Cooking with Chef’s Market: A Perfect, Summer Wedding Menu for Your Nashville Wedding
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Kate, an engaged bride who resides in Michigan but is planning a 2013 summer wedding in Nashville, emailed me to learn more about our summer weather and wanted date and venue advice. I gave her a few recommendations and reiterated that summers in Nashville are hot hot hot! Kate's inquiry got me thinking about not just about outdoor weddings during the heat but also about summer wedding food. I reached out to Sarah at Chef's Market to find out how you can help keep your wedding guests cool and refreshed during the summer heat!
What is a sample menu that you might create for a summer Nashville wedding?
Hors d'oeuvres
Scallop Ceviche with Yucca Chips
Cherry Tomato filled with Citrus Crab Salad
Fried Coconut Shrimp with Pina Colada and Mango Jalapeno Sauces
Benton’s Bacon Candy (Madisonville, TN)
Salad
Heirloom Tomatoes with Bonnie Blue Feta Cheese, Basil, Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette, and Grilled Bread
Entrees
Grilled Mango Chicken Kabobs with Avocado-Lime Cream and Chef’s Signature Corn & Avocado Salad
Marinated Grilled Flank Steak with Fresh Basil Pesto
Grilled Boneless Chicken Breast with Peach BBQ Sauce and Grilled Peaches
Sides
Grilled Summer Vegetables
Wild Rice and Orzo Pasta Salad
Fresh Butter Rolls
Desserts
Prosecco Macerated Melon Skewers with Fresh Mint and Orange Zest
Fresh Summer Berries on a Ginger Sugared Biscuit with Grand Marnier Whipped Cream
Beverages
Cucumber Infused Water
Home-made Mango Lemonade
How does a menu vary based on whether the wedding takes place in warm weather versus cold weather?
Chef's Market: Lighter options that are not so heavy or filling. Couples usually prefer more salads, desserts with fruit, citrus-based sauces versus roast-beef and mashed potatoes, which are great for winter weddings. In the summer, we'd pair entrees with fruit, such as the grilled chicken and peaches on the sample menu above.
What are fun summer food ideas?
Chef's Market: Refreshing treats like watermelon popsicles, pina coladas and daiquiris, cucumber or orange infused water, homemade mango lemonade. Desserts for summer might include banana pudding cups, cake truffle; Salads that are light with berries.
What themes have you done in the past that were great for summer menus?
Chef's Market: We recently did a island-themed event that was great for summer.
I notice that several menu items are locally sourced. Can you provide more details?
Chef's Market: Yes. Appetizers from Benton's Bacon Farm in Madisonville, TN. Love their bacon. They also have bacon candy, such a distinct flavor. Salads made with heirloom tomatoes with goat feta cheese from Bonnie Blue Farm in Waynesboro, TN. Many of the sauces are homemade at Chef's Market using local produce.
About the Author:
Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide
Hey - I'm Ashley! I started AshleysBrideGuide.com to give Nashville brides, or folks planning a Nashville wedding, a local resource for inspiration and resources. Hope to see you at a bridal show soon! Happy Planning.
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Posted on July 26, 2012 |
Filed under: Cakes & Food
