Business Details
Expert Catering for Weddings, Corporate Events & Special Occasions
Lighten Up Caterers has dedicated over three decades to crafting exceptional culinary experiences for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. Founded on the principles of quality, creativity, and personalized service, we prioritize nutritious, beautifully presented dishes made with organic ingredients whenever possible. Our owner, Grace, brings a global perspective to catering, drawing from extensive experience with ethnic cuisines and a passion for unique, client-focused events.We specialize in menus ranging from affordably priced to high-end offerings, ensuring satisfaction for gatherings of 10 to 500 guests. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our handcrafted seasonings, desserts made from scratch, and innovative presentation techniques that elevate every event. With a proven track record serving diverse clientsfrom Broadway openings to United Nations functionswe combine culinary expertise with a personal touch to create unforgettable experiences.
Services
Corporate Catering
Wedding Catering
International Menus
Vegetarian Options
Seafood Menus
Summer BBQ
Custom Desserts
Hors d'oeuvres
Buffet Service
Personal Chef Events
Highlights and features
- Over 35 years of experience in gourmet catering with a global culinary perspective
- Personalized service directly with the owner for tailored event planning
- Handcrafted seasonings, desserts, and unique international menu options
- Flexible service sizes from intimate dinners to events for 500+ guests
- Award-winning presentation techniques using organic and locally sourced ingredients
What people say
Delicious and beautifully presented
Planning process easy and fun
Award-winning presentation techniques
Catering for 225+ guests
Handcrafted seasonings and desserts
Services
Corporate Catering
Our corporate catering service provides gourmet meal solutions for business meetings, conferences, and office gatherings. We offer customizable menus ranging from casual wraps and salads to hot entrees, ensuring professional-grade quality and presentation. Clients benefit from our experience serving high-profile events, including 5-day conferences for Rutgers Business School and United Nations functions. All dishes are crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Wedding Catering
Wedding catering services feature elegant, customizable menus for ceremonies and receptions of all sizes. From intimate dinners for 15 to grand events for 500 guests, we create visually stunning dishes that reflect the couple's preferences. Our offerings include international cuisine options, seasonal specialties, and signature desserts like our award-winning lavender pound cake. We work directly with couples to ensure every detail aligns with their vision.
International Menus
Our international menu service offers authentic dishes from diverse culinary traditions, including African, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines. Developed through decades of experience and collaboration with global home cooks, these menus feature unique offerings like Chicken Tandoori with mango-avocado skewers and West African Fish Imojo salad. Each dish incorporates traditional preparation methods while maintaining our standards for freshness and presentation.
Vegetarian Options
Vegetarian catering options include creative, flavorful dishes that showcase seasonal produce and global flavors. Our menu features items like ricotta lasagna swirls with grilled vegetables, Thai sesame noodles, and fresh fruit platters. These plant-based offerings are designed to satisfy both vegetarians and omnivores alike, maintaining the same high standards for presentation and taste as our other services.
Summer BBQ
The summer BBQ service provides casual, flavorful catering options perfect for outdoor gatherings. Featured items include slow-smoked pork ribs, teriyaki flank steak, and blackened salmon, served with creative side dishes like wild rice pilaf and roasted new potatoes. Our presentation includes decorative elements like hand-carved vegetable crudit baskets, ensuring both taste and visual appeal for warm-weather events.
People
Grace
Owner & Lead Caterer
Grace has over 35 years of experience in gourmet catering, specializing in international cuisine and personalized event planning. She brings a unique perspective from living abroad and working with diverse culinary traditions. Now based in North Texas, she focuses on creating intimate, customized events that showcase her expertise in global flavors and presentation techniques.
Questions
What types of events does Lighten Up Caterers specialize in?
We specialize in weddings, corporate events, and special occasions ranging from intimate dinners for 10 to large-scale functions for 500+ guests. Our experience includes Broadway openings, United Nations events, and African royal weddings.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or special requests?
Yes, we offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specialized options. Our menus can be customized to meet specific dietary needs while maintaining our standards for flavor and presentation.
Do you provide event planning assistance or just food service?
We offer full-service catering including menu planning, presentation design, and event coordination. Grace works directly with clients to ensure every detail aligns with their vision.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Arlington, Texas, we serve events throughout Texas and can accommodate special requests for out-of-state catering with advance notice.
Are your ingredients organic and locally sourced?
We prioritize organic and locally sourced produce whenever possible, while maintaining flexibility to meet client preferences and budget requirements.
Can you create custom menus for unique events?
Yes, we specialize in creating bespoke menus tailored to each client's preferences, including international cuisine options developed through decades of culinary exploration.
