Noozhawk’s 2nd annual Santa Barbara Wedding Bliss: The Complete Guide is officially here! Planning a wedding is an exciting yet daunting task, filled with countless decisions that will shape one of the most memorable days of your life. This comprehensive wedding guide is designed to help you navigate the planning process with ease and confidence.
To provide a closer look at the wedding industry in Santa Barbara County, Noozhawk has conducted a series of interviews with representatives of local businesses for this year’s Wedding Guide.
In this interview Noozhawk spoke with Francisco Cavazos Head Chef at Maiz Picante to learn more about their catering services.
Question: What year was the business established?
Answer: 2023
Q: What do you specialize in?
A: At Maiz Picante, we’re more than just a restaurant; we’re a celebration of flavors at your service. Specializing in scrumptious taco bars, we cater to all your events with a zest for taste and a passion for service.
Our vibrant taco bars are not just food stations; they’re interactive experiences where each guest can create their perfect plate. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a grand affair.
Q: What attracted you to the wedding industry?
A: For us it is a great satisfaction to serve and be part of your celebration of love, joy and the union of families, there is an incomparable magic in being part of someone’s special day and helping to create unforgettable moments.
Q: Can you share any testimonials from past clients that you have worked with?
A: “The best choice ever was having Maiz Picante Taqueria cater our daughter’s wedding reception! The dinner was absolutely delicious they were beautifully organized, efficient and took care of every detail from start to finish! Highly recommend Maiz Picante Taqueria!” – Marcia & Tim Tremblay
“Maiz Picante Taqueria prepared my own Trompo and made refreshing Agua Frescas for my 15th birthday party! I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday!” – Diego F.
Q: What is your payment structure and cancellation policy? Do you charge any travel or overtime fees?
A: To reserve the date of the event we request 50% deposit and the remainder on the day of the event. We accept credit cards, cash and checks, as a cancellation policy it must be within a period of no more than 15 days before the event. We charge travel fees based on the distance of the event.
Q: Do you have liability insurance?
A: Yes
Q: What size weddings do you typically work with?
A: We work with wedding parties from 30 guests to 300 guests.
Q: Do you require a minimum number of hours for a booking?
A: We customize each of our events based on the number of guests and the type of event.
Q: Do you provide your own equipment or work with other vendors?
A: We provide all the necessary kitchen equipment at no extra cost.
Q: How far in advance do you recommend clients book with you?
A: Preferably 30 days in advance.
Q: What makes you different from your competitors?
A: We distinguish ourselves with our customizable taco bars, letting guests become chefs of their culinary adventure. Our dedication to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and authentic recipes means every bite is a testament to quality.
Our vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service embrace tradition while adding a contemporary twist, creating a unique dining and catering experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Q: What is your average cost?
A: It all depends on the number of guests; the average cost is between $27 and $30 per person.
Q: Do you provide a trial run before the wedding day?
A: Yes, we offer a tasting to help with our client’s decision making.
Q: Can you describe a memorable experience you’ve had working in this industry?
A: One night, in the middle of an event that seemed to be just another celebration, something unforgettable happened. We were in charge of a wedding, and while everyone was enjoying our tacos, the bride’s grandmother discreetly approached the kitchen.
Her hands shivered while she ate a taco and, upon tasting it, she got an explosion of flavors so much that she told us that the taste had taken her back to Mexico. That simple moment captured the essence of why we love what we do.
Our meals not only nourish, but evoke memories, connect cultures and unite hearts. That night, we not only provided a dinner, but we also built a bridge between generations and celebrated a family’s rich heritage.
Q: Is there anything you would like to tell our readers that was not mentioned above?
A: We started as a restaurant with the first location at 2714 De La Vina, Santa, Barbara, CA. And thanks to the great demand we had for catering services, we decided to please our clients by bringing Maiz Picante to their event.
To learn more about Maiz Picante, click HERE!