THEMED CATERING AND ACTION STATIONS

Themed Catering and Action Stations

Transform Your NYC Event Into an Unforgettable Experience

When it comes to creating memorable events in New York City, the food experience can be the difference between an ordinary gathering and an extraordinary celebration. Themed catering and interactive action stations have revolutionized how businesses, organizations, and families approach event planning. Rather than traditional stationary platters and passed hors d’oeuvres, action stations bring energy, excitement, and personalization to your event—letting guests become part of the culinary experience.

At Gotham Catering NYC, we understand that modern events demand more than just good food. They demand engagement, visual appeal, and memorable moments. Our festive and fun interactive stations transform any corporate event, cocktail party, or celebration into an interactive culinary journey that keeps guests entertained while satisfying their appetites.

FESTIVE AND FUN INTERACTIVE STATIONS

(Minimum of 20 Guests)
The Following Tables are Abundant Displays of Some of the World’s Most Exciting themed catering Cuisines Designed to Offer Guests Selections of Their Choice to be Prepared by our Talented Team of Chefs
Gluten free options available upon request
(Chef Attendant/Carver: $160 for 2 hours)

CARNIVAL

  $ 36  PER GUEST

• Cotton Candy on a Cone
• Popcorn in bags
• Candy Apples
• Mini Corndogs w/Mustard & Ketchup
• Pretzel w/Mustard & Cheese sauce
• Toys
• Ice Cold Cans of Soda
• Paper Goods & Tablecloth

If you need Carnival Machines
Popcorn Machine Rental $200 per day plus attendant ($90 per hour)
Cotton Candy Machine Rental $200 per day plus attendant ($90 per hour)

HOT DOG CART

$ 23.95  PER GUEST
A table top themed catering to include hot dog cart with umbrella is great for any special event.

• All Beef Hot Dogs and Buns
• Sauerkraut
• Red Onions
• Relish
• Deli Mustard
• Ketchup
• Hot Dog Holders & Napkins

Indoor hot dog carts Rental $400 per day plus attendant ($90 per hour) Ask about our outdoor hot dog carts.  Great for any event or just a party in your backyard.

POPCORN MACHINE

$ 18.95  PER GUEST
There is nothing like the smell of freshly popped corn!

• Popcorn Cart
• Fresh Made Popcorn
• Popcorn Boxes
• Napkins
  Popcorn Machine Rental $200 per day plus attendant ($90 per hour)

CARVING STATIONS

$ 44  PER GUESTT
Your Choice of two of the Following Carved to Order by Our Staff:

• Grilled Salmon with a Green Herb Sauce
• Whole Roasted Sea Bass with a Ginger Miso Sauce
• Seared Sesame Crusted Ahi Top Loin Tuna with Ponzu, Sweet Soy and Chili Dipping Sauces
• Pepper Crusted Tenderloin of Beef with Ragout of Wild Mushrooms and Sauce Béarnaise
• Leg of Lamb with Mint Vinegar Chutney
• Honey Cured Picnic Ham with Spiced Apples Compote
• Free Range Turkey Breast Cranberry Sauce

Carving Board And Lamb $200 per day plus attendant ($100 per hour)

FONDUE STATION

$ 28.95  PER GUEST
A Selection of Cheese Fondues Maintained by Our Staff and Set Out for Guests to Help Themselves

• Sweet Red Pepper and Monterey Jack, Gouda , Traditional Gruyere
• New York State Cheddar
• Assorted Crudités, Roasted Vegetables
• Seasonal Fruit
• Crusty French bread

Free Fondu Machine

MEXICAN FAJITA STATION

$ 32.95  PER GUEST
Olé!  Traditional Mexican themed catering with fajita fillings of sautéed chicken, beef or grilled vegetables, with all the fixings

• Sautéed Chicken
• Beef
• Grilled Vegetables
• Warm Tortilla
• With Fresh Tomatoes, Homemade Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Sour Cream, Chopped Black Olives, Jalapeno Peppers, Spanish Rice, Fresh Cilantro and Cheddar Cheese

FAJITA STATION Grill $250 per day plus Chef attendant ($100 per hour)

STIR FRY STATION

$ TBD  PER GUEST
This Sizzling Station Features a Selection of Ginger Marinated Pork, Poached Chicken, Lemongrass Shrimp, Spicy Beef, Snow Peas, Mushrooms, Scallions, Baby Corn, and Water Chestnuts
Served with Asian Noodles and Rice and Made to Order in Large Woks

ASIAN WOK STATION

$ TBD  PER GUEST
Served in Chinese takeout boxes with chop sticks, Stir-fry choice of: Chicken, Beef, Oriental vegetables, Fried rice Vegetable and chicken dim sum with sesame ginger soy Fortune cookies

PASTA STATION

$ TBD  PER GUEST
A variety of pastas made to order to top with your choice of sauces. Pesto, Veal Ragu, Tomato Leek with Pancetta and Four Cheese with Wild Mushrooms It wouldn’t be complete without crusty Italian bread, fresh parmesan cheese and handmade bread sticks.

