It’s no secret that here in South Coastal Georgia, we love a good party. What we don’t always love is all the work that goes into the planning, prep, set-up, cooking, and clean-up. That’s where Monica Andrae and Three Little Birds Catering come in.
Islanders know Three Little Birds, Fly-In, Fly-Out as great place at 509 Ocean Boulevard to drop in for breakfast, lunch, or tasty grab-n-go. It is also the brick-and-mortar home of Three Little Birds Catering, a gem in the Georgia Sea Grill Collective crown that includes well-established fine dining restaurant, Georgia Sea Grill, and trendy tapas and wine bar, The Nest. Longtime restaurateur Zack Gowen is at the helm of these successful eateries and turns the wheel over to Andrae to manage Three Little Birds, Fly In, Fly Out and run the catering arm of the business.
Since the arrival of spring brings Easter, wedding event planning, graduations, and so many more reasons and occasions to celebrate, EIL turned to Monica to give us a quick run-down on what we need to know when considering using a caterer for these shindigs.
First and foremost, book early, if possible! “For large events and weddings, we see inquiries more than a year out, a year out and sometimes within 6-8 months. The sooner you book the date, the better,” says Monica. “There is a season of popular times of year for events whether it’s wedding season, social event/fundraising, or holiday season, so the dates can get snatched up fast! We are already booking 2027!”
When it comes to making menu selections, consider what type of event you’re hosting. Some menu items can be simple pick up or drop off, but other hot items require cooking on site. Monica explains that planned seating affects menu options and staffing. A party where guests will be grazing and enjoying easy handheld items will require less staffing than a dinner where guests need to be seated to enjoy a meal with knife and fork. If alcohol is being provided, you’ll need bartender service as well. If it is a seated affair, Three Little Birds is well-equipped to make it a beautiful occasion!
When asked if there are any popular menu or party trends they’re seeing, Monica shares, “Honestly, we have such a variety of orders fulfilling different goals/needs since we do everything from small dinner parties, bridal showers, and corporate luncheons to high end cocktail parties, coursed plated dinners, strolling rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, large fundraising events and more—they’re all very different. Different menus, different venues, new groups of people—that’s what makes it fun.”
“I think what’s trending is a practical approach to entertaining. If we can help unburden our clients with the existing load of things to do for their event, in the way of food, beverage and service, we consider ourselves to be a resource to help make it easier and memorable.”
At the core of each memorable event is the delicious food being served. When asked whether Three Little Birds has any “specialties,” Monica laughs. “Everything Chef Justin sends out of our kitchen, whether it’s a pan of chicken fettucine alfredo for a church dinner, his award-winning chili or a four-course plated dinner for a wedding reception for 250!” While catering options in the Golden Isles are ample, Monica says,
“What I believe is special about Three Little Birds catering is the heart that goes into pulling the event together. From making the food to the team who executes onsite and serves it to you and your guests. The cuisine is always on level with the Georgia Sea Grill Collective Brand.”
And Monica’s enthusiasm about the Three Little Birds culinary experience is backed by years of satisfied guests and return clients.
Lastly, don’t shy away from talking about budget and cost-cutting options. Monica suggests that the best way to scale down costs for large events is to reduce headcount, since everything is scalable. Food choice is another route, because there are both upscale options and more cost-effective alternatives. She says, “The key is openly communicating about costs and cost-saving options so that we can create a menu that is palatable for your budget.”
If you want to learn more about Three Little Birds catering options or get a quote for your event, call Monica at 912.771.8787 or place an online inquiry at threelittlebirdsssi.com.
