Straight from the Kitchen: 8 Questions Everyone Asks Carolima’s
When you’re planning an event—especially one that involves food—questions are bound to come up. At Carolima’s Lowcountry Cuisine, we know how important it is to feel confident and informed about your catering partner. That’s why this week, we’re pulling back the curtain and answering some of the most common (and crucial!) questions our clients ask. From tastings to leftovers, we’re breaking it all down so you can focus on planning your perfect event with peace of mind. Whether you’re dreaming of a Gullah-inspired wedding menu or simply want to know what “administrative fees” actually cover, we’ve got the answers below.
Do you offer tastings?
Yes! We offer tastings Monday through Friday for up to four guests (minimum of two). Chef's Choice Tastings require an investment of $75 per person, which is not applied to your final balance. It’s a great way to experience our flavors firsthand and ensure your menu is exactly what you envision.
We also host pop-up events throughout the year where we showcase a variety of our offerings. To stay in the loop about upcoming tastings, pop-ups, and other events, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
What does the administrative fee cover?
The 21% administrative fee is applied to your food and beverage total and covers everything from planning and preparation to insurance, marketing, and general overhead. It helps us provide high-quality service while maintaining the standards you expect from a professional catering company.
Why is there a fee for a Chef Manager?
Your Chef Manager is more than just a cook—they are your culinary team lead. They’re responsible for sourcing, prepping, and executing your entire menu, and they ensure every dish is delivered with care, consistency, and flavor. This role is essential for events that require precision and professionalism.
What makes your food authentic Gullah Geechee cuisine?
We are proud natives of the Gullah Geechee corridor, and our recipes have been passed down through generations. Our flavors are deeply rooted in tradition, culture, and memory—each dish tells a story, and each ingredient has a purpose. When we say our food is authentic, we mean it in every sense of the word.
Are we limited to themed menus for weddings?
Not at all. While our themed menus are a great starting point, we can fully customize your wedding menu to reflect your personal tastes, dietary needs, and cultural preferences. Want to mix in Caribbean flair or a vegan twist? Let’s create a menu as unique as your love story.
What happens to leftover food after the event?
We understand that no one wants good food to go to waste — and yes, you can take home leftovers. We simply require a signed food waiver stating that you’re accepting responsibility to properly store the food and also agreeing to discard it by a specified date. This ensures our clients understand how to safely handle any remaining items. We take food safety seriously — it’s how we protect your guests, your event, and our reputation.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (3% processing fee), as well as Cash App, Venmo, checks, and cash. Flexibility is key when planning an event, and we aim to make every step—from booking to billing—as simple as possible.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We are licensed by South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) formally known as South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and hold all necessary business licenses for Charleston and surrounding areas, including North Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, and Isle of Palms. We also carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance for your peace of mind.
Still have questions? Let’s chat!
Planning an event can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to guide you every step of the way—from selecting the perfect menu to making sure your guests leave happy and full. If you have a question we didn’t cover here, drop us a message on social media or email us directly.
Contact us
today to schedule a tasting, ask a question, or start building the event of your dreams.









