Delectables Catering and Venue: 10 Questions with Donna DiFiore

Caterers - Donna DiFiore

Business: Delectables Catering and Venue
Location: Tucson, Arizona AZ
Experience: 45 Years
Profile: Delectables Catering and Venue
Website: www.delectables.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Traditionally trusted and always evolving... 1973 ~ 2021

The Delectables story spans 48 years and in 1976 my story begins. In the late 70’s after college, I arrived in Tucson for a vacation with Elissa Fazio. I soon realized the weather and the ambiance was just my cup of tea. Being a New Englander, I stayed longer and longer until I realized I had chosen the southwest to be my home.

The culture of Fourth Avenue and Delectables were teeming with entrepreneurship everywhere you looked. Growing Delectables became my passion as a young woman and to this very day I feel the same 43 years later. I enjoy the day-to-day challenges and fast paced decision making that is essential in owning your own business.

Most of the community has visited, dined and enjoyed their experience bringing friends and family to their cozy spot. Whenever people return to Tucson, their return trip was not complete unless they visited their favorite spot. It was not unusual to hear on a daily basis one of the following comments. When I went to college years ago, I use to come here and listen to jazz on the weekends. When I lived here, I ate your Tucson's Best Chef Salad. I remember that you used to have the best crème Brule. Do you still make Chocolate Mousse? I miss your Greek Tomato Salad ….. and on and on. Today I still hear those comments from guests in our new location.

After 44 successful years on Fourth Avenue, someone wanted to buy my building and I accepted the offer. Delectables Brand was not sold and the legend of Delectables continues as Catering and Venue at 427 E Limberlost Drive for private events, weddings, parties and any reason you entertain. The last day of business on Fourth Avenue was June 30th, 2017 and I closed my restaurant doors after a wonderul journey for 15,000 days.

Delectables continues to be a dining destination that promises you the best of everything – from signature international choices to healthy selections you crave; to original inspirations in flavor and fresh ingredients; topped with exceptional attention to details. The difference now is that all our events are booked and are private. For all the reasons you entertain, Delectables hosts weddings and entertains on an acre and a half venue with so many options for your event needs.

2. How many weddings have your done in the past?

For 48 years my experience with entertaining not only for weddings, but for all events no matter the size, has been to watch and read the guests during the event. Their body language and facial expressions inform you of everything you need to know. The number of weddings catered is immense over almost 50 years.

What's the most important is knowing your guests are cared for and that they are being taken care of throughout the event.

3. Do you charge a bulk fee or cost per person? What are your rates like?

Every client has different needs and makes different choices. So the costs involved are unique to that client. There are packages and I find they do not readily reflect the needs once you have spent time designing what they truly desire.

4. Do you have a static menu, or can you do a custom menu? And can you take care of various allergy/dietary requests?

There are many foods that we have made over the years. We tend to customize after hearing what people like to eat. As far as dietary needs, that is part of every planning session.

5. What are your most popular dishes?

Southwest Penne and Blackened Chicken has been a number one with our clients topped with slices of ripe avocado. Our bacon and meatball lasagna is also off the charts amazing. Here are some others: Chicken Picatta, Blackened Salmon Salad, Charcuteries as well.

6. Do you provide linens, table settings, and accessories? If you don’t provide linens, table settings, etc., will you handle coordinating the rental?

We coordinate the rental with a locally owned company that is trusted.

7. Will food be made on-site or brought in?

Delectables has a commercial kitchen on site and makes and prepares all the foods served in all occasions. You can bring in a special favorite to please your special person. For instance, if there are quite a few young children at the event, we are not adverse to pizza being delivered hot for them.