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Weddings

About

Preferred Sonoma Caterers is a full service catering company provid everything from taylored menus, experienced service staff, to rentals. We are also happy to provide event planning advice and suggest service providers we have had good experiences with.

Preferred Sonoma Caterers was founded by Chef Amber Balshaw. Amber apprenticed in Innsbruck, Austria, attended the Culinary Institute of America (our country's foremost culinary academy) where She graduated first in her class. While still in school she had the honor to cook for then Vice-President George Bush, and on another occasion with Julia Childs in the demonstration kitchen.

At the Ojai Valley Inn and Country Club, which is known for its attraction of the Hollywood elite, she had the pleasure to bake for a multitude of stars, three former U.S. presidents and many other dignitaries.

Founding PSC in 1992 the business has seen great success and some notable events. Among some of our more unusual events have been a 3 day long Millennium party for 300 guests. Provided catering on location for John Travolta. Catered for Emeril Lagasse during his San Francisco special.

  • Woman-owned
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Frequently asked questions

What is the average catering price per person for plated service?

$130

What is the average catering price per person for buffet service?

$110

What is the average catering price per person for stations?

$115

What is the average catering price per person for hors d'oeuvres?

$44

Which of the following are included in the cost of your full service wedding catering?

Delivery
Set Up
Clean Up
Cake Cutting
Dessert
Server(s)
Tastings
Chairs
Tables
China
Linens
Flatware
Glassware

What catering services do you provide?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Custom Menu
Hors d'oeuvres
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What types of cuisine do you cater?

American
Asian
BBQ
French
German
Italian
Local
Mediterranean
Mexican
Seafood
Southern
Spanish

What dietary needs can you accommodate?

Gluten Free
Lactose Free
Organic
Vegan
Vegetarian

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Open Bar
Signature Drink

Which of the following items can you provide?

Chairs
Tables

Which of the following items can you provide?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

Reviews of Preferred Sonoma Caterers

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Preferred Sonoma Caterers received glowing reviews for their exceptional service and delicious food, with guests raving about the beef short ribs, salmon, and lemon pasta. The staff, including Chef Amber, Yesenia, AnnieLaurie, and Tori Keck were highly praised for their professionalism, attentiveness, and friendliness. The catering team was described as accommodating, responsive, and dedicated to making the wedding day special, with seamless transitions in planning and execution. The family-style dining created a warm atmosphere, and the use of a pizza oven for cocktail hour was a hit with guests. Overall, reviewers highly recommended Preferred Sonoma Caterers for a fantastic catering experience at weddings.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Preferred Sonoma Caterers received glowing reviews for their exceptional service and delicious food, with guests raving about the beef short ribs, salmon, and lemon pasta. The staff, including Chef Amber, Yesenia, AnnieLaurie, and Tori Keck were highly praised for their professionalism, attentiveness, and friendliness. The catering team was described as accommodating, responsive, and dedicated to making the wedding day special, with seamless transitions in planning and execution. The family-style dining created a warm atmosphere, and the use of a pizza oven for cocktail hour was a hit with guests. Overall, reviewers highly recommended Preferred Sonoma Caterers for a fantastic catering experience at weddings.

Kelsey
Kelsey Sent on 09/09/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Absolutely perfect!

Amber and Edie were absolutely phenomenal to work with and I would recommend to anyone in a heartbeat! The food was absolutely delicious for the slightly lower budget I had and everyone was commenting on how good the food was the whole night. The night-of staff was so professional, kind and helpful, and as a bride, I didn't even have to think twice about anything that night. PSC was by far one of my best vendor decisions!!!
J
Jill Sent on 11/27/2012
5 out of 5 rating
We had a small wedding, guest total of 24. The staff prepared a buffet of cheese/ fruit/ crakers and a full sit down dinner in 2 different locations on the Hills of Kunde Estate. They exceeded our expectations, they were there to take care of Jack and I the second we needed anything, before the wedding they helped Jack get himself organized, carried my flowers and other items over to the other hill for us(not their responsibility). The food is to "die for". Friendly, polite to everyone, and most of all went above and beyond their call of duty. They carried my gift for the groom, made sure the temperature was just right for dinner. Served the wine, the food, kept our glasses full, served our cake, I just can't say enough. I wish they were here in Dallas we would have them cater everything!
D
Danica Sent on 10/20/2014
5 out of 5 rating
Preferred Sonoma couldn't have been a better fit for our wedding - from food selection, styling to the company's "Green" philosophy. When ever we would meet with or call Preferred we felt like we had there full attention. Having a wedding at an unfamiliar site - Amber visited the venue to walk through layout and meet the owners. As nerves build towards the final day - questions start to accumulate - Edie was always on top of answering them. And lastly during the wedding the staff always made sure me and the groom were taken care of. Having Preferred as our caterer I knew the event would go smoothly. Plus after talking with all the guest - they loved the food
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Awards

41
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Pure Energy Productions Pure Energy Productions Wedding DJs

We love working with Amber and her incredible team! They are always so helpful and amazing to work with. They make sure all the guests are attended to and always make sure our DJs eat too!

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