Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor • Interviews with past brides • Feedback from local vendors
From buffet weddings to gourmet plated events, the focus at Taste Fine Foods is always on great food and fair prices. Chef and Owner, Paul Pinarello, comes with twenty years of culinary experience, which he gained around the world before focusing on weddings and events in the tri-city area with Executive Chef, Glenn White. Together, they've cooked for hundreds of weddings and say they won't let anything get in the way of successfully catering a wedding, saying that if you don’t want to worry about your event, the staff or the food, Taste Fine Foods is who you need to hire.
With a style that's rustic meets modern and using traditional methods with a unique twist, one of our favourite things about Taste Fine Foods is their flexibility and penchant for creating customized menus instead of following trends. From a casual pig roast to an elaborate plated dinner, it seems that these men and their staff are happy to take special requests and treat every event as a unique one. And with rave reviews from local brides and vendors, we wanted to know (and taste) more; so, we met with Paul in his Guelph location, smelled the mouth-watering cuisine just before he served up lunch, and found out more about this food-crazy team and what they can do for weddings and events of any size. Here's what we discovered...
Personally speaking...
Paul has culinary experience of twenty years from four countries and three continents. He has worked from Whistler to Toronto, in Italy, Germany and the South Pacific at Michelin rated restaurants, five star luxury hotels, and intimate fine dining establishments. "I love to travel and never stop learning new things," says Paul. After working in Toronto, Paul started traveling by working in Whistler and Whitehorse. His overseas experience started in New Zealand, continued in Australia, and ended in Europe where he spent over seven years cooking at some of the world’s most famous and highest rated restaurants.
Glenn, the Executive Chef, has trained and worked at the Royal York Hotel and The King Edward in Toronto, and with Chef Mark McEwen (from Food Network Canada) at North 44. He's also a Chef Instructor at a Private Culinary centre in Toronto.
Paul and Glenn met as students at George Brown culinary college where they received their Red Seal Certification. Then, after being a guest at so many events that weren't great, Paul decided that he could do it better. So, in April 2008, he opened Taste Fine Foods. "I've always had the passion to run a top quality food service establishment," he says.
Now, with almost three years serving the K-W, Cambridge and Guelph areas, Paul and Glenn say they've collectively cooked for hundreds of weddings with an average of four events per week.
But they add that there will never be more than two weddings on any given day. "We want to make sure that everything is always just right."
And, to help them out and make sure this plan succeeds, Paul and Glenn have a highly trusted and dedicated staff who have just as much passion for food as the Chefs, and always want to learn more.
When they're not busy with weddings and local events, we discovered that Taste Fine Foods volunteers their time and services at many children's fundraisers and support many local charities. Paul also recently received an award for his charity work from the House of Commons and Frank Valeriote (local MPP).
We also found out from Joanne Ware, the Public Relations Officer at the Guelph Legion branch, that Paul and Taste Fine Foods volunteer many hours helping them out with various events. "Paul and all of his employees have been an incredible..." she says. "He has gone out of his way to volunteer in our community, which is something no one can put a price on."
Fabulous food meets great service
If you're someone who's concerned about the quality of food being served at your wedding, but would rather focus on your guests instead of worrying about the food or serving staff, Taste Fine Foods thinks you've come to the right place - and we happen to agree. "From inexpensive buffet weddings to gourmet plated events, the focus is always great food," says Paul. "That is the whole concept behind Taste Fine Foods. It doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive to taste great."
Taste Fine Foods catered Jackie and Matt Bowcott's July 2010 rehearsal and reception dinner and they described their style as "Fine, gourmet foods that are edible and taste amazing. People are still talking about how great the food was." Jackie adds, "I would have paid more if I had known how great they were going to be. Very excellent value."
Kim had experienced Taste Fine Foods' catering at a friend's wedding and was very impressed with the food quality and taste. When she visited Paul to plan her July 2009 wedding meal, she says he was willing to work with her to source locally raised chickens and local vegetables as much as possible. Taste Fine Foods provided catering for her appetizers, buffet dinner, coffee service and set-up and took down the tables and chairs. "They were very flexible in terms of accommodating our needs," she adds. "Paul did an all day outdoor rotisserie BBQ of beef and chickens."
But great tasting food is just half of what Taste Fine Foods offers, and with that covered, they add that
their dependability is something they're also known for. "It would literally take an earthquake to stop us from getting your wedding done," Paul says.
