fountain. It's been almost 10 years since our first Christo's wedding and it is consistently clean (not just normally clean, we're talking eat off the floor clean!) well-kept and elegant. When wedding season kicks in every year, we've grown accustomed to looking for the newest renovations, since there is always an improvement put into place over the winter season.
As impressive as the facility may be, it's owner Chris Kyriacou who makes it all run so seamlessly. With over 35 years working in the restaurant, he was practically weaned in the kitchen. Tall, with a commanding presence and a wry smile that comes easily once you win his hard-earned trust, who better to call for wedding advice?
I telephone Chris to pick his brain about choosing the perfect wedding location. "What questions should couples ask when visiting a location?" I ask him.
How many weddings do you do in a day?
"The best answer to this question is ONE," Chris tells me. "Your wedding is a once in a lifetime event; you want someone to spend time on you exclusively, which is why we only host one event per day. Some locations have one wedding after another and that's okay, but you shouldn't see another bride walking around. You should feel special on your wedding day."
Who is the owner?
I'm talking to him! Chris has been present from start to finish at every Christo's event we've had in 10 years.
"A lot of times you'll speak to the manager and not the owner. Find out how long they've been working there," Chris advises. "Chances are if it's not too long he might not be there by the time your wedding comes."
Chris urges couples to get everything in writing. This way if a new manager takes over your wedding planning, you know exactly what was promised and you can hold them to delivering it. "There should be no second guessing," he adds. "Everything is laid out at that first meeting so you can have peace of mind."
I can't even imagine Christo's without Chris. I've heard stories of musicians and djs not showing up for the wedding (heaven forbid!) and Chris has been able to fill in at the last minute. It's a privilege that comes from 35 years of networking in the community.
How long have you been in business?
A facility might be beautiful, but if they haven't been in business very long it means they likely don't have as much experience.
How much turnover do you have with your wait staff? What is their average age? Are they part-time or full-time?
"A lot of catering facilities hire part-time help, young kids." Chris pauses and I imagine he's shaking his head. "I keep full-time wait staff who have many weddings under their belt and lots of training."
How many weddings do you do per year?
If a location only does two or three weddings per year, it's a sign their reputation may not be as good as they claim. To give you a comparison, Christo's hosts 70-75 each year, which is a huge number considering the limitation of one event per day.
Is the food made on the premises? What is the quality of the meat and fish?
You're paying a lot to feed your wedding guests. Be assured of the quality of the meal. Christo's does their own in house butchering, filleting and never uses pre-packaged ingredients.
"Look at the lights, the ceiling tiles, look at the small details. Are they taken care of? Are there spider webs in the corners?" Chris says. "You might even look at the kitchen."
"You've let people into your kitchen?" I gasp.
"Oh, yes," Chris laughs. "I have no problem with that."
What does the package include? Is top shelf bar included? Are tips for coat check, maitre'd and bar included? Are there any additional fees?
You should know exactly what your event will cost to the penny and what it includes when you leave that caterer.
"Our price includes the linens, cake, flowers, food, bar, taxes and tips," Chris says. "We can even help you find a photographer, limo or DJ. I want every bride and groom to have total peace of mind, so you can just relax and have a good time on your wedding day. If you leave the meeting with a location confused, it's probably not the place for your wedding."
Chris' Advice
"I tell every couple the same thing: every caterer you visit will say they are the best. Go out and ask the public. Ask around and they'll tell you the truth."
"Chris, tell me something no one knows about you," I say, smiling.
He is quiet for a moment. "You know, I've never actually been a guest at a wedding. I've been here for every single Christo's wedding in 35 years. Never missed one."
"You're kidding me!" I exclaim. "What about your own?"
"Okay, I was at one wedding," he laughs. "I got married on January 7th in a snowstorm and we had a party at Christo's the next day."
Christo's Catering specializes in creating outstanding Hudson Valley weddings, providing peace of mind and amazing results. Christos: Elegant. Intimate. Impeccable. *Photos in this blog post courtesy of Majestic Studios Photography.