Vendor Spotlight - Big Delicious Planet

Big Delicious Planet is going on 25 years! We sat down with Director of Weddings and Events, Grace Hamilton, to learn more about the GREENEST caterer in America!

Grace Hamilton, Director of Weddings and Events

What kind of cuisine does Big Delicious Planet serve?
“BDP is known for its sustainably focused menus that includes produce that was harvested hours before your wedding reception. Each and every menu we create is as unique as each couple we work with. BDP is fully licensed and can source local and biodynamic wine, beer and spirits. We are well versed in vegan, gluten-free, and global cuisine.”

What makes you different from other catering companies?
“We are full circle! We grow our own food, we have our own bees to pollinate, we compost here and at weddings and events, we donate anything that isn’t being used so nothing goes to waste.

In the front of our catering kitchen we have a little cafe, the Canteen with a rotating menu so people can come in and enjoy a cup of coffee and grab a bite to eat.

We also do a pop-up farm dinner summer series! We have a table that seats 26 people out in our urban farm and the community can purchase a ticket to come experience a unique culinary experience. The menu is different every time and always incorporates the organic crops grown in our urban farm.”

What is the most popular dishes you see catered for weddings and events?
“We chose food by season so if its summer we look for lighter food that’s still filling, if its winter we’re going for something heavier such as short ribs or sweet potato ravioli. A lot of people embrace a more relaxed menu such as fried chicken with honey from our hives, bavette steak with an avocadeo tomato-relish, or even a summer salad with fresh tomatoes and grilled corn. On the other hand we see people that want a more elevated and traditional menu but we try to make sure the food is still vibrant and creative.

When we bring our clients in for tastings we always ask how comfortable they are with the flexibility on what they are tasting today versus what will be in season for their event and we see our clients get excited about that.”

How much have you guys grown in size since you first started?
“When I first started there were just 4 of us in the office now we’re at 6. There were 2 people working at the canteen now we have 3. Chefs and drivers always fluctuate but we also have an event team that come in for event days. We went from a 25 person catering company to a 50 person catering company and this has allowed us to take on more weddings and events!”

How many weddings do you have this year?
“This year we are close to 60 weddings. When I first started we were doing about 40 weddings so we just keep expanding as the years go by, which is very exciting.”

What is your favorite thing about catering weddings?
“I love when all of the other vendors come together and am really excited to see what everyone has produced on wedding day. I love seeing the florist’s vision and seeing how it compliments our food, how the photographers always capture our food, to the thoughtfulness from the planner’s timeline, and also just getting reviews from people. It’s really rewarding for me and my team to get compliments from our guest. We love when people pop into the kitchen and tell us how great everything was and we’re so appreciated of it. Also, what’s better than giving people food and drinks? I mean, thats what makes people really happy!”

What is the craziest thing you have seen at a wedding?
“One time I saw a groom dip his bride at the end of a ceremony, she didn’t know it was coming and he ended up dropping her. She held it together in front of everyone, she went upstairs, and when they came back we had a champagne toast tower waiting for her! She entered the party back on a good note and had a great time! Every season there is something crazy though, you just have to roll with it.”

For more information about Big Delicious Planet click here!