For many chefs, corporate and wedding catering usually means a standard 3 course meal. But what about when you’re given the opportunity to do something different? What do you do? If you really want to make your food stand out and make the event memorable then you need to get the menu perfect. Below are a few ideas for creative catering which make you think outside the box for an event.
1) Themed Catering – One thing becoming increasingly popular recently, especially within the wedding industry is themed catering. For example, ‘ night at the movies,’ this can be really simple but it is something that has gone down a storm, simply serve easy but delicious foods including hotdogs, popcorn and nachos, include a cheese fondue for extra excitement. This is great for corporate events and weddings as it will encourage guests to interact. There are so many different themed events that you can cater for, be inventive!
2) BBQ – Everyone loves a barbecue, why not get some burgers and ribs on the go. Barbecues in general are notoriously filling so you don’t need a vast amount of food per head. This makes a nice change to guests sitting down to dine. Around the barbecue is a great place for conversation and idle chit chat.
3) All Day Breakfast – Another idea that’s increasingly popular is an all day breakfast. Bacon, eggs, sausages, hash browns – the whole works! Throw in some chips and you’re definitely onto a winner.
4) Asian Buffet – Something not very popular at events and weddings, but loved by nearly everyone is an Asian buffet. Curries, rice, Naan bread, popadoms chutney and more is sure to please many people. For people that may not enjoy such food, this can be teamed up with a generic British menu for other to enjoy.
5) British Classics – Finally, a British Classics menu. Fish & Chips, Pie & Mash, Bangers & Mash, Mushy Peas, Chips & Gravy. Probably most peoples favourites, and easy to prepare meals too. You could even go for home-made beer battered fish which will always be popular, even in restaurant’s. For a fun twist on this, serve them in posh miniature versions, you can have various courses which will fill everyone up.
These are just a few of the catering ideas to create a memorable event or wedding. Always make sure you know the preferences of the party you are cooking for and then come up with something creative, if you do a good job, you know that they will always come back to you for the next event.
This was written by Brad Longman for Harts Food & Events, specialising in wedding and corporate catering services throughout Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, for more information visit the Harts Food & Events website.