Ann Caine had Taste Fine Foods cater the main course for her daughter's July 2010 wedding and loved how willing they were to go the extra mile and help with things that weren't even really a part of their job. "Nothing phased them," she adds. "We had a tent/garden wedding and the sides were up and it poured rain just as they were about to serve. They soldiered on regardless and didn’t miss a beat, cheerfully."
But it's not just couples and their guests who rave about Taste Fine Foods, as Joanne told us that Paul and everyone at Taste Fine Foods is very courteous to work with. "No matter what the question or request, Paul will do his best to get it done. He adds a very personal touch to our events and everyone compliments the wonderful food and service that he helps us with."
Taste Fine Foods can handle any size of event, but are small enough to offer you the personalized service that you deserve. And, they’ll take care of everything (if you want), including rental items, décor, food, bar, tent, all staff, DJ, and more.
This was one thing that Kim loved about working with Taste Fine Foods - that they would do as little or as much as she wanted them to in terms of ordering rental items, setting up tables, take down, and handling the bar.
Menus to customize
Rustic and modern is how Paul described Taste Fine Foods' cooking style. They use traditional methods with a unique twist and aren't in to following trends, but instead create modern menus. Their specialties are Italian, French and German; but, they can do anything from sushi to curry to BBQ.
One of our favourite things about Taste Fine Foods is their flexibility. Though they have their own style, they're always willing to learn and try new things, and this also means they're not set on the menus they offer and can customize one to suit your tastes. They've even cooked special requests from family recipes. Ann agrees and told us that Taste Fine Foods was indeed very flexible when it came to their offerings. "They were very helpful and easy to work with," she adds.
One of the main reasons that Jackie and Matt hired Taste Fine Foods was their willingness to do whatever it took to make them happy. "[They did] anything and everything we requested... and would recommend what was in season, fresh, organic, and healthy," they add. "Paul was very flexible on final numbers and dietary requests, too."
Everything, literally everything, in Taste Fine Food's kitchen is made from scratch and they can accommodate any dietary needs.
The BBQ that Kim had at her wedding was something that Taste Fine Foods offered that she couldn't find anywhere else. "It was a big hit with family and friends who were able to observe Paul's set-up and enjoy the great tasting smells. They were also quite willing and equipped to do an outdoor dinner under a tent."
Just a taste...
Taste Fine Foods caters for weddings, large corporate events, BBQ’s and rotisserie meats for outside events. You name it and they've pretty much done it.
To give you a taste of what their wedding menu might consist of, you'd start with hors d'oeuvres (that range from $1 to $3 per person) like maybe mini quiche with pancetta & cambonzola cheese, coconut prawns with pineapple ginger chutney, honey and rosemary caramelized pears wrapped with serrano ham, or cherry tomato stuffed with pesto bocconcini cheese, to name just a few.
For a first course, Paul suggests an organic salad (e.g. mixed baby greens with strawberry fig balsamic vinaigrette) or homemade gourmet soup (e.g. grilled red pepper, artichoke and tomato bisque), or a unique customized option that you and the Chefs can come up with. The salads are about $2.75 per portion, and the soups range from $5 to $8, depending on the amount ordered.
The second course could consist of fresh, homemade pasta, seafood salad, or a fish dish. Entrée items range from $5.75 to $8.50 per portion. Some ideas Paul gives are roast chicken, roast beef, stuffed chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, or roast leg of lamb.
All meals come with side dishes, too, with options like Roquefort & garlic mashed potatoes or seasonal garden veggies (for $2.50 per portion).
For dessert (our favourite!), options are available à la carte or by platter (combinations are also offered), and with such scrumptious items as white and dark chocolate pinstripe strawberries ($15 per dozen), decadent gourmet cupcakes ($35 per dozen), and crème caramel, we think it would be pretty hard to narrow it down.
You can also hire Taste Fine Foods to cater a BBQ or pig roast, which is a unique offering in this area and something that's perfect for a backyard or tent wedding. They also often get asked to cater the post-wedding brunch.
Jackie and Matt had Taste Fine Foods do a pig roast for their rehearsal dinner and say that they were the only caterer they could find who would offer this with no problems. They would, hands down, recommend Taste Fine Foods to others. "I've already had him lined up for a few friends," adds Jackie.
