Choosing the right meal for your special day - Q&A

Q: What kinds of foods are good to order for an afternoon wedding?
In the afternoon, you want to try to be light but also offer enough substantial foods (heavy hors d’oeuvres) so your guests can have a meal and not feel like they have to eat dinner as soon as they leave the reception. Therefore, Buttered canapés, Fruit and Cheese Display with a chocolate fountain, grilled vegetable crudite, a carving station featuring Tenderloin of beef and perhaps a seafood item such as sashimi tuna – with fresh petite rolls - tapenade, hummus, spinach and artichoke dip and a newberg crab dip set up on a station with a variety of breads, fresh chips, grilled pita’s for dipping is a nice touch for the afternoon also.

Q: What are the pros and cons of a buffet vs. a sit down meal?
A buffet offers much more flexibility of menu, artistic display presentation and entertainment (action stations) while a plated dinner portrays the formality and elegance of the event.

Q: If we do a sit-down dinner, how many servers will I need to hire?
As many as are needed to serve all of your guests entrée’s within 15 – 20 minutes from the time the first plate is served.

Q: For a buffet, is it better to have one big line for people to go through, or stations?
Stations are always preferable, they keep the guests moving and “mingling”- they also provide a bit of entertainment if you have Chef’s staffing them such as we do.

Q: We want to have a casual rehearsal dinner – what types of foods would you suggest?
A themed buffet such as Mexican or Asian or Italian OR a menu with a choice of a Nice Steak or Chicken Dish. If you have a buffet for your reception then, have a plated meal for your rehearsal and vice versa.

Q: How many entree choices do we need to offer at a rehearsal dinner? At the wedding?
Your rehearsal dinner should be casual – some like to embody the spirit of the groom, but keep it simple….. The wedding reception should impress – variety, quality, elegance.

Q: What finger foods go the fastest at receptions?
Anything with shrimp or crabmeat. Mini Beef Wellingtons and Mozzarella Tomato Puffs are guest favorites also.

Q: We want a nice spread of food, but our budget is getting tight. Any tips on what sorts of foods to choose to get the most bang for our buck?
That depends on where you are in the country and the time of year however, chicken is always a good value.

Q: We want to serve something “different” (but that people will eat!). Any ideas?
Sushi and Sashimi Bar – Mashed and sweet potato bar -

Q: My fiance and I are vegetarians. What kind of vegetarian entree could we serve that won't scare away the meat eaters?
Babaghanoush! (I just love saying that word) - Seriously Eggplant Rollantine, Grilled vegetable and nut tartlets, Curried Vegetable anything…. Stuffed Zucchini Liguriana