Food Fantasies or Failures!

This week I am blogging from the UK and food and drink, being a Brit, I must admit has been 'one' of the focuses of my trip... In less than a week I have already devoured traditional Fish n Chips, frequented a couple of quaint old pubs, eaten a late night 'Donna Kebab', had a Curry and tonight enjoyed a wonderful home cooked meal from my mother, finished off with a Red Velvet Cupcake! So I have to admit, food is not only the way to a man's heart, but definitely the way to a Planners heart!

So this week with food at the forefront of my mind, what could be better than thinking about the menu you might be considering for your Event! I often meet lots of clients who are choosing a meal that they might not necessarily be that keen on, but choose it because they think it is simple and will satisfy their guests. While I do agree it is lovely to be considerate to your guests - you are never going to please everyone and I do not agree with choosing a menu that you don't love and are not excited about. Remember this is your event, your big day and I really feel that you should be eating your favourite dishes!

Why not have some fun with your menu... one of my clients last year had a BBQ style wedding and we served Southern Fried Chicken, Flank Steak Sandwiches, Burgers with 101 toppings and even Poutine in Take-Out boxes and for dessert we had Ben & Jerry's Ice cream with Cup Cakes. If you are looking for an upscale dinner, think about Surf n Turf, we did Filet Mignon and Lobster Tails for another event and coming up in May we are serving Salmon with Scallops or Lamb Shank for main course!

Have fun with your nibbles and do something that maybe reflects your culture or heritage, for Quebec who can resist mini smoked meat sandwiches, for an upcoming Mendhi party the Fairmont are creating Indian Canapes for my clients, maybe you love Sushi or Greek food, Italian or Chinese.... really here in Montreal we are very lucky with the choices on offer!

Don't be afraid to think outside the traditional menu's, if you are working with external caterers they normally love the opportunity of being more creative - even if you are working with a Hotel or Reception halls, don't be afraid to ask for what you want! Remeber they want your business and should be willing to be flexible on the Menu!

So maybe take some time to really think about the food you would like to serve at your event, have some fun, the meal is an 'event' in it's own right and can form part of your decoration and spontaneously inspire your guests for a meal they won't forget!