Sazama's Fine Catering Formal Banquet Dinner Menu

At Sazama’s Fine Catering, we know organizing an event or a party can be stressful and time-consuming. From the initial brainstorming and invites, to planning each detail and ensuring the gathering goes smoothly from start to finish, it’s about more than just the event – with each corporate or social occasion, you have a unique opportunity to make an impression and accomplish your goal or satisfy your intention.

It is because of this that Sazama’s Fine Catering at the Marcus Performing Arts Center approaches each event as if it were our own personal opportunity to entertain. Whether planning a formal client event, a product showcase designed to dazzle the most discerning clientele, a VIP or employee recognition event, an elegant gala to encourage donor generosity, an extravagant holiday celebration, or something else entirely, your event is unique and unlike any other. We understand this completely, and we’re dedicated to ensuring your event reflects your vision for the day. On its own, Sazama’s Fine Catering is an extraordinarily well-suited, full-service event caterer committed to over-the-top hospitality for corporate and social events. But when you house a reputable catering organization in a gorgeous venue steeped in culture, you can be assured your event is destined for memorable success.

When you connect with an event designer at Sazama’s, he or she will give the objective of your event ample consideration while developing a menu suited to your needs. Using creative customization, the team will maximize value for your budget while still providing an exceptional experience for all clients and guests. From attention service perfectly choreographed with your timeline to elegantly laid linens, complementary décor, attention to detail that makes the Sazama’s Difference evident, and so much more, it’s clear why Sazama’s Fine Catering has been consistently recognized for exemplary service time and time again.

Within these pages are mouthwatering menus expertly crafted – page by page, you will find your inspiration here. Select from traditional meals and complementary courses that stand the test of time or pick and choose a wealth of tantalizing treats that are perfectly on-trend. With the expert guidance of our experienced event management team, embrace these established menus as-is, or make them all your own and select a service style, then maneuver the menu to satisfy your unique palate. From luscious libations cleverly themed and one-bite wonders that tease the taste buds through to crisp seasonal salads and decadent dinners that linger on the tongue, we’ll take care of you and your guests. This is your day; your occasion.

We’re just here to make it all easier.

Our chef has put together an array of appetizer selections to ensure a delightful menu for your guests, regardless of your event type. Please note, selections available by the dozen require a minimum of 3 dozen per item unless otherwise indicated. If you’re having an hors d’oeuvres and cocktail reception only, please let our sales and culinary team know and we’d be happy to customize the perfect package to fit your needs. Use the guide below to determine the hors d’oeuvres best suited for your event and service style!

Items without an asterisk are available table displayed only.
Items with an asterisk * are available as butler style hand-passed service, as well as tabled stationary service
Items with two asterisks ** are only available butler style hand-passed.

Warm Hors d’Oeuvres

SLIDERS

BACON WRAPPED? YES, PLEASE!

Unique items wrapped in crisp smoked bacon.

COMFORT FAVES

Chilled Hors d’Oeuvres

Chilled Hors d’Oeuvre Platters

Spoons

Classic Crowd Pleasers

Crepe Bundles

Choose from the following combinations:

TARTLETTES, TAPAS, CROSTINIS & BITES**

Offered as a beginning enhancement to your dinner service, our hors d’oevre packages are an inviting way to welcome your guests to your reception. Packages are served for one hour prior to dinner service. Service styles and menu items are open to modification and, as with everything in our menus, are completely customizable. Hors d’oeuvres only packages can be custom designed if needed.

One

8 per guest | all butler style hand-passed

Two

8 per guest | all table-displayed

Three

11 per guest | table-displayed and hand-passed

Four

11 per guest | all butler style hand-passed

We’ve taken the time to craft a handful of packages for events and celebrations of different sizes and styles. Use them as inspiration to bring your own vision to life or sit back and relax knowing you’ve selected a menu primed for success. Each buffet comes with your choice of one hand-served salad, one buffet- served salad, one seasonal vegetable, accompanying starch for your entrée selection(s), and rolls and Wisconsin butter

For increased variety, add a second carved meat selection for $6 per guest or an additional entrée selection for $4 per guest. Please see the next page for buffet collection entrée options.

