Frequently Asked Questions

We cater a wide range of events, including:

• High-end campus donor or gala events
• Department meetings
• Milestone or campus celebrations
• Multi-day conferences or event series
• Student social events
• Weddings and mitzvahs
• Food trucks
• Division I concessions

For drop-off delivery service, you can create an online order in less than five minutes. For full-service catering, please fill out a proposal request and an event coordinator will reach out to begin discussing the event.

For campus partners, simply provide a COA project and task number and we will take care of the rest. A final invoice will be sent out after your event, which you should share with your financial officer. There are no taxes charged when paying with a project and task.

For external clients, we accept checks and all major credit cards.

Our promise is to always provide transparent, clear and easy to understand quotes. As employees of UC San Diego, we do not accept any form of gratuity.

A 15% coordination and production fee (for events of 50 guests or more) will be charged to cover administration costs related to coordinating and planning your event.

Please reach out for our catering services as soon as your venue is booked. We recommend planning four to six weeks in advance for standard events to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons. For special or customized experiences, we may require two to three months, depending on the complexity, to properly plan for the event.

For full-service catering orders: We require final guest count, location, menu, timeline, diagram and payment completed no later than seven business days before the event.

For drop off delivery orders: We require final count, menu, location and payment finalized no later than two business days before the event.

Did something unexpected pop up? Please let us know, and we will do our best to provide last-minute accommodations if possible.

Our full-service catering includes:

• Selection of service style: Buffet, coursed meal, chef or on-display stations
• Event planning consultation
• Menu design and creation
• Serviceware (plates, cutlery, cups, napkins)
• Menu signs, décor, and professional food presentations
• Service staff (event managers, chefs, servers, and buffet attendants)
• Setup and cleanup

Our online order and delivery service includes:

• Order confirmation
• Serviceware (plates, cutlery, cups, napkins)
• Delivery and limited Setup (no cleanup)

Not Included:

• Tables, chairs, linens, alcohol, guest table décor

We strive to be event planning subject-matter-experts. We also have the best partners in their field to create a fully integrated and stress-free event.

Venue Experts. Our catering event coordinators are incredibly knowledgeable about the numerous venues and meeting rooms across campus. They can provide valuable information about your venue, setup tips and needs, rental guidance and diagrams/layout assistance.

Linen. We provide a selection of fitted and non-fitted linen in campus colors.

Bar service. We provide bar services through Snake Oil Cocktail Co. We coordinate and bill everything for you, and Snake Oil shakes and stirs good times. We cannot provide bar service at the Birch Aquarium or Scripps Institution of Oceanography forum due to exclusive bar service contracts.

Equipment. We partner with Bright Rentals. We can help coordinate your rentals if help is desired. We provide consultation on what equipment should be rented for the occasion. Our team can also guide you through the steps and connect you with their sales representatives.

Yes! We work closely with you to create a menu that suits your event, preferences and dietary requirements. We can create authentic culinary experiences, fun and engaging food stations or themed menus that fit the occasion. Whether you need vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or any other specialized menu, we have you covered.

We take dietary preferences and allergies very seriously. We'll discuss any specific needs, and our team will ensure that your menu is safe and well communicated to your guests. We also have kosher and halal kitchens on campus.

Saltaire uses only 100% naturally compostable or reusable service products. We compost 100% of pre-consumer food waste and all post-consumer food waste that cannot be repurposed.

Saltaire also works with the university’s Basic Needs Office, the campus food pantry, to ensure no food is wasted, acknowledging food scarcity exists on college campuses.

We purchase certified responsibly caught or raised seafood, approved by the Monterrey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.

Saltaire offers zero-waste event coordination for sustainable and eco-friendly clients.