Menu Ideas

We are still deciding between a cocktail reception and sit down dinner. Either way we like comfort foods. If we opt for the cocktail reception we would like smaller/lighter versions of comfort foods. Below are some examples of things that we like (many are already on the Marriott's menu). We are definitely open to any suggestions from the chef!

If we have a cocktail reception:

We would like a stationary display(s) (self serve) for the cocktail hour and the butler passed hors d'oeuvres and/or short plates to begin during the beginning of the reception along with 1-2 dinner/carving stations in the reception. We are also considering having the cocktail hour in the beginning, the ceremony and then the cocktail reception.

If we have a seated dinner:
We will follow the format in the menu packet and just give our menu suggestions. We might consider having the cocktail hour with passed hors d'eouvres first, the ceremony and then the reception with seated dinner.

Welcome Beverages as Guests arrive at the ceremony:  Iced Tea and Lemonade
Hors D'eovres that we like:
Coconut shrimp skewer/Coconut shrimp with Roasted Pineapple Dipping Sauce

Lollipop lamb chop rosemary demi glace
Mini crab cake
Roasted tomato soup in a saki cup
Catfish (maybe catfish fingers?)
Pork tenderloin with apple sauce (also open to having this for a dinner station or seated dinner plate).
Fried macaroni and cheese bites
Lamb Skewers.. rosemary-mustard pesto
Mini Cheesesteaks
Pot Roast in Mini Phyllo Cups Topped with Roasted Vegetable Slaw

Blackened Swordfish on Tostadita with Mango Salsa
Apple Butter Poached Pork on Toast Rounds (the rounds can be cornbread instead)


Stations that we liked:
Pasta Station with cheese ravioli, something with pesto in it and alfredo
Jumbo Lump Crabcake Station (if we had this station, we would not want the mini crabcake as the appetizer. Can this station replace the pasta station in equal value?)
Stationary Hors D'oeuvres
•Grilled Bread with Olive and Sundried Tomato Tapenades
•Bruschetta Style Fresh Mozzarella Plum
•Tomato and Basil to add to above
•Vegetable Crudite with Red Roasted Pepper and Pesto dips

Grilling Station

•Shrimp and Scallop Skewers
•Marinated London Broil with Sauce Raifort and Chimichurri Sauce
•Grilled Red Bliss Potatoes with Olive Oil, Lemon Juice and Fresh Herbs



Entree Options:

We are okay with the entrees below, however would like different sides

Free Range Chicken (We woould be interested in different seasoning: example: carmelized ginger, we are open to the chef's suggestions). (another idea:Roasted Chicken Breast
w Thyme Infused Pan Gravy, Smashed Potatoes, Sauteed Green Beans w Walnuts)

Braised Boneless Short Rib

Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb

Petite Filet and Jumbo Lump Crab Cake

Spice Rubbed Roasted Pork Loin or Pork Tenderloin
w Pineapple-Avocado Relish, Beans and Rice, Vegetable Slaw (Zucchini, Carrot, Cabbage, Broccoli, Red Onion, and Yellow Peppers)

Side suggestions and other things that we like:

Honey Applesauce
Mango Salsa
Pineapple, cranberry flavors
Garlic
Comfort food
Caribbean Flavors
Tortellini with Pesto Cream Sauce
-sorbet palette cleanser



We want our wedding cake to be our only desert but we are interested in having coffee and tea.
 
For a seated dinner my soror Tawanna suggested the following:

Comfort food... especially in an "enchanted forest"... makes for some great creativity:

I would suggest the following for a Fall/Winter Menu:
Appetizers:
Fried Macaroni and Cheese Bites... roasted grape tomato
Lamb Skewers.. rosemary-mustard pesto
Turkey Sage Sausage in Puff Pastry... cranberry-orange relish

Entrees:
(Airline) Roasted Chicken Breast
w Thyme Infused Pan Gravy, Smashed Potatoes, Sauteed Green Beans w Walnuts

Spice Rubbed Roasted Pork Loin or Pork Tenderloin
w Pineapple-Avocado Relish, Beans and Rice, Vegetable Slaw (Zucchini, Carrot, Cabbage, Broccoli, Red Onion, and Yellow Peppers)
or w Whipped Sweet Potatoes and Swiss Chard or Kale

Stout Braised Beef or Seared Beef Tenderloin
w Potato Au Gratin; Sauteed Spinach; and Carrot Confit

Soup/Salad
Tomato Basil Soup -or-
Spinach Salad/Tender Greens
Cuban Black Bean Soup with Sour Cream and Chives