Buffet Collection Entrée Selections

Family-style selections are an inviting alternative to buffet-style service at a similar pricing structure. Provide your guests with an intimate dining experience that encourages camaraderie and connection without sacrificing elegant service and buffet variety.

Family-style services include a plated salad of your choice, one seasonal vegetable, and one starch.

Two Entrées | $33 per guest
Three Entrées | $36 per guest

Family-Style Entrées

Table-served salad options, buffet salad options, starch options, and vegetable options to accompany your buffet or family-style dinner service.

Table-Served Salad Selections

The following salads will be served at your table with assorted artisan rolls and bakery, and will be accompanied by Wisconsin butter.

Buffet Salad Options

Crumbled feta, watermelon, and olive salad with honey lime vinaigrette

Mediterranean orzo salad with cucumber, tomato, and lemon vinaigrette

Sun-dried tomato pasta salad with feta, basil, and Kalamata olives

Charred corn and tri-color quinoa salad tossed in a roasted poblano vinaigrette

Loaded baked potato salad with bacon, cheddar cheese, and chives

Fresh cut fruit salad with seasonal berries

Ozark Mountain Power slaw featuring antioxidant-rich kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and seasonal vegetables tossed in a malt vinegar caraway dressing

Crab pasta salad with cucumber and tomato confit

Caprese pasta salad with fresh basil, mozzarella pearls, and teardrop tomatoes

Starch Options

Southwest pepper jack mac and cheese with smoked bacon

Creamy cheddar and chive mashed potatoes

Parmesan-rosemary roasted baby potatoes

Maple-chipotle roasted sweet potatoes

Wild rice pilaf with dried cranberries

Barley risotto with roasted vegetables

Horseradish mashed potatoes

Roasted garlic rosemary mashed potatoes

Herb-scented basmati rice

Vegetable Options

Vegetables Available Year Round

Heirloom Carrots glazed with your choice of: brown butter; rosemary and honey; spicy citrus; brown sugar maple; or honey lavender

Broccolini roasted with baby onions, citrus, and red chili flake

Root Vegetables roasted carrots, parsnips, celery root, tri-color bell peppers, and golden beets

Spring

available March, April, May

Asparagus sautéed with tomatoes, roasted with mushrooms and garlic, or glazed with balsamic

Green Beans steamed with bacon and shallots, steamed with blistered tomatoes and roasted garlic, or amandine with Wisconsin butter

Broccoli sautéed with garlic and Wisconsin butter or roasted four cheese gratin

Summer

available June, July, August

Snap Peas with leek, shiitake mushroom, and craisin sauté

Three Bean Sauté edamame, snap peas, and green beans tossed with blistered grape tomatoes, fresh garlic, and seasonings

Squash Duo (summer, zucchini) roasted with bell peppers and onions or roasted with citrus zest and cracked black pepper

Broccoli sautéed with garlic and Wisconsin butter or roasted four cheese gratin

Fall/Winter

available September, October, November

Brussels Sprouts roasted with smoked bacon or roasted with shallots, chives, brown butter, and parmesan

Cauliflower roasted with brown butter and almonds, roasted with creamy goat cheese, or roasted with broccoli florets

Squash Trio (acorn, butternut, winter) roasted with bell peppers and onions, roasted with brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans, or roasted with orange, ginger, and pecans

Soups

Warm or cold weather, our homemade soups will complement any meal. Add a soup selection to any buffet for only $3.50 per person additional!

