Frequently asked questions

What are your hours of operation?

Request forms can be filled out at any time. Phone call can be accepted Monday thru Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm. We are closed on Sundays. Open event dates are times are based based on availability. If we are out doing a service, we may not answer a call. Please leave us a message or email us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.



What areas do you deliver to?

We cater our service to the following areas in and around Syracuse, NY. Including Syracuse, Dewitt, Jamesville, Fayetteville, Manlius, Minoa, Kirkville, East Syracuse, Solvay, West Hill, Fairmount, Camillus, North Syracuse, Cicero area. In cases where a request for an event is outside the covered area, we will contact you to see if we can accommodate you, The date, distance, number of guests and at least two to four weeks advance notice will be nessessary to take into consideration granting your request and for us to make the special trip. Aditional delivery chagers will apply.



How soon should I schedule my service?

The sooner the better! Times can fill up fast, so be sure to schedule at least 10-14 days in advance as outlined in the timing and last minute changes question to ensure your desired time is available. If we are not able to accommodate your first choice, we will try to work with you to schedule an alternate date and time. A Request Form can be filled out at any time. We will contact you to set the date and create a contract for the service for you to sign.



Is there an order minimum or maximum?

At this time we cater for parties of no fewer than eight and no greater than twenty. Any exceptions to this are considered secial requests, and The Fingerless Kitchen, LLC reserves the right to decline any such request.



Are there Deposits or Cancelation fees?

We ride ourselves on the quality of our services and not the volume of the events, our calendar can fill up fast. We require a full payment for all events to reserve your date. If an order is canceled within 48 hours, 50% of the cost will be retained. Failure to pay by the outlies dates means that you break the contract and forfeit your scheduled even and servoce will not be provided.



Do you accept gratuities?

We certinly do and it is much appreciated! While it's typical for a caterer to get gratuities of 15%- 20% of the contractual total this is a suggesting and is not required.



Can I keep my leftovers?

Due to New York State Health Code restrictions, temperature-sensitivity items can stay out for a maximum of two hours. For the health and safety of our customers, all food, and items not consumed remain the property of the caterer. If a client wishes to retain the leftovers the client undertands that The Fingerless Kitchen, LLC is no longer liable for the food items.



Are taxes included with my order?

Every event is subject to an 8% New York State tax. Taxes also apply to gift certificate purchases.



Are there any deliver charges?

There is no delivery charge in the covered services area. There will be a charge for each catered event that is not listed in the Travel Distance section. Charges are based on the number of possible variables, including travel distance, time, and tolls. These will be taken into account and discussed when placing an order.



Can you serve alcohol at my event?

At this time The Fingerless Kitchen does not have a liquor license and cannot sell wine, beer or spirits. As a free add on service we can help connect you to a local wine retailer so that you can purchase your desired wines and have them conveniently delivered for the event. If this is something that you are interested in, please fill out the wine section in the Request Form and we can connect and help complete your meal.



Can you do rush orders?

Yes we do. On a limited basis rush orders (those plced within 24 hours of the event) are subject to a 20% rush charge of the final purchase price.



Will there be a contract when I schedule a service?

Yes. The Fngerless Kitchen will draw up a basic contract to list off of the terms, conditions, payments, and details of the event based on the information from the Request Form and communication with the host. A contract will be sent out to the host and will need to be sifned by both parties to state that all of the information is correct and both sides agree to the terms. Full payent is due at the time of the contract signature. Any changes requested by the host will result in an updated contract and will require a new signature making the previous contract null and void to the current contract.



What kind of products do you use?

We pride ourselfves on bringing to you the highest quality small-batch artisan foods from different regions across New York state. Since we use foods made by small artisan farmers and producers the items on the menu are based on seasonal availability and may have a limited quantities and are subject to change at any time. At the The Fingerless Kitchen we take this as a good sign. Small batches means close attention to every detail of the food has been observed to bring you the very best in freshness and at the peak of flavor. In this way each meal becomes a sought after treasure.



I have an allergy what can I still enjoy your service?

Nuts are a staple element on each one of our menues. The cheeses, meats and other accompaniments will come into contact with nuts during setup and at the time of service. If you do have any allergies to nuts, dairy or gluten, please be advised (and please advise us)! Tasting Boards are priced and provided to you as they appear on the menu. It is our hope that in the future The Fingerless Kitchen will continue to expand and create unique reduced or allergen free Tasting Boards to our clients. Please make a not in the comments and we will be happy to discuss your needs.



How is my service presented?

We want your experience beautiful, classic and simple to serve. That is why each service is presented on hardwood boards, along with cheese knives, tasting plates and serving ware.



Is there any timing or last minute chages I should know about?

Requests for catering need to be put in at a minimum of 10-14 days before the event date. Helping to ensure desired date and times for each event is available and adequate preparation time.