Monterey, CA Catering: Celebrate the Coast With Us
Thinking about hosting a party along California’s beautiful central coast? We love Monterey for its sparkling views, easygoing energy, and the absolute best ingredients around. It’s no wonder so many people choose this area for weddings, team getaways, or small family celebrations—there’s just something special about gathering here.
Of course, what makes a Monterey gathering really shine goes beyond the views. It’s the food and drink; local, fresh, and designed for sharing. Our team at MIRTH, along with our sister brands, A Taste of Elegance Fine Catering & Events, and Quench Bar Catering, are proud to bring the region’s flavors to every party. From seafood pulled straight from the bay to bright veggies from the fields, we work with what’s in season and close to home. Add in our local love and welcoming style, and your guests are in for something memorable.
Whether you’re inviting a handful of friends for a cozy anniversary dinner or planning a bigger bash, we’re here to help you navigate everything from menu ideas to finding a spot for your celebration. This guide walks you through what it’s like working with us, the styles of catering we offer, and the ways we can help you enjoy a taste of true Monterey.
Why Monterey Feels Like Home for Parties
We might be biased, but we think Monterey is one of the best places to gather. There’s natural beauty everywhere you look, and the food scene is just as special. The easy weather means you can keep things outdoors most of the year, and there’s a spot for every type of event—vineyard picnics, backyard barbecues, or beachfront dinners.
We love the connection to our local growers and makers here. Our seafood, greens, cheeses, and meats reflect the work and spirit of the community. When you party with MIRTH, A Taste of Elegance, or Quench, you’re tasting what the region does best—no compromises, just good food, friendly faces, and a sense of belonging.
We’re lucky to serve big annual parties, think Monterey Car Week and destination weddings, as well as simple family occasions and neighborhood gatherings. No matter the size, you get the same polished service and honesty we’re known for.
And there’s nothing like planning your party with the seasons. As the vines start to bud or the ocean fog rolls in, we build menus that match the moment. Our team feels more like a neighbor than a vendor, making it easy to celebrate what makes Monterey unique.
The Catering Styles We Love
Fresh From Nearby Farms
At MIRTH and A Taste of Elegance Fine Catering & Events, we don’t just talk about farm-to-table—we live it. Menus shift with the seasons, featuring berries from local patches or artichokes from nearby fields, all at their freshest. We highlight simple flavors, bright produce, and honest cooking.
Our farm-inspired menus are perfect when you want food that sparks conversation, whether we’re serving family-style at a vineyard, creating picnic spreads, or putting together a harvest-themed feast.
Plated Meals With a Local Touch
For weddings or formal dinners, we offer plated service through A Taste of Elegance that feels like dining out, only more personal. Each course is carefully paced. You can expect a polished presentation and thoughtful wine pairings thanks to our close ties with local winemakers.
Whether it's just a few courses or a grand tasting menu, we take care with every detail, so you can relax and enjoy being with your people.
Buffet and Family-Style Gatherings
Sometimes, you just want to keep things easy. Both A Taste of Elegance and MIRTH offer buffet and family-style options, perfect for encouraging guests to sample a bit of everything and enjoy time at the table. We style displays to match the vibe of your event, with stations that are anything but stuffy.
For MIRTH, it’s all about relaxed service. From backyard birthday parties to holiday feasts under the sycamores, our buffets are served with care. You’ll still get our full MIRTH service: setup, replenishing, cleanup, and a friendly face nearby. The fun should be in the mingling and the food, not worrying about the details.
A Taste of Elegance offers traditional formal service, perfect for those looking to elevate their event with a polished, refined touch. Whether you're planning a buffet, family-style dinner, or a completely custom event, we ensure a seamless and sophisticated experience tailored to your unique needs.
Drop-Off Treats for Small Moments
If you’re planning something intimate or just want great food delivered, MIRTH and A Taste of Elegance can drop off meals that are ready to enjoy. We handle presentation, making sure everything looks and tastes fresh, so you can focus on being present with your guests.
Drinks Are Covered, Too
Quench is our dedicated bar team, bringing craft cocktails, great wine, and local flavor to your gathering. We offer full beverage service, from pop-up wine bars to signature drinks mixed tableside, always with an easy, approachable style that lets the fun flow.
Let us handle the pour so you can toast to what really matters.
Local Ingredients We’re Proud to Serve
Seafood From Our Shores
There’s no mistaking the flavor of Monterey Bay seafood—crisp, salty, and impossibly fresh. We love working with local fishermen to serve wild salmon, spot prawns, and other catches that celebrate the sea on your plate. You get real sustainability and real stories with every bite.
Artichokes and Seasonal Produce
Just up the coast is Castroville, the king of the artichoke. We bring these local favorites, plus whatever is thriving in the fields: juicy heirlooms, bright lettuces, sweet peas, and more, right to your table. Each season gives us new flavors and inspiration.
