Business Details
19 Years
experience
Locally Sourced Catering Services in Washington DC
Since 2007, Eat & Smile Catering has been dedicated to redefining the catering experience through locally sourced ingredients and personalized service. As Washington DC's first locally sourced caterer, we prioritize ecological sustainability and community support by sourcing meat, produce, and dairy from farms within 175 miles of the city. Our a la carte service model allows clients to customize menus and services to match their specific needs and budget, ensuring each event reflects the client's unique vision.With expertise in weddings, corporate events, and private dinners, our team combines culinary creativity with operational excellence to deliver seamless experiences. We maintain rigorous environmental standards, including composting, renewable energy use, and biodegradable serviceware, while fostering a diverse, mission-driven team culture. Our commitment to quality has earned recognition including the 2017 edible DC Best Use of Local Ingredients award and multiple client choice accolades.
Services
Wedding Catering
Corporate Events
Private Dinners
Cocktail Parties
Supper Club Hosting
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 17+ years of experience in locally sourced catering since 2007
- Our a la carte service model provides complete menu customization
- We maintain 100% renewable energy-powered operations
- Our team includes certified culinary professionals with farm-to-table expertise
- We implement zero-waste practices through composting and recycling programs
Associations and certifications
- edible DC award winner
- LGBT Ally
What people say
Out-of-this-world delicious
Incredibly accommodating
Responsive beyond requirements
Left venue cleaner
Creative menu solutions
Services
Wedding Catering
We specialize in creating memorable wedding experiences through locally sourced menus tailored to dietary needs and budget constraints. Our team offers formal plated dinners, seasonal buffets, and family-style service options while providing expert coordination through our partner Jasmine Smith & Co. Clients receive personalized menu development and seamless execution for both intimate gatherings and large-scale celebrations.
Corporate Events
Our corporate event services include office cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, and nonprofit fundraisers featuring locally sourced cuisine. We provide full-service solutions from setup to breakdown, including passed hors d'oeuvres, chef-run stations, and DC-based bar packages. Our team ensures professional execution that enhances client impressions while accommodating specific event requirements and dietary preferences.
Private Dinners
We bring restaurant-quality dining experiences to private homes with customized menus developed in collaboration with clients. Our service includes complete meal preparation, presentation, and post-event cleanup, allowing hosts to fully engage with guests. This offering combines seasonal local ingredients with personalized culinary execution for intimate gatherings ranging from dinner parties to milestone celebrations.
Cocktail Parties
Our cocktail party service transforms signature dishes into elegant small bites while maintaining local sourcing principles. We create customized hors d'oeuvres menus that balance presentation with guest convenience, ensuring optimal mingling experiences. The service includes staff coordination, appropriate serviceware selection, and dietary requirement accommodations for both indoor and outdoor events.
Supper Club Hosting
The Bespoke Kitchen supper club offers curated seasonal dining experiences featuring the freshest local produce. We create thematic multi-course meals that showcase regional ingredients in an intimate commercial kitchen setting. This service combines educational elements about local producers with immersive culinary experiences for food enthusiasts seeking unique gastronomic adventures.
People
Oliver Friendly
Owner Chef
Fourth-generation Washingtonian and L'Academie de Cuisine graduate with over 15 years of culinary experience. Developed expertise in sustainable cooking through roles at PS7s and Hook restaurant before founding Eat & Smile Catering in 2007. Combines technical skill with local sourcing philosophy to create seasonal menus.
Jasmine Smith
Wedding Planner Partner
Award-winning event planner with 25+ produced events and 200+ coordinated weddings. Brings global cultural perspective from military upbringing and organizational expertise to client coordination. Offers discounted services for Eat & Smile clients through established partnership.
Questions
What makes your catering service different from competitors?
We're Washington DC's first locally sourced caterer with 175-mile radius ingredient sourcing. Our a la carte model allows complete customization, and we maintain strict sustainability practices including composting and renewable energy use.
Do you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Yes, we specialize in dietary accommodations including gluten-free, vegetarian, and allergy-specific meal options. Our team works directly with clients to ensure all requirements are met without compromising flavor or presentation.
What event types do you cater?
We handle weddings, corporate events, private dinners, cocktail parties, and social gatherings of all sizes. Our services range from intimate home dinners to large-scale galas with hundreds of guests.
How do you ensure food quality and freshness?
We maintain direct relationships with local producers and source ingredients seasonally. Our preparation methods prioritize freshness preservation, and we implement strict food safety protocols throughout the service process.
What sustainability practices do you follow?
We use biodegradable serviceware, compost 90% of organic waste, recycle fryer oil into biodiesel, and source 100% renewable energy. We also encourage staff carpooling and partner with local sustainability businesses.
Can you work with specific budget constraints?
Yes, our a la carte service model allows complete budget customization. We provide transparent pricing options and work collaboratively to create optimal experiences within specified financial parameters.
