The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, which means you should get ready to treat dear old dad to a good Father’s Day meal Sunday.
“You can show dad you care by feeding him things he likes,” said Chef Jen Disanto, owner of Fresco’s Foods in Kettering.
This year marks the 101st Father’s Day and while it may be a tradition that’s more than a century old, that doesn’t mean you have to keep getting dad the same old tie year after year.
There are endless unique ways to satisfy the appetite of your dad, stepdad, uncle or grandpa while also letting him know how much you care. From throwing a backyard cook-out to bringing a great meal home to him, there are plenty of catering services that want to help you plan your event this Father’s Day.
Many catering companies do more than just big events. Fresco’s Foods, 3141 Far Hills Ave., helps their clients bring the caterer to their own kitchen with their pick-up menu. Fresco’s is already filling up with pick-up orders for Father’s Day, Disanto said.
“The great thing about doing something like this for Father’s Day is you can hang out at your house,” she said. “Everyone can really relax and enjoy without having to stick to reservations at a restaurant.”
One of Fresco’s most asked for entrees this Father’s Day is a full side of salmon, rubbed with spices, slightly smoked over wood chips and served with a mango chutney.
“Men love the steak,” Disanto said, adding that the beef brisket and pork tenderloin are also in high demand.
“Think about the father and what they like,” she said. “I think so many people get caught up in having what they perceive as the perfect event, but you have to take a step back and ask what would he really like.”
The company also caters picnic basket meals, which can be helpful if dad likes to be on the go. “Maybe dad really wants to go on a canoe trip for Father’s Day,” Disanto said. Clients can either have their own picnic baskets filled, or use and return one of Fresco’s baskets or coolers.
Planning a Father’s Day celebration can also be a fun way for dad to celebrate with his buddies and take a break from grill duty.
“I think using a catering company definitely takes the pressure off,” Lynn Phill, operations and event planner at Little Miami Catering Company, said. “You can just relax and enjoy.”
The Little Miami Catering Company has a pick-up menu, delivers on site and also offers full service catering. Phill recommends selections from the grilling menu for Father’s Day including hamburgers, brats, baked beans and mac-and-cheese. The hamburger, hot dog and two sides menu starts at $7.50 per guest, with a 20 guest minimum for on-site grilling.
If you’re looking to cater an event for dad that’s different from your usual cook-out, try adding an Italian flair with Giovanni’s, a catering service in Fairborn. Giovanni’s features pasta dishes like baked ziti, lasagna, spaghetti, salads and, of course, pizza.
When choosing a caterer, remember that quantity can be deceiving, said Tony Spaziani, owner of Giovanni’s. “Look at quality before you look at price,” he said.
“I think we’re very reasonably priced considering the quality of ingredients we use,” Disanto said. “It’s taking really good quality ingredients, knowing what to do with them and treating them with respect.”
Todd Wills, owner of catering company Creatif, recommends getting to the bottom on price before hiring a caterer. “You should do your homework,” he said. “You want to figure out what all the hidden costs are.”
Some companies have additional charges for staff and tip, Wills said. He also recommends asking if there is a price reduction for children younger than 10 and infants.
“I just think it definitely shouldn’t be a stressful thing because I don’t think too many dads get stressed out with food,” Disanto said. “It’s really just about relaxing and hanging out.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2202 or ksteele@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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