Choose from the following chef-prepared classics:

Tomato Bisque
Creamy Chicken Noodle Gazpacho (Cold)
Baja Chicken Enchilada
New England Clam Chowder “Batch 19” Chili
Creamy Wild Mushroom Beef Barley with Mushrooms
Potato Leek with Crispy Bacon Minestrone with Italian White Beans Roasted Red Pepper with Goat Cheese

All plated dinners include pre-set or table-served salad from the preceding salad selections and fresh bakery baskets with Wisconsin butter prior to dinner.

Duet & Combination Dinners

Plated Dinners

Plated dinners include pre-set or table-served salad from the preceding salad selections and fresh bakery baskets with Wisconsin butter prior to dinner. All entrées are served with your choice of seasonal vegetable unless indicated.

Vegetarian Selections

Incorporate elements of style and décor into your menu with interactive, chef-prepared food stations. Browse our wide array of stations to create the perfect dining experience.

In addition to the many selections we’ve presented here, we’d be happy to create something perfectly suited to your vision. All stations include basic-themed décor, linens and station equipment. Simple floral décor is also included to match the style of your event. Add a table-served green salad to kick off your guests’ journey for an additional $2 per guest.

Custom Station Reception Pricing

Third Ward- Three Stations | $41 per guest
Riverfront- Four Stations | $45 per guest
Lakeside- Five Stations | $49 per guest
North Shore- Six Stations | $53 per guest

A minimum of four stations is required to serve groups of 175-250. A minimum of five stations is required for groups of 250 or larger to facilitate optimum guest service

A celebration is just not complete without some libations to enhance the festive ambiance. From basic soft drink and water packages to fully-hosted open bar and one-of-a-kind signature cocktails, we’ve got something for every craving. Please note that the Marcus Center does not permit the carry in of outside beverages under any circumstances – all beverage service must be provided by our professional, licensed bar staff with product supplied expressly through Sazama’s Fine Catering. Detailed product lists are available on request. Should you have a special beverage request, our event designers welcome the opportunity to make your liquid vision reality… perhaps with a few fun recommendations along the way!

Beverage Packages

All packages are priced per guest, unless otherwise indicated. Beverage package pricing is valid for 100 or more guests. Please connect with your event designer for smaller group pricing. Package pricing includes products served at the bars only; should you wish to have wine or champagne butler-passed or served at the table during meal service, this will be billed per bottle based on standard pricing.

Full Hosted Standard Bar

Call brand liquor selections, Miller Lite and Miller High Life domestic and 2 specialty beer selections, house red and white wine and assorted soft drinks

First Hour $13 | Each Additional Hour $6.50

Full Hosted Premium Bar

Premium brand liquor selections, Miller Lite and Miller High Life and 2 specialty beer selections, select red and white wine, and assorted soft drinks

First Hour $15.50 | Each Additional Hour $8

Standard Beer, Wine & Soda Package

Miller Lite and Miller High Life, house red and white wine, and assorted soft drinks

First Five Hours $15 | Each Additional Hour $5

Dressed to Impress: Beer, Wine & Soda Package

Miller Lite and Miller High Life, 2 specialty beers, select wines, and assorted soft drinks

First Five Hours $17 | Each Additional Hour $5.50

The Finest: Beer, Wine & Soda Package

Miller Lite and Miller High Life, 2 specialty beers, premium wines and assorted soft drinks

First Five Hours $19 | Each Additional Hour $6.50

Soda & Water Only

Applicable for guests under 21 or events not offering alcohol

First Five Hours $5.75 per guest | Each Additional Hour $2.25 per guest

The Wisconsin Package: Local Favorites

An upgrade to the standard beer, wine, and soda package, this package celebrates Wisconsin’s own breweries and wineries. Select 3 beers and 3 wines from the following local talents for the optimal Wisconsin experience. Consult your event designer for a complete list of available products.
Seasonal products may not be available.

