Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of events does Paella by Carlos service?
We service Wedding Receptions, Luncheons, Corporate Events, Cocktail Parties, Bachelor/ette Parties, Birthdays, Business Meetings, Private Dinners, Grand Opening Receptions, Gala Fundraisers, Anniversaries, Holiday Parties, Baby Showers, Wedding Showers, and all Parties.
2. Does Paella by Carlos cook all Paellas on-site?
For 43 people and up, Paellas are cooked outdoors and on-site, but the Paellas for between 12 and 42 people are delivered already cooked, hot, and ready to eat. If you must have a Chef for a small Paella, we will do it.
3. What is the fee for cooking on-site?
$200 Chef fee for up to 100 people; and greater than 100 people we need another Chef at the same rate as the first Chef. The fee will be increased vis-à-vis the travelling distance. More on this on answer to question 9.
4. What is the minimum order for a Paella?
Paella for 12 people.
5. Do you cook on site if I have a party for less than 43 people as opposed to delivering?
Yes, with the $200 Chef fee.
6. Do you deliver and is pick up available?
Yes, we deliver the Paellas for up to 42 people. Pick up is not available. The delivery radius is 20 miles, at most, for paellas up to 21 people, and we pick up the paella pan the next day. For 22 to 42 people the delivery radius is 30 miles, but you would have to return the paella pan to us the next day. To this end we charge a deposit for the price of the paella pan according to the size, and the deposit is refunded in full on the day you return the pan. For 22 to 42 people if the distance is greater than 30 miles, we would cook on-site depending on chefs’ availability, otherwise we’ll make delivery and serving arrangements. Paellas for 43 and up are tentatively only cooked on-site, depending on chefs’ availability.
7. What is the fee for delivery?
The fee is 9% of the total-without-taxes. We don’t deliver to distances greater than 20 miles beyond our area for paellas up to 21 people. For 22 to 42 people the delivery radius is 30 miles, but you would have to return the paella pan to us. To this end we charge a deposit for the price of the paella pan according to the size, and the deposit is refunded in full on the day you return the pan. For 12 to 42 people if the distance is greater than 30 miles, we would tentatively cook on-site. Delivery fee includes toll roads. You can calculate your distance using Springheaven Rd. and Fairfax County Parkway, Fairfax, VA.
8. Is gratuity included in the delivery?
No. Gratuity is not included.
9. Do you travel to cook out of your area for private parties?
Yes we do, and charge $200 fee per Chef up to 30 miles. Greater than 30 miles from Springheaven Rd. and Fairfax County Parkway, Fairfax, VA and up to 60 miles, the Chef fee is $250 per Chef; and 61 to 75 miles, the Chef fee is $350 per Chef, plus $200 overnight stay; and 76 to 100 miles, Chef Fee is $450 per Chef, plus overnight stay of $200 per Chef.
10. How long does it take to cook the Paella?
It depends on the size of the Paella. Thus, small Paellas cook faster than bigger ones. Paellas for 30 for instance, cook for 60 to 75 minutes depending on wind peeks and lulls, and from there you can approximate the time for smaller or bigger Paellas using a factor of .8⌠√5.8ⁿ-².5^6⌡ ;-). Plan on our arrival 2 hours ahead of your anticipated serving time to begin set up.
11. How long in advance do I need to reserve for a Paella event?
For big events like weddings, or events for greater than 100 people, 6 months to a year advance will be helpful to you for getting it scheduled because slots fill up fast. For smaller events, as in 70 people and under, one month or more ahead would be ideal, but we’ll appreciate at least a two-week notice. The earlier you reserve, the better your chances of getting booked for your event.
12. Is a deposit required to reserve a date?
A credit card is necessary to make and hold the reservation. Our system requires a credit card to input the reservation on the schedule. The credit card will not be charged until the date of the event; at which time we’ll collect by either running the card in person, or getting a check or cash from you, whatever your preference. The credit card is also used to secure or guarantee the reservation. See next Item #13.
13. If we cancel our event at least two weeks ahead of the scheduled date, do we get charged?
Yes. Fees are calculated on the flat total (meaning before taxes and fees). Cancellation OR diminishing of the order within two weeks ahead of schedule 30% of the total; one week + 1 day ahead of schedule 50% of the total , within the week of the event up to 3 days prior 75% of the total, and 1 to 2 days, or the day of the event the charge is 100% of the total, minus $200, etc. chef fee, or the 9% delivery fee. At 2 weeks + 1 day, you will not be charged.
14. Do you accept credit cards and American Express?
Yes, we accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
15. How are the Paellas served?
Buffet style, in bowls or plates; either self-serve, or by the host; or served by the Chef if cooked on-site.
16. Do you provide the bowls or plates and utensils?
No. The host provides bowls or plates and utensils for serving. If needed we’ll provide them at market price.
17. Do you bring all of the cooking equipment?
Yes.
18. What other services do you provide?
We provide miscellaneous services including servers; bartenders; and entertainment, i.e. Flamenco dancers, singers, etc. For details on all these please go to paelladeliciosa.com and click on the “Services” tab.
19. Is gratuity added to the bill?
No. Gratuity is left at the discretion of the host.
The Paellas by Carlos are like no other!
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