DaRae offered us great advice throughout the planning process for a wedding reception and was sensitive to our budget. The food was absolutely delicious and the service excellent in less than an ideal location. GGS read more

I have used DaRae & Friends Catering for years and I have never been disappointed with anything! DaRae's food is absolutely delicious...not only is it appetizing the presentation is always beautiful! Whether you are catering, breakfast, lunch or a special occasion the highest quality is what you will get! DaRae and her Friends are the nicest people you will ever meet...so professional, prompt and pricing is incredibly reasonable! Next time you need catering for an event in or around Lexington, Ky do yourself a huge favor and call DaRae and Friends catering...you will be glad and so will your guests! read more

I cannot say enough good things about this company. This week we were lucky enough to have lunch provided by Darae & Friends. Each day we were provided breakfast, lunch, and a snack. Breakfast options were: oatmeal, breakfast casserole, oatmeal, and/or a make your own biscuit station. Lunch throughout the week consisted of: lasagna, pulled pork bbq, hashbrown casserole and a Texas style pot roast! Sides included: salads, rolls, and vegetables! Desserts were also provided daily. These included: cheesecakes, cookies, brownies and cakes! Lastly, they provided us with daily snacks. These snacks were: snack bars which were homemade, fruit, sorbet, and Chex mix! If you are in the need for a catering company, this should be your go-to! read more

DaRae is a phenom! I've used her for home dishes, holidays, and parties. She has a great persona with people and so does her staff. It's always a pleasure to work with them. The food always looks fresh and ready to eat! I've sent a multitude of brides to her. She's awesome! read more

If you've ever had a GREAT catered meal at an event, it was probably from this fabulous lady: Darae Marcum. For years we have used her services at Makenna Foundation soirées and galas, but recently she made COVID-friendly boxed lunches for a very special baby shower. As expected, it out of this world. From the unique chicken salad to the hummus stuffed peppers to the cupcakes, every bite was mouthwatering. I was sad there were no seconds! We've entrusted Darae with events big (500+) and small (25), and she never fails. read more

Darae & Friends Catering - Boxed lunches for a very special baby shower - Caterers Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Our daughter got us delivery from DaRae & Friends for Mother's Day. Wow! What a feast. We had chicken breast & salad, green beans, herbed potatoes, a superb salad, lobster Mac & cheese, bread, and desserts. Fit for a king! We are impressed and DaRae just went to the top of our list for caterers! read more

I can only speak from the viewpoint of an eater, as I've not done business with them. I have, however, experienced their food at numerous events around town, mainly appetizers and light bites, and it has always been good. One of my favorites has been the whole glazed salmon, surrounded by finely chopped red onions and capers, with clouds of crème fraiche. Crostini included. read more

We found out my sister-in-law has been diagnosed with terminal cancer on a Friday, Saturday was the last opportunity for our family to see her before she travelled home for hospice. I contacted DaRae and explained the news and that we had not known her condition until today. I asked if there was any chance she could put something together for my family and my sister-in-law's friends so they could see her one last time. DaRae handled everything, had it delivered and set up for the entire day. I know it was short notice and a big ask, but she made one of the toughest days somewhat less difficult and hectic. From the set-up the service to the exceptional food everyone remembers her last moments here and how nice and comforting it was. DaRae helped with that, and for that we are grateful. read more

I emailed Allison when we decided on a last-minute birthday party for 25, and she helped me decide between their staff serving appetizers vs. me just picking up food for the night. I decided on the pick up. We had 2 different lasagnas (which I heated up right before the guests arrived), one veggie tray, a lemon meringue pie, and their famous pineapple upside-down cake. All of our guests RAVED over the food !!! Thanks to Allison for guiding me. I can't wait to call and set up our Holiday Party plans. read more

I absolutely love Darae and Friends! I use them all the time for catered lunches...not only is the food delicious, the cost is extremely reasonable and all the staff could not be nicer! They always deliver on time and the food is always hot and fresh...I'm excited about my lunch on Friday! read more

Fantastic!! The food was amazing, the price reasonable and Darae and Allison were SO easy to work with. I have zero qualms about recommending them to anyone who needs a caterer. read more

I called Darae after an unexpected family death needing catering for a home reception on short notice. These people are awesome! Not only did the deliver a gift of dinner the next evening ( the most delicious home made chicken pie, salad with fruit and veggies and a lovely poppy seed dressing, and superb cookies topped with buttercream and fruit), but in just two phone calls we were able to plan the reception and feel confident they would deliver. And WOW, did they ever deliver! While we were at the funeral they arrived, set up the bar, warmed food, and presented a beautiful and mouthwatering array of cold and hot hors d'oeuvre. The tenderloin and country ham sandwiches were wonderful, the bread was fresh, the Chicken skewers were tender,the fruit was outstanding, the Mediterranean cheesecake ( a savory cheesecake) was excellent, and the desserts were delectable. The quantities were more than sufficient, leaving us with food to enjoy during the week. Darae and Friends absolutely exceeded our expectations. I highly recommend them and will return to them when I need a future caterer. Thank you Darae and Friends! read more

DaRae & Friends catered one of the events during my wedding weekend in May 2014. I would not recommend or use this catering service again. We were asked by DaRae to pre-pay for the entire event, over $4000.00 in food, non-alcoholic beverages and service-- BIG MISTAKE! I had three face to face meetings with DaRae, made several phone calls and emailed her plenty of times in order that she understand my vision for the event; which was a heavy hors d'oeuvre and cocktail party over the course of 3 hours to welcome our out of town guests to Lexington. I'm not sure how things got so lost in translation but my expectations were hardly met. DaRae was not easy to get a hold of by phone, nor was she prompt with her email replies. There was simply not enough food, my guests were looking for food during the event and left the party hungry. DaRae reassured me as I confirmed our guest numbers with her, that she would supply so much food, there would definitely be left-overs. Several of the hors d'oeuvres were not prepared the way I had asked, other items which were to be crispy turned out soggy and there was absolutely zero creative effort in its presentation. I had sent her specific and detailed emails about presentation and had a face to face meeting about this yet my requests were not met. There were approximately 100 people at this event and food was served flat on small trays without an ounce of imagination. I found her staff hanging out together across the street from the venue where our event was occurring. This happened to be during our toasts where not a single member of her staff came to refill our glasses during the one hour we toasted. We had supplied two cases of champagne for refilling, an entire case was left in the refrigerator and returned to us 2 weeks after the event. One of her staff actually came up to me during the party and asked why I had not chosen DaRae for my actual wedding reception, totally inappropriate! However, as you can see, these would be the reasons I would not have her cater another event of mine. We wrote to DaRae. by email and US post, after our event expressing our concerns and with the request she respond. We have yet to hear anything back from DaRae. read more

I've used Darae & Friends several times over the years to cater workplace lunches. They're always a hit with my co-workers! Beverly is very helpful when it comes to meal suggestions and helping me make sure we have plenty of food to go around. She also helps me work aorund whatever budget I may have at the moment to provide the best possible experience. The delivery guys who set up do an excellent job and are always on-time. I have no complaints at all and would definitely recommend them to any one looking to host an event, large or small. read more