Since options range at Taste Fine Foods, so too do prices. A small gathering of simple (but amazing) food is about $25 per person. A larger gathering of 200+, including tent and accessory rentals, bar and staff, with full take down and set-up can be $85+ per person.
Joanne told us that if she were getting married she would definitely entrust Taste Fine Foods. In fact, for her son's June 2010 wedding, she held the rehearsal dinner at Taste Fine Foods in Arkell and says it was wonderful. "The personal touch, the ambiance at his Arkell location, the food that was served, was outstanding. My husband and I received excellent feedback from our guests that evening."
Married on a train
For the couple who wants something different or new, Taste Fine Foods wants you to know that they're the exclusive catering company on the Guelph Junction Express - a dinning train that seats 144 guests. Plus, there's a third car available for the bar, buffet and DJ or band for a night of dancing.
Walking you through a wedding with Taste Fine Foods
Paul suggests booking Taste Fine Foods at least three months before your wedding, or up to a year if you're planning for a busier time of year. Emailing or phoning Taste Fine Foods is the best way to get in contact with them; though they don't mind if you stop by their Guelph location, either (and we recommend you do so you can just smell the amazing food).
Once you've chatted with Paul or his staff, he'll meet with you to discuss the basic details of your wedding. During the second meeting, options are picked and the menu is discussed. This is also when the $200 deposit is required to ensure Taste Fine Foods is all yours for the day.
Jackie and Matt loved that Paul was always available to respond to questions and kept good communication from the first meeting up to the wedding day. Kim agrees and told us that she met with Paul a few times before the wedding to work out all the details and he always followed through with his promises.
Between booking and the wedding day you'll set-up a tasting menu and you're also invited to attend one of their cooking classes. Then, the menu is finalized and any other details are booked - like décor, rentals, tent, DJ, whatever is needed for your wedding.
On the wedding day, all you have to do is show up and enjoy your dinner and reception and let Taste Fine Foods handle the rest.
Details, details, details
• Call or email Paul 3 to 12 months before your wedding, depending on the time of year.
• A $200 deposit is required to reserve your wedding date.
• Prices per person vary depending on the food and amount you order, but can range from $25 to $85, or more.
• Taxes and gratuities are in addition to any quoted prices.
• Taste Fine Foods caters to the Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph areas.
From buffet weddings to gourmet plated events, the focus at Taste Fine Foods is always on great food and fair prices. Chef and Owner, Paul Pinarello, comes with twenty years of culinary experience, which he gained around the world before focusing on weddings and events in the tri-city area with Executive Chef, Glenn White. Together, they've cooked for hundreds of weddings and say they won't let anything get in the way of successfully catering a wedding, saying that if you don’t want to worry about your event, the staff or the food, Taste Fine Foods is who you need to hire.
With a style that's rustic meets modern and using traditional methods with a unique twist, one of our favourite things about Taste Fine Foods is their flexibility and penchant for creating customized menus instead of following trends. From a casual pig roast to an elaborate plated dinner, it seems that these men and their staff are happy to take special requests and treat every event as a unique one. And with rave reviews from local brides and vendors, we wanted to know (and taste) more; so, we met with Paul in his Guelph location, smelled the mouth-watering cuisine just before he served up lunch, and found out more about this food-crazy team and what they can do for weddings and events of any size. Here's what we discovered...
Personally speaking...
Paul has culinary experience of twenty years from four countries and three continents. He has worked from Whistler to Toronto, in Italy, Germany and the South Pacific at Michelin rated restaurants, five star luxury hotels, and intimate fine dining establishments. "I love to travel and never stop learning new things," says Paul. After working in Toronto, Paul started traveling by working in Whistler and Whitehorse. His overseas experience started in New Zealand, continued in Australia, and ended in Europe where he spent over seven years cooking at some of the world’s most famous and highest rated restaurants.
Glenn, the Executive Chef, has trained and worked at the Royal York Hotel and The King Edward in Toronto, and with Chef Mark McEwen (from Food Network Canada) at North 44. He's also a Chef Instructor at a Private Culinary centre in Toronto.
Paul and Glenn met as students at George Brown culinary college where they received their Red Seal Certification. Then, after being a guest at so many events that weren't great, Paul decided that he could do it better. So, in April 2008, he opened Taste Fine Foods. "I've always had the passion to run a top quality food service establishment," he says.
Now, with almost three years serving the K-W, Cambridge and Guelph areas, Paul and Glenn say they've collectively cooked for hundreds of weddings with an average of four events per week.