First Five Hours $18.50 per guest | Each Additional Hour $6 per guest

Beer

New Glarus Brewing — New Glarus
Sprecher Brewing — Milwaukee
Lakefront Brewery — Milwaukee
Milwaukee Brewing Company — Milwaukee
Point Brewery — Stevens Point
MillerCoors Brewery — Milwaukee
Good City Brewery — Milwaukee
Capital Brewers — Madison

Wine

Wollersheim (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling) — Sauk City
Cedar Creek (Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cranberry Blush) — Cedarburg

Beverage package pricing is valid for 100 or more guests. Please connect with your event designer for smaller group pricing. Package pricing includes products served at the bars only; should you wish to have wine or champagne butler-passed or served at the table during meal service, this will be billed per bottle based on standard pricing.

Spirits & Beverages

Individual Drink Pricing

Beer Product Selections

Domestic Miller Beers – Miller Lite, MGD, Miller High Life, Sharp’s, Coors Light, Point Cider Boys
Specialty Beers – Heineken, Corona, Fat Tire, Blue Moon, Buckler (Non- Alcoholic) and selections from the following breweries;
Leinenkugel’s, New Glarus, Lakefront, Milwaukee Brewing Company, Sprecher, Capital Brewers, Point, Good City, or Third Space
Consult your event manager for a complete list of available products

Liquor Product Selections

Call Brands
Tito’s vodka, Tanqueray gin, Korbel brandy, Jack Daniels whiskey, Ketel One Citroen vodka, Jim Beam bourbon, Seagram’s 7 Whiskey, Bacardi rum, Captain Morgan rum, White Label Dewars scotch, Milagro tequila, and Southern Comfort

Premium Brands
Grey Goose vodka, Bombay Sapphire gin, Korbel VSOP brandy, Crown Royal whiskey, Woodford Reserve bourbon, Seagram’s VO, Glenfiddich scotch, Casadores tequila, Appleton Estates rum

Bar service at The Marcus Performing Arts Center ensures your event will be staffed with experienced, friendly, courteous, uniformed, licensed, and trained bartenders.

Bar staff will not serve those who appear intoxicated, those who cannot produce valid ID, or those who are under the legal drinking age. Bartenders reserve the right to refuse service to unruly or otherwise uncooperative patrons at their discretion. All bar equipment (including standard glassware) and product are included in your pricing as indicated in the relevant services contracted. Last call will be thirty minutes prior to your event end time.

Bar service will conclude at the time noted on your contract.

HOSTED BAR SERVICE

Standard service charges and applicable sales tax will be added to total bar balance.

In addition, there will be a $100 fee charged per bartender (group size will determine the number of bartenders needed and is up to the discretion of Sazama’s Fine Catering Management). Bartender fee for hosted bars will be waived, provided total bar sales equal $500 or more per bar setup.
Bartenders do accept gratuities as part of their livelihood and will display tip jars at your event. If you prefer that we refrain from this practice, please alert your event designer and he or she will add a $14 per bartender, per hour (including set up and tear down) gratuity fee in lieu of tip jars.

CASH BAR SERVICE

Purely cash bars are subject to a $500 sales minimum per bar setup. Should your bar not meet this minimum, you will be responsible for the difference and will be invoiced accordingly. A bartender service fee of $125 per bartender will be charged. Bartenders do accept gratuities as part of their livelihood and will display tip jars at your event. If you prefer that we refrain from this practice, please alert your event designer and he or she will add a
$14 per bartender, per hour (including set up and tear down) gratuity fee in lieu of tip jars.

Menu Pricing

All pricing in this menu is based on groups of 75 or larger. Pricing for smaller groups under 75 guests:
50-74 Add $1 per guest 35-49 Add $2 per guest 20-34 Add $4 per guest
Under 20 guests Add $5 per guest

Room Rental Rates and Minimums

Food and beverage minimums and room rental rates vary depending on the details of your particular event. Should your final menu not meet the minimum requirements for which you are contracted, you will be invoiced for the difference. Food and beverage minimum does not include applicable sales tax, room rental, or items unrelated to food and beverage. Minimums are inclusive of all food, beverage, and applicable service charges.

