Between the catering service and the service in a restaurant, what are the fundamental differences?
The biggest challenge is logistics. In a restaurant everything is at hand and logically arranged. In catering services, on the other hand, the reality is different and you have to be able to adapt to the spaces, times and needs of the client. Everything then varies from event to event and according to the location chosen. In addition, each client has its own organisational priorities and the catering service is not usually at the top of the list. Despite this, the catering service remains a priority in the success of the event. For us, the main challenge is to ensure availability and dynamism in order to guarantee the flexibility needed for immediate adaptation. All this without compromising the level we aim for and that the customer expects from us. In the case of outdoor events, the challenges are greater but they represent great opportunities for continuous growth and learning outside the purely catering world. However, thanks to our organisation and experience, we are able to guarantee an outdoor service equal to that provided in-house
Dario Ranza, Chef, e Loris Meot, Chef
What are the difficulties and key competences of a Catering?
The biggest difficulties are related to the small spaces that are usually dedicated to our services by our clients. Sometimes this also happens inside the large conference centre where the organisers often position various exhibition stands, limiting the space reserved for us and making it more difficult for service personnel to pass through. However, the facility is well equipped and for us, playing ‘at home’, catering within the Palazzo dei Congressi (PCL) is relatively easy and less complex, allowing us to easily find materials even at the last minute. On the other hand, if we think of other facilities such as the Asilo Ciani and especially Villa Ciani, everything becomes more complex due to the absence or small size of operational spaces (kitchen, office). This implies a more complicated logistical management depending on the type of event required. Also to be taken into account are the dynamics of transport, maintenance of food temperatures, and extended timeframes for supplies. This is further complicated in the event of bad weather.
Nevertheless, our main goal is to make the customer satisfied and to arouse emotions, thus overcoming any difficulties. Critical points are there or may be, but we are always determined to find solutions in order to make everything run smoothly. The ability to adapt and problem-solving are fundamental requirements in event organisation, and thanks to our experience and an established and professional staff we can consider ourselves fortunate to have reached a level where we can guarantee excellent quality and performance.
Federica Cattaneo, Events Coordinator
What was the most challenging event that you experienced?
At PCL the undoubtedly most challenging event was the Ukraine Recovery Forum, not so much because of the number of participants, but because of the concomitance of services spread over the whole area (PCL, Villa Ciani, our venue and Ciani Park). The participants were divided into two groups: the large numbers and the official delegations for whom protocol and security measures were necessary. The event therefore included different proposals and services, in different locations, but served at the same time. It was therefore necessary to have several coordinators on site in order to be able to follow all services in real time.
In the evening, both the Gala Dinner in our venue and a travelling dinner in the Parco Ciani for 1'200 people were planned simultaneously. Unfortunately, unstable weather conditions kept the vans loaded with provisions outside our kitchen on standby until the very last minute, when it was finally necessary to move the festivities inside and with extreme speed, we adapted our service. Fortunately, the team was able to react quickly and everything went smoothly, but versatility and being able to find a solution instantly are the key to overcoming any possible obstacle.