But they add that there will never be more than two weddings on any given day. "We want to make sure that everything is always just right."
And, to help them out and make sure this plan succeeds, Paul and Glenn have a highly trusted and dedicated staff who have just as much passion for food as the Chefs, and always want to learn more.
When they're not busy with weddings and local events, we discovered that Taste Fine Foods volunteers their time and services at many children's fundraisers and support many local charities. Paul also recently received an award for his charity work from the House of Commons and Frank Valeriote (local MPP).
We also found out from Joanne Ware, the Public Relations Officer at the Guelph Legion branch, that Paul and Taste Fine Foods volunteer many hours helping them out with various events. "Paul and all of his employees have been an incredible..." she says. "He has gone out of his way to volunteer in our community, which is something no one can put a price on."
Fabulous food meets great service
If you're someone who's concerned about the quality of food being served at your wedding, but would rather focus on your guests instead of worrying about the food or serving staff, Taste Fine Foods thinks you've come to the right place - and we happen to agree. "From inexpensive buffet weddings to gourmet plated events, the focus is always great food," says Paul. "That is the whole concept behind Taste Fine Foods. It doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive to taste great."
Taste Fine Foods catered Jackie and Matt Bowcott's July 2010 rehearsal and reception dinner and they described their style as "Fine, gourmet foods that are edible and taste amazing. People are still talking about how great the food was." Jackie adds, "I would have paid more if I had known how great they were going to be. Very excellent value."
Kim had experienced Taste Fine Foods' catering at a friend's wedding and was very impressed with the food quality and taste. When she visited Paul to plan her July 2009 wedding meal, she says he was willing to work with her to source locally raised chickens and local vegetables as much as possible. Taste Fine Foods provided catering for her appetizers, buffet dinner, coffee service and set-up and took down the tables and chairs. "They were very flexible in terms of accommodating our needs," she adds. "Paul did an all day outdoor rotisserie BBQ of beef and chickens."
But great tasting food is just half of what Taste Fine Foods offers, and with that covered, they add that
their dependability is something they're also known for. "It would literally take an earthquake to stop us from getting your wedding done," Paul says.
Ann Caine had Taste Fine Foods cater the main course for her daughter's July 2010 wedding and loved how willing they were to go the extra mile and help with things that weren't even really a part of their job. "Nothing phased them," she adds. "We had a tent/garden wedding and the sides were up and it poured rain just as they were about to serve. They soldiered on regardless and didn’t miss a beat, cheerfully."
But it's not just couples and their guests who rave about Taste Fine Foods, as Joanne told us that Paul and everyone at Taste Fine Foods is very courteous to work with. "No matter what the question or request, Paul will do his best to get it done. He adds a very personal touch to our events and everyone compliments the wonderful food and service that he helps us with."
Taste Fine Foods can handle any size of event, but are small enough to offer you the personalized service that you deserve. And, they’ll take care of everything (if you want), including rental items, décor, food, bar, tent, all staff, DJ, and more.
This was one thing that Kim loved about working with Taste Fine Foods - that they would do as little or as much as she wanted them to in terms of ordering rental items, setting up tables, take down, and handling the bar.
Menus to customize
Rustic and modern is how Paul described Taste Fine Foods' cooking style. They use traditional methods with a unique twist and aren't in to following trends, but instead create modern menus. Their specialties are Italian, French and German; but, they can do anything from sushi to curry to BBQ.
One of our favourite things about Taste Fine Foods is their flexibility. Though they have their own style, they're always willing to learn and try new things, and this also means they're not set on the menus they offer and can customize one to suit your tastes. They've even cooked special requests from family recipes. Ann agrees and told us that Taste Fine Foods was indeed very flexible when it came to their offerings. "They were very helpful and easy to work with," she adds.
One of the main reasons that Jackie and Matt hired Taste Fine Foods was their willingness to do whatever it took to make them happy. "[They did] anything and everything we requested... and would recommend what was in season, fresh, organic, and healthy," they add. "Paul was very flexible on final numbers and dietary requests, too."
Everything, literally everything, in Taste Fine Food's kitchen is made from scratch and they can accommodate any dietary needs.
The BBQ that Kim had at her wedding was something that Taste Fine Foods offered that she couldn't find anywhere else. "It was a big hit with family and friends who were able to observe Paul's set-up and enjoy the great tasting smells. They were also quite willing and equipped to do an outdoor dinner under a tent."
