TEMPLE MICAH COOKS
SPECIAL EVENTS CATERING
Contact Micah Cooks at micahcooks@templemicah.org.
Thank you for considering Micah Cooks for your special event! We have catered many events in the past 30+ years and rely on more than 50 outstanding cooks, bakers, and shoppers from our congregation. All profits from Micah Cooks, that is the amount in excess of the costs for food, drinks and other expenses, support Temple Micah’s exceptional programs. Your invoice will specify the amount of your payment that will be tax deductible as a charitable contribution.
While we do not use any trayf ingredients, our meals are kosher style, not kosher. Our kitchen has not been certified as kosher, so we cannot prepare a full menu for those who keep kosher. We would be happy to work with you to create a menu with vegetarian, low fat, gluten free or other options for special dietary needs.
The Cooks will provide and serve your food. You can choose from one of our attached sample menus or we can work with you to customize your menu. Micah Cooks can supply reusable plates and flatware, paper napkins as well as tablecloths. Many also choose to include colorful napkins, centerpieces/flowers and other decorations. We can discuss all of these details prior to your event.
Basic Package:
Buffet with four dishes and a salad, with five home-baked desserts and fresh fruit platters. Click here to view sample menus.
Beverages:
Non-alcoholic beverages (for example, sparkling juice-based punches), sparkling water and coffee/tea provided by the Cooks. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (approximately four bottles per 150 guests) provided by you and served by us.
The Fine Print:
The Cooks will meet with you to discuss the menu and arrangements. We will provide you with a draft of your menu; minor adjustments may be made up until 10 days before the event. Your final guest count is also due 10 days before your event. We only take on one event per month. Generally, Micah Cooks will cater events with at least 100 attendees.
Pricing:Our costs depend on the menu you select. We charge $20.00 per person for vegetarian menus, $22.00 for poultry and $25.00 per person for meat and fish. Because the kiddush lunch is provided for all service attendees, we add the cost of 25-35 congregants to your total fee.
Please contact micahcooks@templemicah.org to be placed on our master calendar or if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Temple Micah Cooks?
We are Temple Micah members who enjoy cooking and sharing delicious food with other Micah members. Several cherished Micah members created this group over 30 years ago to create community, raise money for the temple, and provide creative and delicious meals for our co-congregants. We’re still going strong!
Q. My child is scheduled for a b’nai mitzvah next year. Is it too early to contact Micah Cooks to cater the kiddush?
We encourage members to contact us within a year of their child’s mitzvah date. This is especially important because we only schedule one event per month.
Q. How much does Micah Cooks charge?
The charges depend on the menu. Vegetarian - $20, Chicken $22, Meat or Fish $24 per person. The charges include the cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks, with the additional cost considered a contribution to Temple Micah. These charges tend to be lower than most local caterers charged. You will be billed via your Shul Cloud account.
Q. How do we choose a menu?
We will have a preliminary consultation, at which time we will get to know a little bit about your vision and discuss possible menu options. A month before the event, we will meet with the parent(s) and child with a proposed menu. Following the meeting, we will finalize the menu and send it to you for your approval.
We help the family design a meal that works for both children and adults.
Q. Is Micah Cooks a kosher caterer?
We follow Temple Micah’s kosher policy (no pork or shellfish; no meat and dairy in the same dish). Our kitchen has not been certified as kosher, so we cannot prepare a full menu for those who abide by a more traditional kashrut policy.
Q. Can you accommodate food allergies or aversions?
We have created nut-free meals as well as meals with options for gluten-free diets. We also routinely create vegetarian menus. If you are concerned about food allergies, please contact us to make certain that we can accommodate your requirements.
Q. Is there a limit to how many guests you can handle?
We have catered for events with more than 200 guests.
Q. When will I have to confirm the number of guests?
We require a final count two weeks before the event, with a breakdown of adults and children.
Q. What items will I have to provide? For example, do I have to supply napkins, plates, or tablecloths?
Temple Micah Cooks provides colorful tablecloths, white paper napkins, reusable plates, cutlery, and cups. Many families choose to buy their own napkins in special colors. In addition, if you would like to add decoration, we invite you to bring flowers or other centerpieces for the 3 food tables and/or for the guest tables. The family is responsible for bringing the celebration Challah for the motzi blessing after the B’nai Mitzvah service.
Q. Do you cater any events off-site?
No, we only cater on site at Temple Micah.
Q. Do you cater events other than b'nai mitzvah kiddush luncheons?
We limit our catering to b’nai mitzvah luncheons.
Q. How do I pay for an event with Micah Cooks?
The Temple Micah office will bill you through your Shul Cloud account.
Q. Micah Cooks sounds like a lot of fun. How do I find out how to join you?
Yes, we have a great time. Learn more here.