-scale corporate function, a beautiful wedding or a festive music festival we're here to make your event a success. Our team of expert chefs and event planners will work with you to create a customized catering experience that perfectly fits your vision and exceeds your expectations. We believe that food is an essential part of any event, and we're committed to providing delicious, high-quality cuisine that your guests will love.

  • We recommend booking our catering services as early as possible to ensure availability for your preferred date. For larger events like weddings and corporate functions, we suggest booking 2-6 months in advance to ensure that we can provide you with the best possible service. For smaller events like family dinners and social gatherings, we suggest booking at least 2-3 weeks ahead of time. For events taking place during our busiest time of year (May, June, September, November, December) please provide as much advance notice as possible. If you're in a pinch and need last-minute catering, don't hesitate to give us a call! We'll will always do our very best to accommodate your needs. or share a recommendations for another great caterer!

  • While we do our best to accommodate a wide range of event types and budgets currently we require a minimum order of $200. For full-service catering for smaller events, we require a minimum order of $1000. We understand that some events may have smaller budgets or guest lists, which is why we encourage clients to review our cafe delivery menu. Our cafe delivery menu offers a wide range of delicious dishes that are perfect for smaller events, family dinners, or casual gatherings. We're committed to providing our clients with high-quality cuisine and exceptional service, regardless of the event size or budget. If you have any questions about our minimums or our cafe delivery menu, please don't hesitate to contact us.

  • As soon as we receive your event inquiry we place a "soft hold" on your date meaning that we will offer your first right of refusal in order of inquiry submission. In order to formally secure your date we required a signed contract and sent back to us with a 50% deposit to secure the date of your event in our books. We accept payment via credit card, check, and online.

  • Selecting your catering menu is an exciting process, and we're here to make it easy and enjoyable for you! For limited service and drop-off events, we have several menus for you to review and select from and of course, we are always excited to accept custom requests. For full service events - when it comes to designing your menu, we begin with a conversation about the needs and wants of you and your guests. We want to know what type of event you're hosting, your budget, the number of guests attending, and any dietary restrictions or preferences that we should keep in mind. From there, we collaborate with our culinary teams to share menu options and prepare a personalized proposal that meets your specific needs and exceeds your expectations. Because of the level of detail we give to each client proposal this process typically takes 5-10 days. If you need your menu or event proposal sooner let us know so that we can do our best to met your needs!

  • Yes, we're happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and requests to ensure that all of your guests can enjoy our delicious cuisine. We understand that some of your guests may have specific dietary needs or restrictions, which is why we offer a wide range of menu options to suit their needs. Some of the popular dietary needs that we accommodate include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, as well as other specific needs upon request, such as Halal, kosher, and paleo. We take food allergies and dietary needs very seriously, and we work closely with our clients to ensure that their guests' needs are met. Our team of expert chefs can work with you to create a customized menu that accommodates your guests' dietary needs while still providing delicious and flavorful cuisine. If you have any questions about our dietary accommodations or would like to discuss specific dietary needs, please don't hesitate to contact us.

  • Yes, we're happy to offer tastings before booking for any event size, but please note that they are complimentary only for large events (typically weddings and events with 100+ guests) after you have signed a contract with us. We understand that tasting our cuisine is an important part of the decision-making process when choosing a catering company, which is why we want to ensure that you're completely satisfied with our services. Our team of expert chefs will work with you to create a customized tasting menu that showcases the types of dishes you're interested in. We'll provide you with a taste of our culinary expertise, and we'll work with you to refine the menu until it perfectly fits your vision. If you're interested in booking our catering services, please contact us, and we'll be happy to host you for a tasting, at our Springfield, VA tasting cafe, at your convenience.

  • Yes, we are licensed and insured, and we hold several certifications to operate as a catering business. Our liability insurance covers up to $3 million in damages, accidents, or injuries that may occur during the event. In addition, we hold a Fairfax County Health Certificate, which certifies that we comply with all health regulations and guidelines. We also hold a Serve Safe Certification, which demonstrates our commitment to food safety and proper food handling practices. We understand that having the proper licenses and certifications is crucial in ensuring that our clients are confident in our services and that their events run smoothly. If you have any questions about our licenses and certifications, please don't hesitate to contact us.