SUSHI STATION

$ TBD  PER GUEST
This Interactive Station Features Our Professional Sushi Chefs Making Sushi Rolls to Order with a Variety of Ingredients, Including: Tuna, Yellowtail, Shrimp, Eel, Scallops, Cucumber, Avocado and Vegetable Tempura Served with Soy Sauce, Picked Ginger, Wasabi and Chopsticks

MINI SLIDERS  STATION

$ TBD  PER GUEST
Who doesn’t love burgers? Bite size hamburgers, cheeseburgers & turkey burgers On warm brioche buns, served with a variety of fixings.

CRÊPE STATION

$ TBD  PER GUEST
The French classic made your way, savory or sweet. Made to order with your choice of Beef, vegetables, tropical fruit or chocolate, topped with a variety of sauces.

SWEET AND SAVORY S’MORES BAR

$ 17.95  PER GUEST
A Rustic S’mores Buffet offering Sweet and Savory Fillings including Cinnamon Sugar Graham Crackers, Chocolate Graham Crackers, Fluffy Marshmallows, Peanut Butter, Raspberry Jam, Salted Caramel & Fresh Fruit as well as a Savory Assortment of Crackers, Fresh Mozzarella, Goat Cheese, Prosciutto, Bacon, Arugula, and Fresh Herbs.

CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE 

$ 32  PER GUEST (25 guests Minimum)
An endless stream of white and semi-sweet chocolate fondue with your favorite dipping items (Strawberries, apples, banana, marshmallow, dried fruits, pound cake, brownies, Rice Crispy wedges and pretzel sticks)
(Limited availability, please place your orders early)

MARTINI POTATO BAR

$27.95 PER GUEST  
Creamy Mashed Potatoes Served in Martini Glasses
served with the following toppings:
Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Bacon Crumbles, Broccoli Florets, Sour Cream, Snipped Chives and Home Style Gravy

RAW BAR $ TBD  PER GUEST
A Selection of Clams and Oysters Opened Fresh to Order with mignonette sauce
Steamed Shrimp with cocktail sauce
Steamed Mussels on the Half Shell with roasted peppers and aioli sauce
Cocktail Crab Claws
Cucumber Salad with dill vinaigrette
served on ice tray – decorated with seaweed

Above just a sample of our themed catering

What Makes Themed Catering and Action Stations Special?

Action stations represent a fundamental shift in event catering philosophy. Instead of guests passively selecting from pre-plated options or accepting what’s offered on a server’s tray, they become active participants in crafting their perfect meal. This interactive element creates natural conversation starters, encourages mingling, and gives each guest agency over their dining experience.

Themed catering adds another dimension entirely. By selecting a cohesive theme—whether it’s an elegant French crêpe experience, a vibrant Mexican fajita celebration, or an interactive sushi rolling demonstration—you create an immersive environment that transports guests and elevates your event from standard catering to a destination culinary experience.

For corporate events and cocktail parties, this approach breaks the ice among attendees who might not know each other well. The casual, interactive nature of action stations encourages mingling and conversation in ways that traditional seated meals or buffet lines cannot replicate.

Our Diverse Selection of Themed Action Stations

We’ve curated an impressive collection of themed catering options, each designed to showcase world-class cuisines while maintaining the interactive element that makes action stations so engaging.

Asian Cuisine Stations

Our sushi station features professional sushi chefs crafting custom rolls right before your guests’ eyes. With ingredients including premium tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, eel, scallops, fresh cucumber, avocado, and vegetable tempura, every guest can customize their perfect roll. Served with soy sauce, pickled ginger, wasabi, and chopsticks, this station combines artistry with delicious results.

For those seeking a different Asian experience, our stir fry and Asian wok stations deliver sizzling action and incredible aromas. Guests can select from ginger marinated pork, poached chicken, lemongrass shrimp, and spicy beef, combined with fresh snow peas, mushrooms, scallions, baby corn, and water chestnuts. These stations are made to order in large woks, serving your choices with Asian noodles and rice—or presented in authentic Chinese takeout boxes with chopsticks and fortune cookies.

Italian and Mediterranean Stations

Our pasta station celebrates the comfort and elegance of Italian cuisine. Guests choose from made-to-order pastas topped with classic sauces: aromatic pesto, rich veal ragù, tomato leek with pancetta, or creamy four-cheese sauce with wild mushrooms. Crusty Italian bread, fresh parmesan cheese, and handmade breadsticks complete the experience.

For a touch of Continental sophistication, our crêpe station offers the French classic prepared your way. Whether guests prefer savory crêpes filled with beef and vegetables, or sweet creations with tropical fruit and chocolate, our chefs prepare each one to order with a variety of complementary sauces.