Securing Your Event: Contracts and Deposits

Sazama’s Fine Catering requires that a signed contract accompany your initial event deposit. Your event date is not considered secure until Sazama’s is in receipt of both contract and deposit – dates will not be held and prospective clients are not guaranteed a first right of refusal. The initial deposit required is equal to your full
room rental fee. Final guest count and menu may be modified up to 15 business days prior to your event.

Payment Schedule and Deposit Information

50% deposit required at time of booking within 12 months of event date, balance due 15 working days prior to your event date. For groups booking over 1 year in advance, a $2500 deposit can hold your date and then the remaining balance would be due 15 working days prior to your event date. Please note that all events require payment in advance of services, unless previous arrangements have been made. Anticipated post-event charges will require a verified credit card to be held on deposit. Ancillary charges will be processed via the card on file within 30 days following your event, unless another form of payment is presented prior to your event conclusion.

Service Charge and Sales Tax

Food and beverage is subject to a 22% service charge and applicable sales tax of 6.1%. Service charges are applied to labor and other associated expenses and are not a gratuity. Gratuity is left entirely to the discretion of the client. Should you wish to extend a gratuity to the staff for your event, your event designer or manager can assist you in doing so. If your group is tax exempt a copy of a valid exempt certificate and a completed for s-211 must be on file prior to your event.

Cancellation Policy

Deposits are non-refundable. If unforeseen circumstances necessitate the cancellation of your event, your deposit will be retained until the date has been re-booked by another party. If the date is not re-booked, your deposit will be forfeited. In the event of an occurrence beyond the control of Sazama’s Fine Catering at the Marcus Center, neither entity shall be held responsible or liable for any loss or damage of
any kind resulting to the client or client’s guests, invitees, agents or employees of such occurrence. In the event such occurrence renders the Marcus Center uninhabitable, Sazama’s Fine Catering, the Marcus Center and the client agree to reschedule the event at a mutually agreed upon date and time. All deposits will be applied to the rescheduled date without penalty. In the event the event is unable to be rescheduled to a date suitable for all parties, all deposits remitted will be refunded. For the purpose of this agreement, such occurrences include, but are not limited to; acts of God, natural disaster (i.e. fire, hurricane, or flood), war riot, or any other similar event beyond the control of either party.

Final Details

Final details, including guest count, menu selections, room diagram confirmation, itinerary, rental requirements, final payment, and any other information important to the success of your event, are due to your event designer or the Sazama’s office no less than 15 business days prior to your event. The final guest count is the minimum number of guests for which you will be charged and, along with any other associated charges, will determine your final balance due. After this time, your guest count may be increased, but not decreased, pending the availability of product, equipment, and staff to accommodate your request.

Included in Your Package from Sazama’s Fine Catering:

All menu selections herein include the following items in addition to what is listed on each package. Some restrictions apply.
• All china, flatware, and glassware associated with our services. This includes our stock pattern of china, flatware and glassware. Upgrades are available for additional cost.
• All tables at your event will be clothed with white, black, or ivory linen tablecloths (120” round) and dinner napkins, as well as choice of white, black, or ivory tablecloths for your cake, gift, and head tables. Various linen color and pattern upgrades are available for additional cost and can truly enhance your event.
• Formally dressed and professionally trained wait staff and personnel.
• Attractive, professional, elegant serving lines and stations.
• Coffee service with dinner- includes regular and decaffeinated coffee, plus hot tea and milk on request.

Left Over Food

Per Sazama’s policy and the policy of the State of Wisconsin Health Department, no leftover food is permitted to leave the premises following an event. This is in an effort to safeguard against inadvertently improper food storage by guests and subsequent food safety concerns. All food product served during the course of an
event becomes the property of Sazama’s Fine Catering. As such, Sazama’s does not provide to go containers.

