Contemporary choices, too

That's an important distinction among caterers since not all caterers are kosher, and not everyone keeps a kosher house. Some people want kosher-style food with more contemporary fare.

The Classic Catering People in Baltimore, Maryland, offer a complete Passover menu with two variations: 1) a traditional dinner that feeds 10 people for $175, and 2) a contemporary version for $275. Both include the ingredients of the Passover Seder plate, and customary foods like the sweet charoset found on most Seder tables.

Plate With Romaine

But clients can also choose from an array of à la carte items. Among them: a Turkish variation of charoset that's made with dates, prunes, and apricots instead of the traditional apples, walnuts, and cinnamon. They offer grilled Asian salmon filet, asparagus, matzo brei, and veal brisket among their many entrees. Side dishes include cubed potato medley, roasted spring vegetables, and broccolini with garlic.

Farrow says that variety is necessary because "we have repeat customers and we like to give them choices. There are so many new approaches to the Seder that you don't have to stick with the same old thing. There are a lot of exciting recipes out there."

People are looking for lighter variations on tradition, too. "They're getting away from the potato kugel," she says, and opting instead for casseroles made with fruits and vegetables.

Farrow says anyone planning to use a caterer for their Passover Seder should first decide whether them want them to cook and serve the entire meal, or just provide side dishes to accompany their home-cooked entrée and desserts.

Then they should find out the caterer's deadline for placing orders. Some, like Farrow, think that "two weeks ahead of time is too late. Place your order a month ahead." That's also important if you intend to hire waitstaff.

Other caterers, like Ruggerio, are more flexible, and request that orders be placed at least one week in advance. Even if orders come in later, however, "we can make it up at the last minute," he says.

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