  • Booking our catering services is easy! Just give us a call or send us an email to discuss your event details and catering needs. Our friendly and knowledgeable event planners will work with you to create a customized proposal that includes all the details of your catering services. We'll provide you with a detailed quote that outlines all the costs associated with your event, and we'll answer any questions you may have about our catering services. Once you've confirmed your booking, we'll work with you to finalize the details and ensure that your event is a success. We're here to make your life easier and your event unforgettable!

  • Yes, we provide friendly and professional serving staff and bartenders for your event. Our team of experienced servers and bartenders will ensure that your guests are well taken care of and that your event runs smoothly. We understand that the service is just as important as the food, and we're committed to providing exceptional service that exceeds your expectations. Our servers and bartenders are experienced and professional, and they'll work with you to ensure that your event is a success. We'll provide all the necessary equipment and supplies, so you can

Cafe

  • Our cafe is open to the public from 8 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday. You can always check our website and Google Business profile for more information on special hours and closures. We serve breakfast and lunch all day long, so you can enjoy your favorite dishes whenever you want.

  • Yes, we do! We understand that sometimes it can be difficult to find healthy options for kids, so we've designed a special menu just for them. Our kid-friendly menu features tasty and nutritious options that your little ones are sure to love.

  • Yes, we offer a variety of options for customers with special dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Our chefs and staff are also happy to work with customers to accommodate any specific allergies or dietary restrictions they may have. We understand the importance of providing delicious and satisfying meals that cater to a wide range of dietary needs, and we take pride in our ability to provide a diverse and flavorful menu that meets those needs. If you have any specific dietary concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to ask our staff for assistance. We're here to help you find the perfect meal to suit your needs and preferences.

  • Yes, we offer complimentary WiFi to all of our café customers. Feel free to bring your laptop or tablet and make our café your mobile office for the day!

General

  • we believe in giving back to our community, and we are proud to support a number of charitable organizations and causes. We donate a portion of our proceeds to local non-profits that align with our values. In addition to monetary donations, we also offer in-kind donations in the form of food and catering services to support various events and fundraisers. Giving back is an important part of our mission, and we are always looking for ways to make a positive impact in our community.

  • Yes, we offer a variety of options for customers with special dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Our chefs and staff are also happy to work with customers to accommodate any specific allergies or dietary restrictions they may have. We understand the importance of providing delicious and satisfying meals that cater to a wide range of dietary needs, and we take pride in our ability to provide a diverse and flavorful menu that meets those needs. If you have any specific dietary concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to ask our staff for assistance. We're here to help you find the perfect meal to suit your needs and preferences.

  • Yes, we have a private event space that is perfect for intimate gatherings, corporate meetings, and other special events. Our space can accommodate up to 50 guests and is fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure that your event runs smoothly. We also offer a range of catering options to suit your needs, including our delicious breakfast and lunch menus, as well as custom menus designed specifically for your event. Contact us to learn more about our private event space and to schedule a tour.

  • Yes, we are hiring for various positions, both for our café and catering services. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about food and customer service, and who are dedicated to providing exceptional experiences for our customers. We offer competitive wages and benefits packages for full-time employees, and we also have part-time opportunities available. If you're interested in joining our team, please visit our careers page on our website to view current job openings and submit your resume. We are always excited to hear from talented individuals who share our passion for food and hospitality.

  • At What The Chef, we love hosting a variety of events in our unique space, including intimate dinners, cocktail parties, cooking classes, and more. Our space is perfect for those looking for a more personalized and intimate experience for their event. We also occasionally produce our own events, like our popular "Dinner Conversations" series, where guests can enjoy a multi-course meal while engaging in stimulating conversation on a particular topic. Our space is fully equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen and professional-grade equipment, ensuring that your event will be both memorable and delicious.

  • We offer several payment options for your convenience, including major credit cards, checks, and ACH payments. We understand that paying for culinary services can be a significant investment, so we want to make sure you have as many options as possible to ensure a smooth and easy payment process. If you have any questions about our payment options, please don't hesitate to contact us.