Just like a fashionista wouldn’t be caught dead wearing last year’s dress, the same is true when planning your catering menu for your event or wedding. The days of the hot table buffet have become so “yesterday.” Today’s trends lean toward exotic dishes with an international flavor, healthy, wholesome choices that are socially conscious and interactive food stations that are socially interactive. Dining that is entertaining, delicious and beautifully displayed in unusual ways is the ticket to a polished affair.
The top trends that caterers seem to gravitate today are themed events, where the star of the party is an ethnic inspired menu. Confection or dessert buffets where guests are able to indulge in heavenly desserts that are light, airy and sugar spun works of art. Tapas style menus where guests can indulge in several rounds of small tasty bites. Green menus that don’t leave a large carbon footprint and showcase organic whole foods.
As you ponder what to serve at your next event, make sure your offerings are on the “it,” list! With something for everyone from the meat lover to the holistic Connoisseur, consider one of the following for your next party or event:
From Farm to Table
Today we are concerned with going green, and catering is no exception. Guests desire natural, whole foods that are locally grown and meat that are hormone and antibiotic free. New research has touted the benefits of eating green and it has become a big consideration in the catering culture.
When serving organic, consider free range chicken with fresh herbs, Seafood bars that feature succulent organic shrimp, lean grain-fed meat served with roasted vegetables and deserts where fresh fruit is the star.
Seafood Buffet: Marriott.com.au
How to Eat Green
Today there is valid concern about protecting our planet and socially conscious eating. Ask your caterer to provide seafood that is sustainable; they are well versed in providing this popular request. For additional information on serving environmentally friendly seafood visit: montereybayaquarium.org
Also consider:
-Local produce grown within 200 miles of your venue
– Free-range chicken and grass fed-beef
– Organic chocolates and wines
– Fair trade coffee. You can find a list at globalexchange.org
Around the World
Ethnic cuisines such as Latin American, Mediterranean, Thai and Pan-Asian are often part of a contemporary menu. Chinese Stir Fry, Indian Curry, Sushi and Italian Pasta Stations are quickly gaining popularity instead of the boring, traditional carving station.
Focusing your food around a certain ethnicity creates a new, exciting meal, allowing guests to explore another region of the world at your event.
Source: Gingerisland.ca
Consider orange salad with onions and olives and Greek beef over zucchini for a Mediterranean flavor. Crispy spring rolls and yellow curry chicken offer a taste of Thai food. Pan-Asian has ingredients from Vietnam, Korea, Thailand and Indonesia and feature items such as seared Peking duck or beef sukiyaki.
The Comforts of Home
Many caterers are returning to comfort foods. Never out of style, home- cooked meals evoke warm memories that make our taste buds dance. The most basic of comfort foods? Potatoes. Mashed, fried, baked – everyone loves them! Potato bars have become the rage with potatoes served in martini glasses and sprinkled with a colorful array of toppings such as scallions, bacon, cheese and more.
Source: Ashleysbrideguide.com
When planning a comfort food extravaganza, utilize standard comfort fare with a twist. Mac ‘n cheese with a panko crust served in a crispy parmesan cup, mini meatloaf bites amidst garlic mashed potatoes in a martini glass, roasted tomato bisque in a small porcelain mug with mini grilled cheese setting atop the rim.
Guiltless Desserts
Recently, the National Restaurant Association conducted a survey of 1000 chef’s about the hottest dessert trends today. The winner by a landslide: The bite size dessert. Small samplings of dessert items offer party goers a taste of sin without the guilt. Choose a varied selection of mini desserts rather than one large dessert offering.
Serve decadent desserts such as mini cheesecakes, truffles sitting atop small waffle cones and cocoa ice cream served in shot glasses. Miniature pastry shells encasing fresh berries dipped in cream cheese and sugar makes for a delicious and beautiful display.
Another desserts option that remains popular is fresh fruit. The hottest fruits right now are pomegranates, figs, mango, passion fruit and papaya. Steer away from “yesterdays” fruit list of star fruit, kiwi, cantaloupe and grapes.
When budget is a concern, consider a confection buffet and serve a variety of these sweet treats in an abundant display that will tantalize the eyes as well as the palate. Offer small decorated boxes for guests to carry home the treats as a gift.
Whatever road you choose, remember that a successful event will have beautiful displays of fresh food, unusual tastes and textures and will delight all the senses.