The Southern Collection
Table of Contents
Elevated Southern Flavors with Timeless Elegance
Curated Menus for Your Occasion.
STARTERS
GRITS CAKES
Golden baked cheese grit cakes topped with butter-sautéed shrimp and a crispy bacon garnish.
9
CHICKEN & WAFFLES
Savory goodness of fried chicken with the sweetness of a spicy honey glaze and the comforting taste of waffles. A favorite in Southern cuisine and beyond!
9
JALAPENO POPPERS
Fresh jalapeños filled with smooth cream cheese, wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon, and baked to perfection for the perfect balance of spice and savory indulgence.
9
MAC & CHEESE POPS
Rich and creamy mac and cheese, perfectly rolled into bite-sized balls, coated in golden breadcrumbs for a crispy, flavorful crunch.
7
CLASSIC SHRIMP COCKTAIL
Tender shrimp served with a house-made cocktail sauce that enhances the shrimp's natural sweetness. This flavorful sauce offers a delightful balance of tangy, zesty, and spicy notes, elevating this classic appetizer to a new level of culinary enjoyment.
10
BACON WRAPPED SHRIMP
Bacon-wrapped shrimp are succulent, tender shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon, combining smoky and savory flavors in every bite. Seasoned with a hint of spice, they’re a delicious appetizer perfect for any occasion.
10
SMOKED CHICKEN TACO
Artisanal blue corn taco soft shells cradle smoky chicken and a creamy slaw •GF
9
POLENTA BITES
Golden, crispy polenta rounds topped with tender, wine-braised short ribs and crumbled gorgonzola cheese, creating a savory and indulgent bite with rich, comforting flavors.
12
SOUTHERN PORK BELLY
Succulent, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly burnt ends, slow-cooked to perfection and glazed with a rich, smoky barbecue sauce. Served with a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice, this Southern favorite offers a crispy, flavorful crust with tender, juicy meat inside.
11
WELLINGTON BITES
Exquisite, bite-sized versions of the classic Beef Wellington, featuring tender, succulent pieces of beef wrapped in a delicate, flaky puff pastry.
14
CANDIED BACON
Crispy, smoky bacon glazed with a sweet and savory blend of brown sugar and spices, then caramelized to perfection for a delightful balance of crunch and rich, indulgent flavor.
8.50
CHOCOLATE COVERED WAFFLES
Crisp, golden miniature waffles dipped in your choice of rich, velvety chocolate ganache or silky smooth white chocolate. These bite-sized treats are indulgent and irresistibly decadent, perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to any celebration.
6
CAVIAR POTATO CHIPS
Crispy, golden potato chips topped with luxurious caviar and finished with a touch of Southern flair—featuring tangy crème fraîche, chives, and a hint of smoked sea salt for the ultimate bite of indulgence.
MARKET VALUE
MINI GRILLED CHEESE
Warm, buttery, and perfectly toasted, these miniature grilled cheese sandwiches feature melted, gooey cheese between golden, crispy bread. A comforting bite-sized treat that’s sure to delight guests of all ages.
10
SOUTHERN DISHES
-
Tri-Tip | A West Coast classic, our Santa Maria tri-tip is expertly seasoned with a signature blend of garlic, salt, pepper, and spices, then grilled over an open flame for a perfectly caramelized crust and tender, juicy center. Sliced to perfection, this flavorful cut of beef is a true showcase of California barbecue tradition. 35.00
-
Ribs | Experience the rich, smoky flavor of our real wood-smoked pork ribs. Served without a heavy BBQ rub to let the natural taste shine through, these tender ribs come in your choice of country-style cut for a hearty bite or baby back ribs for a classic, fall-off-the-bone experience. Perfectly seasoned and smoked to perfection, they’re a true celebration of simplicity and flavor. 26.00
-
Pork | Slow-smoked to perfection, our pulled pork is tender, juicy, and bursting with rich, smoky flavor. Hand-pulled and lightly seasoned to let the natural goodness shine, it’s perfect as a standalone dish or paired with your favorite sauces and sides. A classic crowd-pleaser that embodies true comfort and Southern-inspired flavor. 22.00
-
Chicken | Our smoked chicken is expertly prepared with a perfect balance of seasoning and slow-smoked over wood for tender, flavorful meat with a hint of smoky goodness. Choose to serve it as whole pieces for a rustic, hearty presentation or hand-pulled for a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. A delicious choice for any occasion. 22.00
-
Brisket | Our Texas-style brisket is a barbecue classic, smoked low and slow until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. Seasoned with a simple yet bold rub, it highlights the rich flavor of the beef and a perfect bark. Served sliced to showcase its juiciness, this brisket is a centerpiece of true Southern tradition. 30.00
-
Southern Fried Chicken | Our Southern buttermilk fried chicken takes this classic dish to new heights. Marinated in seasoned buttermilk for tender, flavorful meat, then coated in a delicately spiced crust, it’s fried to perfection for a satisfying crunch in every bite. A refined take on a Southern favorite that’s sure to impress. 22.00
Your menu includes one protein and two sides. Additional sides and proteins can be added, allowing you to tailor the offerings to perfectly match your tastes and create a truly personalized dining experience for your event.
COMFORT SIDES
POTATO SALAD
Creamy and classic, our potato salad features tender chunks of potato tossed with a tangy, flavorful dressing, perfectly balanced with a touch of mustard, herbs, and crunchy add-ins for a timeless favorite.
