Walter Burke Review
Planning and Communication
When we reached out to 4 caterers, Walter Burke was quick to respond. We requested an in person meeting, copies of potential menus and pricing and information about their availability on our reques...ted date and information about whether they would be willing to work within the constraints of La Mesita Ranch's liquor policy.
They were the only caterer able to respond in a direct and quick way (The Hilton at Buffalo Thunder had to create a new pricing structure for La Mesita Ranch....Hotel Santa Fe returned our 6th or 7th call and was in the midst of a staff transition...other places didn't return our calls). We met with Angela and planned everything out in an hour. She was patient with the small number of changes we made between the summer planning session and the fall wedding.
They were patient with the difficulties we had finding a date for a site visit to La Mesita.
Set up, take down
They were super-efficient in the process of setting everything up and taking everything down. They brought everything they said they would bring and had 1 or 2 extra things that the property was supposed to provide but didn't.
Beauty
The event was stunning. The 50-person table was absolutely gorgeous. We provided our own flowers, conversation cards, votive candles, and table cloths (recommendation: rent the table cloths and don't spend hours of your life ironing). They set the table up and it was beautiful. They also did separate set ups for a cello concert/champagne event, the wedding cake cutting and a coffee bar.
Food
We ordered steak, salmon, a vegetarian option and some kid options. Our food was cooked perfectly, delivered hot and the quality was just what I'd hoped for.
Personnel
The event manager and the staff made a point of introducing themselves, they were attentive. I didn't see one person flagging down a server all night. They seemed to be everywhere they were needed watching for wine and water glasses getting low, empty plates, and empty bread baskets. Several guests made a point to ask who the caterer was because they were so impressed with the presentation, quality and the great job they did cooking.
They were the easiest part of a weekend full of wedding events. The only thing I would do differently is rent more items and pay for more set-up from them and do less myself.