Lake Como Chef refers to the operating company ‘Food for Thought’, VAT 03898880137

‘The Client’ refers to the customer booking any catering services with Lake Como Chef

‘We, ours, us, etc.’ means Lake Como Chef

‘You, yours, etc.’ means The Client

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These Terms and Conditions may be amended by us at any time by updating them on our website. You should review these Terms and Conditions each time you access our website. By continuing to use and access our website you agree to be bound by the amended Terms and Conditions.

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Prices

All prices quoted are inclusive of VAT unless otherwise stated. Prices are subject to change depending on market prices of ingredients.

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Deposit

For boutique catering events, we require a 50% deposit and a detailed confirmation sheet, signed for acceptance. in order to book and secure your event date. We reserve the right to amend prices should our cost price fluctuate beyond our reasonable control.

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Final Payment

Catering: No event is considered confirmed until deposit has been received. The balance will be invoiced upon confirmation of the final menu no less than 14 working days prior to the function and confirmation of final numbers and full payment of the function is required 10 working days prior to the event date, unless other arrangements have been made previously. Any additional charges will be invoiced after the event.

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Online & Delivery: Payment is required once the order has been confirmed online, and prior to the date of delivery. We accept payment by most credit cards, including Mastercard, AMEX and Visa (credit card surcharges apply). Our bank account details are located on each invoice for payment by direct transfer.

 

Gratuities

Tips/gratuities are not included in the cost of Lake Como Chef services and are left to your discretion; if you would like to show your appreciation of your Chef and their work, please feel free to do so to them directly.

 

Staff Costs

Our function staff are available for booking for a minimum of four hours. Public holiday rates apply to respective dates; these will be quoted upon inquiry only. Bookings that include staff must be confirmed 14 days prior to the date of the event.

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Equipment

We can arrange any extra equipment you require for your event. Hire of equipment included is itemized in the quote, and includes a delivery and pick up charge. Any damage to or loss of hire equipment caused by the client, client’s guests, venues or venues employees will be charged to the client and invoiced after the event.
 
Confirmation of Details

Menus, final numbers, dietary requirements and staff for functions are to be confirmed 7 days prior to the event. If the final numbers decrease after confirmation has been made you will be charged at your confirmed numbers.
Delivery only orders must be confirmed 72 hours prior to delivery. Payment is required at the time of purchase online or if booking is made over the phone, payment is required prior to or on the date of delivery.

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Dietary Requirements

Our staff and suppliers prepare all food in accordance with the Food Standards set by the Health Ministry (Ministero della Salute) and are HACCP Accredited.

Quality Control

Lake Como Chef does not provide partial catering for any event, including the serving of cakes, desserts, BYO food of any nature without prior consent. This practice contravenes our Food Safety program. Please mention to us during the initial quote stages if you plan to supply any foods from home or relative or registered food business. 

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Images on our website and marketing material are styled for presentation purposes, and may not be indicative of the presentation of particular items ordered by the Client.  Menus are subject to change according to seasonal and supplier availability. We do endeavor to alert clients to any changes, however, this is not always possible and in some instances some products may be substituted for similar quality ingredients.

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Responsible Service of Alcohol

In accordance with Italian Law, our staff reserve the right to refuse to serve alcohol to guests under the age of 18 and guests who are intoxicated. Lake Como Chef does not sell alcoholic beverages but we do provide Prosecco and select cocktails within some packages as a gratuity or ingredient included in a menu. 

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If a Temporary Liquor Licence application is required, fees will be directly charged to the Client whether the application is successful or not. In certain situations including functions held in public areas, commune regulations will apply. In this instance the cost of said fencing will be charged directly to the client, including the delivery and set up charges associated with it.

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Dinner Parties - Changing the number of people attending 

If you would like to reduce the number of guests attending your event after your booking has been made, this can be done at least 21 days in advance, but no later than 14 days before our final invoice has been issued. However, every booking has a minimum guest requirement, depending on the menu and type of event. If your reduction in guests reaches this minimum requirement, there may be an additional charge. Unfortunately we are not able to provide a refund for reduced numbers after the final invoice has been paid. 

If you would like to increase the number of guests attending your event, please notify Lake Como Chef at least 7 days in advance of the confirmed date, and we will arrange for enough ingredients to cover additional plates. The additional charge per person must be paid in full at the time of order change.

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Placing Your Order

Please choose your order carefully and ensure you have read and understood the menu carefully. While Lake Como Chef makes every effort to describe all dishes accurately, not every single ingredient can be listed. You can request a full description of proposed ingredients in each dish prior to ordering, please do so by email. By confirming your menu you acknowledge that you have read and accepted the description and concluding information concerning the dishes and accept responsibility for choosing the goods ordered.