Just a taste...
Taste Fine Foods caters for weddings, large corporate events, BBQ’s and rotisserie meats for outside events. You name it and they've pretty much done it.
To give you a taste of what their wedding menu might consist of, you'd start with hors d'oeuvres (that range from $1 to $3 per person) like maybe mini quiche with pancetta & cambonzola cheese, coconut prawns with pineapple ginger chutney, honey and rosemary caramelized pears wrapped with serrano ham, or cherry tomato stuffed with pesto bocconcini cheese, to name just a few.
For a first course, Paul suggests an organic salad (e.g. mixed baby greens with strawberry fig balsamic vinaigrette) or homemade gourmet soup (e.g. grilled red pepper, artichoke and tomato bisque), or a unique customized option that you and the Chefs can come up with. The salads are about $2.75 per portion, and the soups range from $5 to $8, depending on the amount ordered.
The second course could consist of fresh, homemade pasta, seafood salad, or a fish dish. Entrée items range from $5.75 to $8.50 per portion. Some ideas Paul gives are roast chicken, roast beef, stuffed chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, or roast leg of lamb.
All meals come with side dishes, too, with options like Roquefort & garlic mashed potatoes or seasonal garden veggies (for $2.50 per portion).
For dessert (our favourite!), options are available à la carte or by platter (combinations are also offered), and with such scrumptious items as white and dark chocolate pinstripe strawberries ($15 per dozen), decadent gourmet cupcakes ($35 per dozen), and crème caramel, we think it would be pretty hard to narrow it down.
You can also hire Taste Fine Foods to cater a BBQ or pig roast, which is a unique offering in this area and something that's perfect for a backyard or tent wedding. They also often get asked to cater the post-wedding brunch.
Jackie and Matt had Taste Fine Foods do a pig roast for their rehearsal dinner and say that they were the only caterer they could find who would offer this with no problems. They would, hands down, recommend Taste Fine Foods to others. "I've already had him lined up for a few friends," adds Jackie.
Since options range at Taste Fine Foods, so too do prices. A small gathering of simple (but amazing) food is about $25 per person. A larger gathering of 200+, including tent and accessory rentals, bar and staff, with full take down and set-up can be $85+ per person.
Joanne told us that if she were getting married she would definitely entrust Taste Fine Foods. In fact, for her son's June 2010 wedding, she held the rehearsal dinner at Taste Fine Foods in Arkell and says it was wonderful. "The personal touch, the ambiance at his Arkell location, the food that was served, was outstanding. My husband and I received excellent feedback from our guests that evening."
Married on a train
For the couple who wants something different or new, Taste Fine Foods wants you to know that they're the exclusive catering company on the Guelph Junction Express - a dinning train that seats 144 guests. Plus, there's a third car available for the bar, buffet and DJ or band for a night of dancing.
Walking you through a wedding with Taste Fine Foods
Paul suggests booking Taste Fine Foods at least three months before your wedding, or up to a year if you're planning for a busier time of year. Emailing or phoning Taste Fine Foods is the best way to get in contact with them; though they don't mind if you stop by their Guelph location, either (and we recommend you do so you can just smell the amazing food).
Once you've chatted with Paul or his staff, he'll meet with you to discuss the basic details of your wedding. During the second meeting, options are picked and the menu is discussed. This is also when the $200 deposit is required to ensure Taste Fine Foods is all yours for the day.
Jackie and Matt loved that Paul was always available to respond to questions and kept good communication from the first meeting up to the wedding day. Kim agrees and told us that she met with Paul a few times before the wedding to work out all the details and he always followed through with his promises.
Between booking and the wedding day you'll set-up a tasting menu and you're also invited to attend one of their cooking classes. Then, the menu is finalized and any other details are booked - like décor, rentals, tent, DJ, whatever is needed for your wedding.
On the wedding day, all you have to do is show up and enjoy your dinner and reception and let Taste Fine Foods handle the rest.
Details, details, details
• Call or email Paul 3 to 12 months before your wedding, depending on the time of year.
• A $200 deposit is required to reserve your wedding date.
• Prices per person vary depending on the food and amount you order, but can range from $25 to $85, or more.
• Taxes and gratuities are in addition to any quoted prices.
• Taste Fine Foods caters to the Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph areas.
