Mary G.
Yelp
Food, Service = 5
Another 5 star catering service delivery.
What started as a repeat extremely satisfied customer order journeyed into uncertainty closed out with validation why Athena Grill Catering will always be one of my go to catering companies, especially for Greek, Mediterranean food.
Went to their website to order catered buffet lunch for a board retreat happening the next day in Los Altos.
As before site easy to navigate with a variety of options to tailor. The first clue that there might be issues was I wasn't able to see or select my ideal delivery time for later in the day. I thought they were already booked for the time.
Then when I confirmed & paid for my order, the interface provided a message at bottom of my receipt that catering orders must be made 48 hours in advance. I did it the night before our retreat. (Made note to self to order 48 hours in advance in future) I was disappointed that the website did not clearly note must be made 48 hours in advance or message before I paid that I was ordering less than 48 hours.
After making a decent size order for 9, I went in mode hoping to salvage this order. I sent email to restaurant and left a voicemail that night with intention to call in morning to ensure they can fulfill order or provide a refund if they cannot. I called in morning to leave another message in hopes they check messages before their Saturday opening time of 11am which would not allow enough time to cook & deliver.
So while setting up for our retreat and searching for a plan B for lunch the hour before retreat starts at 9:30am, I discovered several missed calls.
To my delight it was Lorena confirming that they can complete the order, to call back & that would need to pay $20 to deliverer (lunch delivery is complimentary during weekdays near to their restaurant). She left voicemail and text. When I called back, I thank her and Athena grill for coming through.
Fast forward, food delivered in mobile hot boxes as expected on time by a couple, quietly arranged in the back of room, generous serving for 9, and very hot for traveling from Santa Clara to Los Altos.
I confirmed with Lorena via text and expressed my gratitude who again was responsive.
The food was enjoyed by all. We had salad (crisp w/dressing on side), grilled veggies (chunky cut that were firm not mushy), spanakopita (crisp phylo w/good size filling), vegetarian moussaka (would not miss the meat), rice (loose and more than enough for 9 of us), grilled skewered chicken (always moist), grilled salmon (first time and was good portion), and baklava (tasted home made). One of my colleagues asked if food was Halal, which I think they confirmed. Unsure if correct, so suggest contact restaurant directly.
Brought leftovers for Hubby & Dad to enjoy. Made plans to eat at their restaurant so can enjoy other yummy dishes like their lamb.
Thank you Lorena & Athena Grill Catering.