After working in the catering industry, I have discovered that I have to be prepared to modify menus to fit my clients’ requests, palates and budgets. It sounds challenging but this is the most creative aspect of my job! At Cassandra Fine Catering, requests for Italian style menus are very popular, especially for the clients that appreciate menus that are not consisted of typical Italian foods such as pasta topped with marinara sauce. It possible to have an Italian menu without any pasta or marinara sauce, and so much more healthy! Being open to suggestions and new flavor combinations will help foodies achieve this culinary goal. I feel that incorporating appropriate wine pairings makes this journey so much more exciting. Here is one of my absolute favorite Italian menus created by Chef Juan Garrido with amazing wine pairings:
Canape: Cbicken Liver Bruschetta with Caper Gremolata
Suggested Wine: Cartizze DOC di Valdobbiadene
First Course: Baby Arugula & Organic Mache Salad with Fennel Pollen Braised Artichokes with Finochionna Salumi, Marcona Almonds & Truffle Vinaigrette
Suggested Wine: Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio Valdadige DOC
Entree: Pan Roasted Wild Halibut with Crispy Pork Belly, Potato Gnocchi, Spring Peas & Blood Orange Citronette
Suggested Wine: La Ponderina Brunello Poggio Banale
Dessert: Espresso Panna Cotta with Pistachio Biscotti & Honey Lavender Creme Fraiche
Suggested Wine: Ceretto Moscato D’asti Vignailio Di Santo Stefano
The art of creating custom menus is really listening to your client and what they love or hate when they sit down to eat. My first question is to ask, “What are your thoughts on the menu?” and go from there. If they mention that they may love Sage but really don’t like Basil, I would suggest using an alternative herb such as Rosemary or Thyme. However, it is important to guide them on what flavors really “sing” together and what foods will be a disaster for their guests when impressing them is important. Sophisticated palates can be developed with a little bit of guidance and education – the key is to keep trying new foods!
Guest author, Kimberly Jameson, is a passionate menu creator for Cassandra Fine Catering in Dallas, Texas.
Cartizze DOC di Valdobbiadene - the perfect start to a wonderful Italian meal
Comments on this entry are closed.