On-site seafood buffet: seafood takes center stage
An on-site seafood buffet is a buffet in which seafood is the main component, featuring hot and cold seafood dishes alongside side dishes, set up at the client’s location.
In short: De Catering Compagnon provides seafood buffets on-site in Amsterdam, Landsmeer, and Zaandam. The seafood is delivered daily from Volendam. Buffets are available for groups of 30 or more.
At most buffets, fish is tucked away on the side. Yet fish can just as easily take center stage, especially when you have a mixed group of guests. The way we present it fits right in with our buffets.
On-site seafood buffet: why it works for a mixed group
Fish is the dish that almost every group goes for. Those who don’t eat meat can have some. Those who eat halal can have some without any adjustments needed. And those who eat everything go for it, too.
That saves you, as the organizer, the trouble of taking inventory in advance. While meat may not be an option for some of your guests, fish can cater to a wider range of guests with the same dish.
That doesn’t mean there’s only fish. Meat, vegetarian dishes, and side dishes are also included. Fish is simply the main dish around which the buffet is organized.
What’s on a seafood buffet
Cold-smoked fish, fish salads, and fresh combinations with vegetables. Hot dishes include pan-seared fillets, oven-baked fish dishes, and hot side dishes.
We source our fish daily from fishmongers in Volendam and fillet it ourselves. You can read more about this process under “Corporate Catering in Amsterdam That Uses Fresh Ingredients.”
Sourdough bread from our own kitchen is included, as are vegetables from a local greengrocer. That combination rounds out the buffet, rather than a series of individual fish dishes.
On-site seafood buffet and setup
Fish requires more attention during preparation than meat. We finish hot fish dishes as late as possible, because fish that sits in a warming dish for too long dries out or falls apart.
That’s why we work in rounds: serving smaller portions at a time and refilling as soon as a dish is half empty. You can read about how we organize the hot and cold sections in the section on the hot and cold buffet at the venue.
We set up the cold side right before we start and keep it chilled. Anything kept in reserve isn’t brought to the table until it’s needed.
What kinds of events is this suitable for?
At a reception or anniversary celebration with a diverse group of guests. At a business event with international guests. And on any occasion where you don’t want to ask everyone in advance what they’d like to eat.
It works in the fall, too, although the menu changes. In October and November, there are more hot fish dishes than cold salads.
We provide buffet service for groups of 30 or more. When you submit your request, please specify the number of guests and any dietary restrictions, and we’ll tailor the menu accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a fish buffet consist only of fish?
No. Meat, vegetarian dishes, and side dishes are all part of it. Fish is the main dish around which the buffet is organized.
Why does fish work well with a mixed group?
Fish is a popular choice among almost every group and is suitable as is for guests who do not eat meat or who follow a halal diet.
Where does your fish come from?
From fishmongers in Volendam. We source our fish daily and fillet it ourselves in our own kitchen.
How do you keep hot fish warm at a buffet?
By finishing as late as possible and refilling in batches, so that the fish doesn’t sit in a warming dish for too long.
How many people do you need to cater a fish buffet?
For groups of 30 or more, just like with our other buffets.
Are you looking for a buffet featuring fish as the main course in Amsterdam or the surrounding area? Contact us, and we’ll discuss the options and provide you with a customized quote.
