Whether it's Arabian mint tea and spicy falafels served on silver platters or a Cornish pasty supper washed down with blackberry mead, the wedding menu is increasingly becoming an opportunity to celebrate both a sense of culture and place. Your menu of choice might signify your favourite takeaway, the exotic destination where the question was popped or the very soil on which you utter 'I do'. Whatever form of cuisine gets your digestive juices flowing, make your wedding menu a further - and utterly delicious - expression of your personal tastes.
But if you simply cannot decide on a culinary theme, don't fret. Consider setting up a series of food stations around your venue and let your guests graze on an eclectic selection of nibbles. You may opt for a Japanese sushi bar in one corner, a Mexican grill in another and a barbecue full of fresh Cornish fish and steaks outside; not only does this provide a cuisine to satisfy all tastes, it is a highly effective way of encouraging people to mingle.
To whet your appetites, the catering queens at The Round Kitchen have devised a series of menus inspired by the foodie traditions of four influential destinations. Here's a taster.
CORNWALL
From hearty pasties to fresh seafood, from lip-smacking ice cream to sweet saffron buns, our spectacular county is responsible for some fairly spectacular foodstuffs. With the sea breeze at your hair and the Cornish soil at your feet, celebrate the sensational setting of your union by tucking into the delights of the Duchy.
Wedding catering Cornwall
Starter
Cornish Asparagus, Watercress and Quail Egg Salad
Served on a thyme rubbed crouton and finished with a fresh lemon hollandaise
Wedding catering Cornwall
Main Course
Braised Cornish Lamb Shank
Sat on a roast root vegetable mash, finished with a rich port, redcurrant and rosemary gravy
Wedding catering Cornwall
Dessert
Homemade Hazelnut Shortbread Gateauxs
Served with Cornish clotted cream, Boddingtons strawberry jam, fresh strawberries and a white chocolate sauce
MOROCCO
Africa's northern tip is hot stuff on the wedding scene right now. As Moroccan decor emerges as the height of chic, many couples are opting for exotic tents lavished with drapes, cushions, rugs and lanterns as their reception setting. The feast for the senses continues with the cuisine - the mountains of spice, couscous and fresh fruit proving the ultimate in eclectic banqueting for your wedding party.
Wedding catering Cornwall
Starter
Wild Pigeon Pastilla
Fine filo pastry filled with sweet lightly spiced pigeon, almonds, cinnamon and orange confit
Wedding catering Cornwall
Main Course
Vegetable Tagine
Butter nut squash, sweet potato, apricots, chickpeas and harrisa finished with fresh coriander, parsley and toasted crushed cashew nuts
Wedding catering Cornwall
Dessert
Fresh Fruit Sorbet
Garnish with candied fruits
INDIA
Spicy, tangy and unfeasibly tasty, India is home to a diverse and delectable array of dishes, from succulent meats infused with intense flavour to fragrant rice and sweetened breads. Fuse ancient influence with modern for a wedding feast fit for a Maharajah.
Wedding catering Cornwall
Starter
Tandoori King Prawns
Marinated jumbo king prawns with cumin, turmeric, chilli, lemon, garlic and grated ginger served with a wedge of seared lemon
Wedding catering Cornwall
Main course
Beef Ceylon
Diced filled steak slow cooked with green finger chillis, curry powder, garam masala, grated coconut and coconut cream and finished with masala curry sauce
Wedding catering Cornwall
Dessert
Exotic Fruit Salad
Lychee, pineapple, papaya and water melon in a spiced tea, honey and fresh ginger syrup
ITALY
Rich tomato sauces, melted cheese toppings, tender pasta, oregano seasoning - what's not to love? If you want a seriously seductive wedding menu flavoured by the warm Mediterranean, look no further than the capital of romance for some flavoursome inspiration. And remember to wash it all down with gallons of fine wine.
Wedding catering Cornwall
Starter
Parma Ham, Bruleed Fresh Figs and Baby Mozzarella Salad
Served with balsamic glazed rocket
Wedding catering Cornwall
Main Course
Venison Meatballs
With oregano, rosemary and Dijon mustard, cooked in a rich fresh tomato sauce and finished ripped basil and dolcelatte cheese
Wedding catering Cornwall
Dessert
Individual Vanilla Panna Cotta
Served with a fresh raspberry and orange coulis and garnished with sugar frost berries
07968 385392 / 07968 206116 www.theroundkitchen.com
Words Rebecca Matthews
Photos Simon Green
Copyright WED Magazine 2010