The Central Coast’s Best Wines
Carmel Valley and Santa Lucia Highlands are home to some truly great sips. Explore wineries like McIntyre, Talbott, and Bernardus, and curate beverage menus with local Pinot, Chardonnay, and hidden gems you won’t find outside the valley. Perfect for raising a glass and settling in.
Events, Big and Small, We Love to Cater
Weddings That Feel Like Monterey
From ocean bluff ceremonies to vineyard receptions, MIRTH and A Taste of Elegance create wedding menus that celebrate your style and give a nod to our region. We’re firm believers in food that feels modern but still welcoming, including seafood platters, family-style feasts, late-night snacks, and cakes that make everyone smile.
Team Retreats and Corporate Away Days
Monterey is made for bringing teams together. We help with work lunches, networking dinners, and celebration meals that strike a balance between polished and playful. It’s local, fresh, and a little bit festive—perfect for sparking creativity and conversation.
Gatherings for Car Lovers and More
During Monterey Car Week and other marquee events, the pressure is on for polished, efficient catering. Our team steps up with menus and service tailored to your flow, featuring premium ingredients, creative stations, and bar service that keeps things moving. You get the high standards you expect, but delivered with a relaxed and cheerful touch.
Small Gatherings, Big Flavor
Some of our favorite parties are the smallest ones: a handful of friends, family birthdays, or memorable elopements. You get our full attention with menus built for connection. Let’s talk about custom tastings, rare wine finds, or plated meals just for two. How To Choose the Right Catering Fit
Picking Your Service Style
With MIRTH, A Taste of Elegance, and Quench, you have options. Go all-out with full service, keep it casual with a beautiful buffet, or ask for drop-off so you can run the show. Think about the size of your guest list, what kind of vibe you want, and whether you want us to be there for the whole event or just set things up and check in later.
Menus That Flex With You
We know every guest is different. From vegan options that shine to gluten-free sweets, we make sure all your guests feel taken care of. Menus are a collaborative process—we’ll listen to your preferences, suggest local favorites, and build something that feels right for your gathering.
Local First, Always
Our connections with local growers, winemakers, and producers mean every ingredient tells a story. Ask us about what’s fresh this week, or let us surprise you with a dish that’s got roots right here in Monterey.
Venue Friends and Favorite Spots
These are some of our favorite places to cater in Monterey and Carmel Valley.
Stonepine Estate
A classic, sweeping estate with old-world charm set in the peaceful hills of Carmel Valley. Stonepine is a favorite for big celebrations with stunning views, and we love bringing our seasonal menus to life here.
Holman Ranch
Picture lush gardens and mountain views—Holman Ranch is perfect for those who want a taste of wine country. Our farm-to-table feasts shine in settings like this.
Hidden Valley Music Seminars
Tucked into the hills, Hidden Valley Music Seminars is quiet and unique. Ideal for music-filled nights or weekend gatherings. Let us help design a menu that matches the setting.
The Camp at Carmel Valley
Down-to-earth and totally charming, The Camp is spot-on for family reunions, birthdays, or just hanging out under the oaks. Our buffet spreads and picnic-style menus fit right in and make hosting a breeze.
Big Sur Private Estates
Want something truly private? We’ve catered magical events in Big Sur—just ask and we’ll handle the logistics and setup so you can focus on your guests.
Hidden Gems
There are plenty of smaller spaces around here we love—vineyard patios, backyard gardens, and cozy indoor spots. Each one is a blank canvas for a menu as unique as your event.
How Catering Is Changing in Monterey
Buffets, But Better
Forget old-school buffets. We focus on artful displays, live stations, and full service so your buffet feels just as inviting as any plated meal.
Local Stories in Every Bite
We love sharing details behind the dishes: where the cheese is from, who grew the greens, and how the menu came together. Food is about community, and you can taste the difference.
Eating Outdoors, Eating Together
Most parties here spill outside, and we tailor our service and menus to embrace the breeze, the sun, or even a bit of fog. Long tables and shared plates make every meal feel like a celebration.
Gentle On The Planet
We do our best to minimize waste, compost scraps, and use local, seasonal goods as much as possible. It’s not just good for the earth—it makes for better-tasting food.
Teamwork Makes the Event
Partnering with venue teams, local winemakers, and musicians means your event benefits from friendly faces and shared experience. We’re happy to help coordinate!
Meet the MIRTH Family
Here on the MIRTH site, you’ll find everything you need for memorable Monterey events, big or small:
MIRTH for bright, seasonal food and relaxed buffet service
A Taste of Elegance Fine Catering & Events for custom-plated menus and those extra-special occasions
Quench Bar Catering for local wine, signature drinks, and easy beverage service
We’re neighbors, friends, and local experts who care about making your party feel joyful and easy from planning to cleanup.
Starting Your Monterey Party With Us
Ready to plan your next event? We’re here to help bring it to life. Start early to secure your date, and let’s chat about your vision, from food to service and all the details that matter.
We believe great events come from real connection and shared effort. Ask about local menus or let us craft something special.
Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a big celebration, we’re ready to cook, pour, and celebrate with you right here in Monterey.