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While Lake Como Chef makes every effort to prepare food to your personal tastes, Lake Como Chef cannot be held responsible for any goods that are not to your liking and such goods cannot be returned, swapped for alternative dishes or costs refunded. Lake Como Chef makes no warranties to the accuracy of taste and cannot be held responsible for flavor of fresh ingredients or any subsequent cooked food.

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By confirming your menu you acknowledge and accept that your food is made specifically for you from fresh ingredients and therefore cannot be reproduced to exact flavor, color, texture, taste or quantity and thus variations of these factors will occur in home cooked food. Food cannot be returned, swapped for alternative dishes or costs refunded.

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Availability of Ingredients 

Lake Como Chef cannot be responsible if any ingredients are unavailable due to circumstances beyond Lake Como Chef’s reasonable control. If an ingredient is unavailable Lake Como Chef reserves the right to substitute a comparable and suitable ingredient. If you do not wish for substitutes to be made please state this at the initial consultation, please note that if you choose not to have substituted ingredients and an ingredient is unavailable that dish cannot be made and no refund for service will be given.

 

Nutritional Advice

Lake Como Chef are not nutritionists, dietitians or medical doctors of any kind. They do not provide medical or nutrition advice. By entering into this agreement with Lake Como Chef, you acknowledge and accept that Lake Como Chef has advised you of these facts and if you have any medical, nutritional or dietary questions regarding Lake Como Chef’s food you are to seek advice from qualified medical doctors and nutritionists, or professionals we collaborate with. In addition, you acknowledge and accept that Lake Como Chef does not make any warranties for any weight loss, medical or any other dietary programs.

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Food Safety and Dietary Requirements

Lake Como Chef staff and suppliers prepare all food in accordance with the Food Standards set by the Health Ministry (Ministero della Salute) and are HACCP Accredited.

 

Please inform us if any of your guests have serious food allergies and we will do our best to accommodate. However, we are not held liable for any adverse reaction experienced by any guest or participant of Lake Como Chef cooking classes or food service.

 

Before Lake Como Chef prepares food for you, a client consultation will be carried out to assess food preference, dietary requirements, allergies and kitchen equipment available. It is the client's responsibility to provide accurate, complete and updated information before Lake Como Chefs prepare food to your and your family’s tastes and requirements.

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Exclusions

Alcohol is not included in any Lake Como Chef services unless specified by Lake Como Chef. Please contact us to discuss drink options.

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Your Responsibilities to Your Chef

Before the chef’s arrival, your kitchen should be clean and tidy with a clear work surface to a reasonable degree. We will check what equipment you have on booking and discuss any potential issues. On arrival, you must show the chef how your kitchen equipment works, including turning on any electrical appliances. You should show the chef what equipment may be used for the dinner party, including pots, pans, electrical equipment, crockery, cutlery and glassware (if necessary), removing it from high cupboards. Any faulty equipment should be removed from the kitchen prior to the dinner party. You must have at least a minimum level of equipment in your kitchen.

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We will not tolerate any violent, threatening behavior, physical aggression, verbal abuse or sexual harassment to any of our staff or representatives. If this happens our team will vacate the property immediately and the booking will not continue. No refund will be issued and legal proceedings will be issued against you.

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The Weather

If you choose an outdoor location for your dinner party, appropriate cooking facilities must be available. Please ensure that you have a suitable indoor venue available in the case of poor weather. We regret we are unable to reschedule events due to adverse weather.

 

Waiver

Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties elsewhere herein, in no event shall either parties be liable to the other parties for any damages: indirect, incidental, consequential, special or exemplary, incurred by the other parties arising out of the use of Services, even if such parties has been advised of the possibility of such damages. You, your heirs, personal representatives or assigns, agents, employees and affiliates, do hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Lake Como Chef, their affiliates, direct or indirect, officers, employees, businesses and agents from liability from any and all claims resulting in personal injury, accidents or illnesses (including death), and property loss arising from, but not limited to, use of the Services.

 

Indemnity

To the extent provided by law and this Agreement, you shall, at your own cost and expense, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless, Lake Como Chef, its Affiliates and Representatives, officers, directors, employees, agents, successors and assigns, from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and court costs) which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of Services.

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Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between you and Lake Como Chef and supersedes all previous Agreements.

 

Law and Jurisdiction

This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Italy, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. The District Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction to adjudicate any controversy or claim arising out of or related to this Agreement.

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