7.19.2011

A Catered Affair - Wedding in Maine

My work space for the day
There's still a sense of pride that I just haven't gotten over yet and I can't help but wonder if that ever goes away. I hope not because it's something I've never experienced before and to be honest, there's nothing quite like it. This past weekend we had the honor of catering a wedding. Burger Boy had been talking with the Bride and Groom since January and then in April, I jumped in on the planning. We poured over the menu, wanting to make sure everything was as close to perfection as we could get. We compiled list after list, had diagrams of the plating and developed plans B, C and D..ya know, just in case..

Duo of Crostini
This past Friday we packed up the car with coolers full of meat and fresh produce and headed three hours north to Andover, Maine. It was all very Dinner Impossible, arriving somewhere we've never been before to a kitchen we've never cooked in to prepare an intimate wedding dinner for 24. What a rush! We arrived early on the day of the wedding and were fortunate enough to have the kitchen to ourselves so that we could get to work.

Spicy Watermelon Gazpacho
Mixed Greens, Blueberries, Peaches and Nectarines with
Parmesan Cheese and Blueberry Vinaigrette 
The house itself was alive with history, a beautiful countryside home with sloping mountains visible from every window and secret passages rumored to be hiding spots to escape invading Indians in the 1700s. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were to be served on a beautifully sunny wraparound porch and the meal was to follow inside a large dining room adjacent to the kitchen. The Bride and Groom wanted us to be creative with the menu and to have fun with it, and that we did. The final menu was as follows:

Hors D' oeuvres

Duo of Crostini
 Duck Confit, Bacon Jam
Lemon Whipped Ricotta, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula-Mint Pesto

Tuna Ceviche 
with Avocado relish

Goat Cheese Stuffed Strawberries
with Balsamic Reduction

First Course

Farmer's Market Salad
Mixed Greens, Fresh Blueberries, Peaches and Nectarines, Parmesan Cheese and Blueberry Vinaigrette

Spicy Watermelon Gazpacho
with Red Pepper and Cucumber 

Entree

Coffee Rubbed Beef Tenderloin
Ancho Blackberry Sauce

Sweet Corn Risotto
Romano Cheese and Fresh Parsley

Roasted Hericot Verts and Baby Shiitake Mushrooms

The Entree
After 14 hours of work, I couldn't help but beam with pride and a strong sense of accomplishment as the father of the bride told us how much he enjoyed our food and how much he appreciated all of our effort. The Bride and Groom personally came out to thank us for the spread we put out. I was so moved to feel responsible for people's enjoyment. We made people happy through food and I can't think of anything more personally rewarding and satisfying than that.

13 comments:

Molly said...

You should be proud! Everything looks and sounds amazing. Congratulations on the gig. I know there will be many more to come.

Delicious Dishings said...

Sounds so fulfilling! I hope I am that happy with the food at my wedding.

The bacon jam and duck confit sounds incredible!

Elizabeth @ Saffron Lane said...

Everything looks so lovely. Now I understand why you're a little under the weather this week. So much work, but such a fabulous thing to be a part of.

Elizabeth said...

Katie I am loving all of your catering recaps. The food looks awesome, When are you going to let us bloggers get a taste? ;)

Kristen said...

i love reading about your catering! this is such an amazing menu.

Mom said...

WOW!! What an incredible menu!! I think Dad and I are going to renew our vows just so we can have a reception like this!! Fabulous!! I am so proud of you two!! Definitely the beginning of something really big!! Congratulations!!

Jen said...

Nice work guys. The menu sounds AMAZING. If you have any bacon jam leftover and need help getting rid of it, just let me know :)

Taryn said...

This all looks incredible, and how exciting to have your first successful wedding under your belt! Congrats - I hope there's much more of this to come! Also, the menu sounds absolutely delicious.

In and Around Town said...

Looks like you did an amazing job - and you love doing it?!? Thats fantastic! Congrats!

Unknown said...

bacon jam? yum. the entire menu sounds incredible, and everything looks great!!

Beth said...

Can you make me that risotto please? :) Sounds amazing. Congrats on a job well done.

Aimee said...

I am in love with the photo of your work space, from cutting board to corn. So glad that's what you work with now instead of a cubicle desk!

This looks like a wonderful array of dishes for a very lucky couple - you guys are kicking butt!

Congrats on a successful gig to you both!

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