American Classics with a Twist

Nothing says celebration like our mini sliders station—bite-sized hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and turkey burgers on warm brioche buns with all the traditional fixings. It’s familiar, fun, and perfectly portioned for grazing guests.

The martini potato bar offers a creative interpretation of a beloved comfort food. Creamy mashed potatoes served elegantly in martini glasses and topped with shredded cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, broccoli florets, sour cream, chives, and homestyle gravy transform a simple side dish into a statement moment.

For events seeking pure entertainment and nostalgia, our carnival station delivers. Complete with cotton candy on cones, a popcorn machine, candy apples, mini corndogs with mustard and ketchup, sausage and peppers on mini heros, a pretzel machine, and ice-cold sodas, this station appeals to guests of all ages and creates a festive, playful atmosphere.

Seafood Excellence

Our raw bar station showcases the finest in fresh seafood. Professional staff open clams and oysters to order, serving them with mignonette sauce. The station also features steamed shrimp with cocktail sauce, steamed mussels on the half shell with roasted peppers and aioli, and cocktail crab claws. All items are elegantly presented on ice trays decorated with seaweed, creating a stunning visual centerpiece while delivering premium flavors.

For guests seeking cooked seafood, our carving stations feature options including grilled salmon with green herb sauce and whole roasted sea bass with ginger miso sauce.

Sweet Experiences

Our chocolate fountain experience creates pure indulgence. An endless stream of white and semi-sweet chocolate fondue invites guests to dip strawberries, apples, bananas, marshmallows, dried fruits, pound cake, brownies, rice crispy wedges, and pretzel sticks. This station is particularly popular for evening events and requires a minimum of 25 guests.

The sweet and savory s’mores bar offers rustic charm with unexpected sophistication. Beyond the traditional cinnamon sugar graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, guests can explore gourmet options like fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, prosciutto, bacon, arugula, and fresh herbs—creating both nostalgic and refined flavor combinations.

Specialty Stations

Our fondue station maintains a selection of exquisite cheese fondues including sweet red pepper and monterey jack, gouda, traditional gruyere, and New York state cheddar. Guests help themselves to dips of assorted crudités, roasted vegetables, seasonal fruit, and crusty French bread.

The Mexican fajita station brings festive energy with sautéed chicken, beef, or grilled vegetables served with warm tortillas and all the authentic fixings: fresh tomatoes, homemade guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, chopped black olives, jalapeño peppers, Spanish rice, fresh cilantro, and cheddar cheese.

Beyond the Stations: Complete Event Catering Solutions

While action stations serve as the cornerstone of memorable events, Gotham Catering NYC recognizes that successful events require comprehensive catering solutions. Our themed stations work beautifully in combination with complementary services.

Before guests reach the action stations, they might enjoy our passed hors d’oeuvres or select from elegant hors d’oeuvre baskets. Between stations, they can explore our selection of party snacks. For receptions and cocktail hours, our full bar catering services ensure guests have premium beverage options. To conclude events on a sweet note, our desserts catering menu offers beautiful finishing touches, while our beverages selection provides everything from coffee service to specialty drinks.

Professional event staff members ensure stations run smoothly, food remains perfectly presented, and guests always have what they need. Our uniformed servers and skilled carvers keep the action flowing and maintain the pristine appearance of every station throughout your event.

Why Choose Gotham Catering NYC for Your Themed Event?

Our experience catering corporate events, cocktail parties, and celebrations throughout New York City has taught us what creates truly memorable events. We understand that themed action stations succeed when three elements align: exceptional food quality, authentic presentation, and seamless execution.

Our talented team of chefs brings genuine expertise to each cuisine we represent. Whether demonstrating sushi-rolling technique, perfectly searing tuna, or carving prime rib with precision, our culinary professionals elevate the dining experience beyond mere consumption to genuine culinary entertainment.

We also recognize that every event is unique. Minimum party sizes start at just 20 guests, making themed action stations accessible for corporate team celebrations, intimate wedding receptions, and organizational events. Gluten-free options are available upon request, ensuring dietary accommodations don’t compromise the experience for any guest.

Creating Your Perfect Event Experience

The journey to an exceptional event begins with a conversation about your vision, your guests’ preferences, and your event’s tone. Whether you’re planning a sophisticated corporate affair, a festive celebration, or an intimate gathering, we can craft a themed catering experience that exceeds expectations.

Our planners stand ready to discuss how action stations can elevate your specific event. Whether you want a single showcase station or multiple themed experiences running simultaneously, we can design an experience perfectly suited to your needs.

Contact Gotham Catering and Events today to discuss your event vision. From healthy catering options to special dietary accommodations, from casual corporate celebrations to elegant wedding receptions, our expertise ensures every detail reflects your vision and delights your guests. Let us transform your next event into an unforgettable celebration where the food, the experience, and the memories become one.