Jalsa Catering & Events

Jalsa Catering & Events is an experienced full-service catering company in the San Francisco Bay Area that embodies the region’s culinary domain of innovative food trends and gastronomic excellence. Renowned for its expertise in masterminding events with ease, Jalsa caters elevated Indian cuisine using seasonal and freshly sourced ingredients while adhering to the farm-to-table concept for corporate galas, opulent banquets, weddings, intimate dinner parties, and custom-built office luncheons.

“Catering, being our main forte and primary service, enables us to give clients all the time and attention needed to fulfill their needs,” says VittalShetty, chef and co-founder of Jalsa Catering & Events.

For eight years, the catering company has been scintillating clients and guests with a genuine passion for catering and magnificent food. Under Shetty’s leadership, Jalsa offers custom-designed menus with food that deviates from conventional Indian dishes. Ingredients sourced from the Bay Area’s vicinity, such as asparagus, scallops, and octopuses, are integrated into the culinary creations. At the same time, it uses Sous Vide, roasting and browning, and other divergent cooking methodologies. The fusion of unconventional ingredients and culinary approaches brings out a new perspective to Indian cuisine while remaining true to the traditional core recipes.

Apart from offering delicious gourmet, Jalsa pays significant attention to client satisfaction via efficient behind-the-door and execution day logistics. A dedicated sales team answers the client’s (or event coordinator’s) service call, as the latter defines the event brief with details such as the venue, number of guests, and preferred cuisine. Though centered on Indian cuisine, it also serves Mediterranean, Italian, and Mexican cuisines. Together with Reshmi Nair, the co-founder and head of operations, Shetty meets with the client face-to-face or via video for an in-depth discussion of their needs, food preferences, and dietary and health requirements.
Weddings serve as highly lucrative opportunities for Jalsa to display its expertise and potential for growth. Clients often request specific menu customization, such as making the meals kosher, halal, and vegan, or seek on-site preparation for guests’ needs. The catering company’s experience in handling diverse clientele facilitates accommodating varied requirements.

Once the initial details are cataloged, Jalsa tailors the complex logistics operations according to the venue. The complexity of organizing an event differs according to the venue, like hotel ballrooms, outdoors, and wineries. However, the catering company efficiently coordinates with vendors and venue-in-charges to arrange tables, equipment, and glassware for smooth management. After finalizing the gourmet dishes, Jalsa schedules a taste-testing session followed by price consensus and contract signing.

On the execution day, food is prepared and transported from the company kitchen to the event site. Employees, like chefs, front-of-the-house, managers, captains, and waiters,are also assigned to their respective stations and coordinate the serving period of each course within the menu. They remain present throughout the event to ensure that everything runs smoothly. There are multiple minor details crucial to the process. However, the firm competently handles them behind the scenes.

Irrespective of the complexities caused by the venue or event, Jalsa employs the same approach to ensure customer satisfaction. For instance, a client wanted to organize an Indian wedding at Nestldown Event Center in Santa Cruz, California. Surrounded by giant redwood trees, Jalsa faced obstacles like distance from headquarters and the intricacies of serving multiple courses throughout the wedding stages amid the leviathan flora. However, the catering company soldiered on to prepare and serve food to guests on time,ensuring the event’s success.

Similar obstacles arise during the catering processes,which Jalsa efficiently combats and overcomes. The catering company continues to undertake consistent COVID-19 tests to ensure its staff is healthy. Employees also proactively react to road accidents and vehicle breakdowns during food transport through problem-solving skills, flexibility, and efficient planning.

Shetty believes that satisfying clients and caring for those who put their trust in serving them warrants every conceivable endeavor, adhering to the Atithi Devo Bhavaprinciplethat emphasizes Indian hospitality practices of treating guests like deities. Consequently, its commitment to delivering high-caliber food and service to create a memorable and enjoyable event experience enables Jalsa Catering & Events to be the San Francisco Bay Area’s leading full-service Indian catering company.