COLESLAW
Crisp and refreshing, our coleslaw combines freshly shredded cabbage and carrots with a creamy, tangy dressing. The perfect complement to smoky and savory dishes.
SOUTHERN GREEN BEANS
Slow-cooked with savory seasonings and a hint of smoky bacon, these tender green beans capture the essence of Southern comfort food.
BBQ BEANS
Sweet, smoky, and hearty, our BBQ beans are simmered with a rich barbecue sauce and just the right amount of spices, creating a flavorful side that’s full of warmth.
MAC & CHEESE
A rich and creamy delight, our mac and cheese features tender pasta smothered in a velvety cheese sauce, baked with a golden crust for the ultimate indulgence.
CORNBREAD
Soft, tender, and slightly sweet, our cornbread is baked to perfection with a golden crust and a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth center.
BUTTERY POTATOES
Buttery, creamy, and oh-so-smooth, our mashed potatoes are whipped to perfection and seasoned just right for a side dish that’s pure comfort.
BROWN BUTTER CORN
Fresh kernels of corn sautéed with rich, nutty brown butter for a side dish that’s as luxurious as it is delicious, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a gourmet twist to a comfort classic.
CORN on the COB
Sweet, juicy ears of corn grilled or steamed to perfection, served with a brush of butter and a sprinkle of salt for a simple, classic favorite.
Signature Stations
Cocktail, Late Night, or Mains
Slider Station 17.00
-
Pork Tenderloin Slider
Juicy, perfectly cooked pork tenderloin topped with a sweet and tangy apple slaw, served on a soft brioche bun. -
Farm-Raised Beef Slider
Flavorful, locally sourced beef topped with creamy blue cheese and peppery arugula on a toasted slider bun. -
Crispy Fried Chicken Slider
Southern buttermilk fried chicken with honey hot sauce and a dill pickle chip, served on a buttery biscuit.
Potato Station 16.00
Guests can choose between fluffy mashed potatoes or baked potatoes, available with sweet potatoes, Russet, or Yukon golds.
-
Toppings Bar includes real bacon bits, sour cream, chives, cheddar cheese, whipped honey butter, candied pecans, and marshmallows for sweet potato lovers.
Soup & Salad Station 12.00
-
Soups
-
Southern Tomato Bisque: Creamy and rich with a touch of smoky paprika. Pairing suggestion: Mini Grilled Cheese
-
Chicken & Wild Rice Soup: A comforting classic with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and fresh herbs.
-
-
Salads
-
Southern Kale & Buttermilk Dressing: Fresh kale, croutons, shaved red onion, and a creamy buttermilk dressing.
-
Heirloom Tomato & Peach Salad: Sweet peaches and heirloom tomatoes with fresh basil, arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. (Seasonal)
-
Healthy Grain Salad: Farro or quinoa tossed with roasted sweet potatoes, pecans, dried cranberries, and a maple vinaigrette for a hearty and healthful option.
-
PRICING
& SERVICES
STAFF REQUIREMENTS
Staffing and Event Timing
The number of chefs, cooks, servers, staff captains, and bartenders for each event is determined by Carmelita Catering Co. based on guest count and menu selections. One executive chef oversees all aspects of food production for the event. Approximately one cook/chef is assigned per 30–35 guests, and one server is assigned per 20-25 guests. One staff captain is designated to oversee the event. A full staff will attend all events, with the exception of our drop-off service.
Carmelita Catering Co. will arrive approximately 1.5 to 2 hours before the event begins for setup and food preparation. The team will depart approximately one hour after the food service portion of the event concludes. This ensures seamless service and an enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
Servers $40 per Hour
Cooks $ 44 per Hour
Bartenders $ 50 per Hour
Banquet Captain $45 per Hour
Executive Chef $ 65 per Hour
All Carmelita Catering Co. staff are booked with a four-hour minimum to ensure seamless service and adequate preparation for your event.
Proposals
To receive a proposal, please select your menu items so we can provide an accurate quote for your event. If you need assistance with menu planning, our team would be delighted to guide you. Pricing is determined based on guest count and event details.
All service includes trays for passing, garnishes for the trays, cocktail napkins, and event area cleanup. We are also happy to connect you with trusted vendors for other event needs, such as DJs, live music, valet, or rentals.
Please note that all kitchen and service rentals are the financial responsibility of the client. To minimize additional expenses, it is most convenient if a fridge and running water are available onsite.
The Carmelita Catering Co. culinary team strives to accommodate all dietary restrictions to the best of our ability. However, we are not a certified gluten-free kitchen, and some cross-contamination may occur.
Tastings
We are delighted to offer tastings by appointment for clients hosting events totaling $3,000 or more. This experience allows you to experience the quality and creativity of our dishes firsthand and ensure your vision is perfectly reflected in every bite.
Tastings are held at our catering headquarters in Springdale during business hours, Tuesday through Thursday, and are one hour in duration. This intimate experience is thoughtfully designed for two guests and is priced at $200 for up to eight menu items. Additional guests are welcome to join for $60 per person.
Our team is dedicated to making this an enjoyable and personalized experience as we craft the perfect menu for your special event. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, and we’ll gladly accommodate them to the best of our ability.
We look forward to welcoming you and working together to create something truly extraordinary.
Thank You!
Our team is excited to collaborate with you to plan the perfect menu, and our carefully selected staff is ready to bring your vision to life. Let’s eat!
We are truly honored that you’ve chosen Carmelita Catering Co. for your special occasion. We look forward to hosting your event and delivering an unforgettable experience with exceptional food and unparalleled service.
