What's Cookin'?

Need help planning an unforgettable reception menu? Whether you're curious about the local trends or just need some ideas straight from the professionals, a couple local caterers are here to share their expertise on the matter.

Erik Zackrison of Agrario and Hickok's Steakhouse & Brewery gives this tip: Always be sure to use catering experts. Make sure you choose someone qualified who is going to listen to what you want and present your vision of the reception meal (not the caterer's).

A key factor isn't just the types of food you choose for your reception; it's how you approach the presentation. For instance,
do you want your guests to be limited to one table of people with whom they they can interact during a sit-down meal? Ryan Tiller of Dining by Design says that the benefit he sees of having a display meal or hors d'oeuvres is that it frees guests up to move around the room and mingle.

That is why caterers are seeing a shift away from sit-down meals to display meals, miniatures and themed meals. Zackrison says the benefit of these types of presentations is that they are more casual and visually impressive, while giving the bride and groom the opportunity to tweak their menu items.

Display meals, Zackrison explains, are displayed items like artisanal cheeses, antipasto and regional, ethnic or themed foods. An artisanal cheese display may include some rare bleus and Irish cheddars; an antipasto display may include items like olives, imported cold cuts, roasted red bell peppers and crisp breads. Zackrison says he's seeing clients who want these types of items displayed in a very minimalist, classic fashion.

Want something trendy? Tiller has been seeing requests for miniatures such as mini-reubens, mini-hamburgers and mini-puffs of cotton candy on a stick. He says the direction of reception menus is headed away from tradition toward customizable food items that aren't so restrictive. However, Tiller admits that a menu of hors d'oeuvres isn't necessarily going to be any cheaper than a sit-down meal because a true caterer can put a lot of time into the presentation.

Themed displays, such as mashed potato bars, are also on the rise. Zackrison says taco and enchilada bars are popular. Tiller says authentic ethnic display meals-such as a Greek meal, for example, that includes spanikopita, souvlaki, hummus with pita bread, marinated olives and baklava-are popular.