Trend Report: The Wedding Meal
Add to Favorite
Caterer to the stars Loren Michelle of Naturally Delicious predicts what's going to be hot (and yummy!) for wedding receptions for the year.
Having served up some memorable dishes at renowned NYC hotspots The Gotham Bar & Grill, The Water Club and The Quilted Giraffe over the past ten years, Loren Michelle is now setting new trends with her Brooklyn-based Naturally Delicious Caterers & Event Planners. She’s thrown bashes for Jon Stewart's the Daily Show, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Ebony Magazine with Russell Simmons and VH1 with Jay Z as well as weddings and celebrations at hip lofts, museums, and historic landmark venues throughout the city. So what does Loren predict is heading our way?
Loren’s TOP PREDICTIONS FOR THE YEAR
Asian Street Food
Hawkers from Bangkok to Singapore, Beijing to Osaka sell their tasty and filling walk-away foods all over Asia and Loren predicts they’ll be the next hot trend at weddings across America. From Thai soup and Pad Thai to satays with spicy peanut sauce, Vietnamese spring or summer rolls and Yakitori, a Japanese favorite of grilled chicken on a stick, these sensational bites are becoming more popular as more people travel to Asia and experience the hip and funky street food first hand and at luxury resorts where exotic tasting plates and drinks served amidst equally exotic décor is now de rigeur.
Stick Food
One trend inspires another! What's easier to eat than stick food? Satays of chicken, beef, pork, fish, or sashimi on a stick, even vegetables on a stick–nothing is cooler than having something served on a stick with a choice of dipping sauces. Stick food is easy to eat, easy to maneuver and lets guests mingle, talk, and eat all at the same time.
Japanese grilling
Tempting bites cooked on Robata grills (traditional Japanese grills fueled with wood or charcoal) or ishiyaki stones (a kind of ‘hot rock’-style cooking that’s also a traditional Japanese method) will be on everyone’s lips. For the couple that loves to see the action up close, individual hibachis on each table may just be the next big thing at a wedding near you.
WHAT’S ALREADY HOT NOW!
So is it all about East meeting West? Not according to Loren. She says she’s seen a dramatic shift in what’s hot and happening today compared to a few years ago. Here’s what she sees is already big and continues to transform events and wedding receptions.
Casual Luxury
It's the relaxed and luxurious way of living that has become the lifestyle norm in dining out, home furnishings, fashion and now in weddings. Although brides and grooms may wear formal gowns and tuxedoes, couples today want a party that reflects their tastes and personal styles.
Going Green
With the green movement at the forefront of our awareness, couples want to show they are environmentally conscious by using natural materials for accents and décor. Loren takes this trend to heart, serving up centerpieces made of sea grass tied around rocks or fresh herbs and vegetables grown in her own garden.
Comfort Foods
Another sizzling trend that just continues to get hotter is comfort food. From mini hamburgers to pigs in blankets, macaroni and three cheeses with truffle oil and BLT's (or VLT's for vegetarians), everyone wants a touch of casual comfort to go with their special day.
Tasting Plates
Small plates remain an important trend as tapas bars become more popular. In fact, Loren is finding tapas are starting to be requested at weddings more and more.
Wedding cakes ala naturelle
Loren usually pairs chocolate devil’s food cake with chocolate Ganache for her home-style tiered wedding cakes. But what takes the cake for her brides and grooms is the way she decorates her naturally delicious cakes using fresh flowers of the season (shown above) chosen to complement the color theme of the wedding.
Check out our wedding video collection for some great Food and Drink 101 tips.
For more of the latest trends in wedding cuisine, click here!