Special Menu Requests

This menu is designed to give you a taste of what Sazama’s can offer your event.
A wide variety of other menus or an entirely custom creation are available at your request. Had something particular in mind? The culinary staff at Sazama’s welcomes the opportunity to personalize a custom menu based on your vision, your traditions, your favorites, a theme or just something you think would be a perfect fit! Children’s, Vegetarian, Hors d’Oeuvres, and Dessert menus are available, and we are happy to work with any dietary restrictions you or your guests may have. We are here to serve you – our guest – and your request is our pleasure!

Non-Profit Galas and Fundraisers

Sazama’s Fine Catering offers special discounted pricing for gala and fundraiser events using the following schedule, for weekday events. Please consult your representative to learn more about if your group qualifies and how to orchestrate your next fundraiser into a standing ovation!
• Monday through Wednesday –January through April/ November-15% off food and beverage
• Thursday or Friday- January through April/ November-10% off food and beverages

Holidays and Special Rates

Additional service charges will apply to the following dates: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, Labor Day Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, Easter Weekend, or Fourth of July weekend. Service charges are billed at 1.5 times the standard rate.

Security

If valuable items are to be left in the event space for any duration of time, it is recommended that a security firm be retained at the client’s expense. Sazama’s Fine Catering is happy to recommend vendors with whom we have previously worked, and retains the right to review, approve, coordinate, and monitor and supplemental security services. Sazama’s Fine Catering or the Marcus Performing Arts Center will not be held responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.

Parking

A parking structure is located directly north of the Marcus Performing Arts Center, on State Street. It is connected to the Marcus Center by a third-floor skywalk. If you wish to offer complimentary parking to your guests, please contact the catering department for details.

Decorations

Decorating is permitted with pre-approval by your event designer. Open-flame candles are strictly prohibited; however, completely enclosed candles are permitted. Banners or items for display cannot be attached to walls, floors, windows, or ceilings with nails, tape, or any other substances that may cause damage. Confetti cannons, smoke machines, and fog machines are prohibited.

Setup and Teardown

Availability of rental spaces within the Marcus Center is subject to its confirmed schedule of events. The minimum amount of time allotted between events is 2 hours. We will inform you of the earliest permitted set up time for your event. Any vendors bringing in items for your event are responsible for handling the setup of their items. This includes, but is not limited to; florists, entertainers, photographers, etc..
Advance coordination of desired access time with your event designer is strongly recommended to ensure a seamless load-in and setup. All guests must vacate the premises by midnight for evening events, unless other arrangements have been made. You are responsible for making arrangements with your vendors for tear down and item removal at the end of your event. Any centerpieces, decorations, or equipment must be removed upon the conclusion of the event unless prior arrangements have been made, as items may not be stored in the hall overnight. Items remaining in
the event space following the close of your event rental period become the express property of Sazama’s Fine Catering, unless prior arrangements have been made.

Audio Visual Equipment

Audiovisual equipment may be rented through the catering department. Approval by Sazama’s Fine Catering and the Marcus Performing Arts Center is required before any outside AV equipment will be allowed on the premises.

Music Policy

Due to the location of the theaters at the Marcus Center, there is a music policy in effect which states that any contracted band or DJ service must play at a sound level dictated and agreed to by the Marcus Center and Sazama’s Fine Catering management. Therefore, your entertainment must be pre-approved by your event manager prior to contracting with them.

Photography

Sazama’s often takes photographs of events, food and beverage displays, and table settings. By contracting our services, you give consent to Sazama’s to copyright, use, and publish photographs for marketing and illustration purposes. Should your event incorporate sensitive or confidential displays, please notify your event manager of these areas and any specific off-limits photography. If you would prefer that we refrain from publishing photographs of your event or guests, please let us know in advance of your event date.

Pricing Guarantees

Due to fluctuating market conditions, pricing within these menus is subject to change and are only valid for 120 days. Menus are evaluated and changed once per calendar year. Should your pricing change, we will notify you in writing of any menu changes. In addition, with deposit, we guarantee that pricing will not go higher than 5% above listed pricing at the time you book your event.