We all know production and filmmaking are very challenging. But summer production is way more demanding and challenging.
This is because the crew has to work for hours in the heat with continuously changing schedules and locations. This hard work quickly drains the energy of the cast and crew.
However, a well-planned production catering menu for the summer months can help everyone. This is because this menu contains refreshing beverages and light and fulfilling meals, which provide comfort and hydration to people.
No matter if you are doing a commercial shoot, a television production, a film set, or a large event, you can remain energetic at night with the right food. You can choose the right catering plan to complete all-day work without getting drained.
Production Catering NYC
This guide will help you to know the importance of summer catering menus, their core features, and how to make a perfect meal menu.
Why Do People Need a Different Production Catering Menu for Summer?
When the temperature rises, the eating and drinking habits of people change. They can’t eat heavy meals, as it makes them sluggish due to improper digestion. Instead, dehydration affects the concentration and performance of people. That’s why people need different catering menus in summer as compared to the winter season.
Here are more reasons why people need different production catering menus:
- In high temperatures, most of the foods spoil faster. But when a menu is made with heat-resistant ingredients and proper storage, it will not spoil quickly.
- When people work outdoors for long hours, they become more dehydrated. That’s why the summer menu should also include water-rich fruits such as watermelon and electrolyte drinks.
- Most of the production in summer takes place outdoors, which means you don’t have proper utensils and a place for eating. This is the reason why the food must be portable and easy to serve.
- If you consume only carbohydrates, it can lead to problems with weight gain. Thus, your summer lunch must also include some lean proteins, fruits, and healthy snacks.
What Are the Specific Features of a Summer Production Catering Menu?
The best summer food options do not simply mean “light food” to eat. However, they should contain nutrients, vitamins, and provide hydration. A complete list of core elements of meals for the summer season is given below:
Fresh and Light Menu Options
The summer menu should contain lighter dishes that are prepared with fresh ingredients. For balanced nutrition, the catering services should create a menu that contains grilled protein, vegetables, wraps, and grain bowls. However, some famous food options include:
- Grilled chicken and salads
- Turkey or vegetable wraps
- Rice and quinoa bowls
- Seasonal fruit platters
- Roasted vegetable dishes
Hydrating Food and Beverages
During the hot summer season, there is always the problem of dehydration, as many people neglect to take enough water. Therefore, in designing a seasonal menu, it is important to ensure that hydration is given top priority by teams.
There should be a drinks station offering fresh juices, coconut water, infused water, iced tea, and electrolytes. Besides drinks, meals for the cast and crew should also contain water-enriched fruits such as watermelon, cucumbers, berries, and fruit cups.
However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people stay hydrated and take all safety measures during hot weather. Otherwise, they may get heat stroke or other health issues.
Easy-to-Eat On-Set Dining
Most of the cast and crew members eat their food during the takes, not properly during the scheduled breaks. Therefore, they need a meal that is convenient and portable. This makes it easy to eat their meal without a proper setup.
Some common easy-to-eat food options include sandwiches, wraps, protein boxes, super bowls, salads, and bento-style food options.
Healthy Snack Stations for Long Shoots
Eating a lot of food at a time can make people fat and also reduce their energy levels. That’s why one smart option is to build a healthy snack station for long shoots. When people eat nuts, snacks, and fruits at a steady level, their blood sugar levels do not spike. Some healthy fruit options for seasonal menus include:
- Mixed nuts
- Trail mix
- Protein bars
- Fresh fruit
- Yogurt cups
- Vegetable sticks with dip
Refreshing Treats and Deserts
In summer, people should avoid eating heavy, creamy, or dairy desserts. This is because they do not digest quickly and increase sugar levels. In addition, they can also spoil due to extreme heat. Instead of them, the meal should contain light, refreshing treats and desserts. These include:
- Fruit parfaits
- Chilled pudding cups
- Frozen fruit treats
- Sorbet selections
- Fresh berry desserts
How To Build a Menu That is Suitable For Every Production?
The needs of every production are unique. Therefore, catering companies should prepare a meal that is suitable for different people’s choices, crew sizes, and working schedules.
- First of all, you should understand the nature of the project. For example, check the place of shooting, the number of people working, the time of the shooting, and special dietary needs. With full knowledge about every detail, you will be able to create a perfect food plan.
- Each individual in the group has different requirements when it comes to food; thus, the menu should include various types such as vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and protein-based foods.
- There is no specific timetable for the production; hence, the catering service should consider having a flexible time.
How Professional Production Catering Teams Help to Deal With Summer Events
Unlike casual chefs or catering services, professional production catering teams understand all the challenges of seasonal menu preparation. Their experienced team and chefs can prepare food that is of high-quality. In addition, these professionals also smartly handle hydration stations and adapt service schedules when the production timelines change.
In addition, companies like Alfonso’s Catering use their experience to create summer-friendly deals, which are healthy and fulfilling for the production cast. Besides producing summer meal preparation, we also offer fully customized foods according to the specific needs of individuals.
FAQs
What is the cost of a summer production catering menu?
The cost of the meal catering depends on the menu, crew size, and production requirements. You must contact us if you want to get an estimate for your production team’s meals.
What should be the priority food for summer meals?
For summer meals, people should eat more salads, grilled proteins, seasonal fruits, and fresh beverages.
What methods do professional caterers use to keep the food safe and fresh in hot weather?
Professional caterers make use of intelligent methods to ensure that their food doesn’t go bad. These methods include making use of temperature-controlled storage containers, a shaded preparation area, a cooled service station, and food safety standards.
