All in the Details: Catering

Choosing the food for an event might seem like a simple task, but there are many more factors to it than meet the eye. The catering choices you make impact more than just satisfying your guests’ hunger—when intentionally selected, they can elevate the entire atmosphere of an event. After all, food is a major part of any event, and it can have a big impact on the overall experience of the attendees.

There are three key factors to consider when planning an event menu: seasonality, regionality, and balance.

Seasonality

Seasonal ingredients are always going to be the freshest and tastiest, which is why they are a must-have for any event menu. When ingredients are in season, they are at their peak flavor and nutrition, which means that your guests will be getting the best possible taste and experience.

Additionally, using seasonal ingredients can help to create a cohesive and comfortable atmosphere for your event. When the food reflects the time of year, it can help to create a higher level of cohesion between your different menu items.

Regionality

Another important factor to consider when planning an event menu is regionality. Using ingredients and flavors that are native to the area where your event is being held can help to create a sense of place and authenticity. This can be a great way to connect your guests with the local culture and history.

For example, if you are planning an event in California, you might want to use ingredients like avocados, grapes, and almonds. These ingredients are all native to California and they can help to create a truly California-inspired menu, along with supporting local farmers and economies. 

Balance

Finally, it is important to consider balance when planning an event menu. This means paying attention to portion sizes, flavor pairings, and progression. Making sure that the flavors of each course complement each other and combine well visually can really elevate a plate. 

You will also want to consider the progression of the meal. You want to start with lighter dishes and gradually move to heavier ones. You want to make sure that your guests don’t get too full too quickly if you have other dishes being served later, and of course you never want anyone leaving an event hungry.

With these tips, you can create an event menu that is both delicious and memorable! Your guests will appreciate the fresh, seasonal ingredients, the local flavors, and the overall balance of the meal.

Here are some additional tips for planning an event menu:

• Work with a caterer who has experience in creating seasonal and regional menus.

• Get input from your guests on their dietary restrictions and preferences.

• Offer a variety of dishes to appeal to a wide range of tastes.

• Make sure the menu is visually appealing as well as delicious.

• Don't forget the drinks! Offer a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to complement the food.

With a partner like RGI events and some creativity, you can undoubtedly create a catering menu that is sure to impress your guests!