Hiring someone to roast a pig is more than just about the cooking expertise. A professional hog roast service generally combines the pig, special equipment, cooking, service, plating, and event logistics in one coherent event. It is basically a whole experience.
The detailed list of what is included depends on the particular caterer you choose. Getting a thorough checklist becomes a must. Consulting with the vendor or caterer is where most people get confused. Most full-service packages cover several elements. Read till the end to get a full idea of what is included in pig roast catering.
The Hog Itself
The star of the show is, of course, the hog. The hog is usually seasoned and readied for roasting before the event and carried to the event venue by the caterer. What size to choose for the hog depends on several factors:
- The number of guests who are coming
- The nature of the event
- The time of the event – whether it is for brunch or dinner.
- Whether guests are expected to return for seconds or not
- Will the pork be on the main menu, or will it come along with other items.
- The number and type of side dishes.
The caterer is expected to explain exactly how the portions will be calculated. Guest number is not the only determining factor. The nature of the event and the full menu determine the hypothetical calculations of how much quantity will be served per person.
Specialist Hog Roast Equipment
Professional hog roasting cannot be done in a home oven. Roasting a full hog includes slow cooking and complex methods. Here are a few things you can expect the caterer to bring:
- A split roasting oven
- Gas bottles or cylinders for fuels
- Large cooking trays and utensils
- Carving and cutting equipment
- Serving tables
- Protective covers or a gazebo
- Professional gloves and sanitisers for hygiene
Cooking the hog is a process that happens live at the event venue. So your caterer requires a live counter or gazebo. It is important to ask beforehand how much space they need, as gazebo length and utensils may vary based on the caterer.
Cooking On Site
One of the main differences between simply ordering meat from a restaurant and an on-site hog roasting is the cooking experience.
Usually, the hog arrives at the venue several hours before the event starts. Before cooking, the catering team needs to take care of several other things, like setting up the gazebo, sanitising, and setting up the equipment. There are a lot of practical advantages to cooking on-site.
- The food is prepared on the live counter becomes an exciting part of the event.
- The cuisine is served hot and fresh, leaving an impact on the taste buds of the guests.
- The guests can see the food being prepared, which creates trust and transparency regarding the quality of the food.
- The aroma helps create a sense of occasion.
Carving and Serving
Hog roasting services include carving and serving, along with cooking on site. At a busy event, this makes a considerable difference, as the carving, serving portions, and separating the crackling to keep the service moving – all is taken care of by the experienced caterers.
Serving arrangements not only include the pork but may also come with several other options, here’s what to expect:
- Freshly carved pork
- Stuffings
- Buns and bread rolls
- Applesauce
- Gravy or another sauce
- Salads and sides
- Roasted potatoes
- Crackling
- Plates, napkins, and cutlery.
- Serving trays and dishes.
However, not every catering service offers the same amenities. It is important to discuss and confirm with your caterer which services they will be providing and what is included in their package. Cooking time for the pork may differ as well. These are the things to ask and discuss before booking and confirming with your caterer.
The Clearing Down Process
One of the advantages of booking a hog-roasting catering service is that the venue and the food setup will be cleaned up by the caterers before the event begins. However, it is best not to assume anything beforehand and to enquire with the caterers about their services.
Clearing down after the event may include packing all the utensils and equipment, as those are returned to the caterer. Cleaning the cooking and service area, removing food waste generated by the service, and leaving the serving area clean and usable.
Booking a Hog Roast Service: What to Enquire
- How many guests does the quoted hog serve?
- What are the sizes of the hog available
- Are any side dishes included
- Is an after-service cleanup included?
- How much time does the server need beforehand at the venue to cook the pork?
- How early will the team arrive
- How much space is required by the gazebo
- What utensils need to be provided, if any?
- Are plates, cutlery, and napkins provided?
- What is the cancellation or postponement policy?
Final Consideration
Hiring someone to roast a pig isn’t just about the pork itself; you are hiring a team who will provide you with an experience combining the hog roasting, catering, carving, plating, service, portion calculation, etcetera.
The most important thing to understand is what the quoted package covers – from prices to cooking time to services offered and the menu. Country Hog Roast provides hog roast and BBQ catering across York, Skipton, & Ripon, with on-site cooking, freshly carved meat, and delectable side menus. To discuss your guest number, venue requirements, and menu details, visit our website and get in touch!