Catering Chronicles – Food for Thought

Our friends at Vibiana, the perfect venue for a Royal Wedding, asked us what we would serve at The Royal Celebration. Check out our full menu and photos here.

Here are a few of the items on our Royal Menu

Crostini with Stilton and Chutney

Tiny Roast Beef Sandwiches

Shots of English Ale

Tiny Bread Pudding

Wine paired dinners are probably one of my favorite things. I love that someone else has put all of the thought into the flavors of the food and which wines compliment them. I just get to sit back and enjoy. This week I had the fortune to attend an Italian wine dinner at one of the hottest new spots in Orange County, ECCO. This chic, down to earth new eatery is known for it’s fabulous food, especially their pizzas. Our dinner took place out on their patio and the Executive Chef Kris Kirk came out with each course and explained the combinations and flavors to us. It was truly charming.

I love the look of the rustic wood tables.  A five course menu was prepared for us. PLUS an Intermezzo (to cleanse our palates).

The Antipasto course was a lovely Prosecco paired with a trio of Bruscetta. My favorite was a fava bean puree.

Primo course was a gorgeous Shaved Heirloom Beet Salad, with Buratta (my favorite cheese) pistachios, and arugula. This was paired with a light, but flavorful Phigin Pinot Grigio, Friuli.

The Secondi course was a Seafood Risotto with shrimp, scallops, calamari, and parsley. Paired with a Massolino Dolcetto from Piedmont. Perfectly paired spiciness.

Well I think you all know how I feel about Intermezzo. This was a tasty little Lemoncello Granita… perfect!

The Terzo course was a Wood Grilled Filet Mignon with spinach, portobello mushrooms, and Gorgonzola (I die)! Perfectly paired with my favorite wine of the evening, a Valle Reale San Calisto, Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo.

Lastly, Dolce. A lightly sweet Ricotta Cheescake with an apricot vanilla bean sauce paired with the most fragrant Donnafugata Ben Rye Passito.

Here’s the sweetest little treat that was given to us as we were leaving. How lovely it was to have a yummy biscotti with my morning coffee. Truly a most enjoyable evening. You know I am watching for their next one.

It’s not too late to add a few sweet treats to your Easter celebration. Here are a few of this year’s favorites: cute little Chicky Lollicakes, Mini Easter Egg Cakes, Coconut Nest Cupcakes, Spring Posy Cupcakes, Lamb and Bunny Mini Egg Cakes, and Easter Sugar Cookies. These sweet little gems are not only super cute, they are very YUMMY!

This cute little cake is heading out today for a sweet, intimate wedding at The McCharles House and Gardens. I LOVE when a wedding reflects the bride and groom and their fun-loving spirit.