289296 Wed May 15 17:20:39 -0700 2002 30 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1565471 This article has some unique ideas I thought might be useful to betrothed Chowhounds around the world... I like the idea of "anti-wedding food." Which reminds me...if you are (or someone close to you is) getting married, make sure you have food and wine in your room that you can enjoy at the end of your day/evening. We ended up ordering room service at the end of our wedding celebration and couldn't order alcohol because it was after 2:00 a.m. It would have so nice to have something to enjoy then and there. It was something I hadn't accounted for in my planning and would have been a great treat to a very tired bride and groom. Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/15/dining/15WEDD.html?rd=hcmcp?p=0434n10434mJ4P2gI012000mXQE0XQ2F Wed May 15 17:20:39 -0700 2002 0 wow i'm a dog 1 1565479 I was just writing a post about this article when I saw yours! Good tip on the food at the hotel. My husband and I arrived at our hotel and found that our caterer had left us a large bag with individual containers full of everything that had been served at the wedding, along with utensils! It was so nice of her!!! We were also determined that we were going to have an edible cake. I've had one to many fancy cakes that tasted like sweetened cardboard. Also - who can resist going out and sampling cakes. We had two layers of tiramisu and one of lemon/poppyseed. (The lemon/poppyseed was for the people who didn't eat chocolate or want alcohol in their food). Decorated simply with small, sugar frosted grapes, baby roses and a reddish silk ribbon around the side, it was amazing! To other chowhounds, what were the favorite parts of your wedding meals? Any great stories about planning etc? ElizabethC Wed May 15 17:43:37 -0700 2002 1565471 0 ElizabethC 2 1565490 This might be a little different slant on your subject: A few nights ago while surfing through the vast wasteland they call TV I ran across this short piece. I remember it went something like this: A cop had been working on an undercover drug assignment for many months. He was due to retire and I guess he wanted something to talk about in his retirement. He called a friend who was a female cop and arranged a fake marriage. He then sent out wedding invitations to the drug dealers he had under surveilance and invited them to bring all their friends. Well after the marriage ceremony was finished the music started and the drinks and food were served. All of the cops (the groom was dressed in a tux) wore white tea shirts with the letters S.P.O.C. across the front and back. The story line was something like it stood for "Society Preservation Of Cougars" (actually it is cops spelled backwards). After awhile a guy grabbed the mike and announced "would all the cops in the room stand up". About half the crowd stood up. The guy then announced "everybody still seated is under arrest". The bride got into the action by hiking up her wedding gown and pulling out a gun she had strapped to her leg. As they were being handcuffed and led away one guest was heard to say "Gee I was just beginning to enjoy the food and music" and another disbelieving guest asked "Is this a joke". After the hall was cleared the cop gave his retirement speech and the party continued. Wed May 15 18:45:26 -0700 2002 1565479 0 DavidH 3 1565552 Funny story, but it's hard to believe. First of all, why would all these criminals attend a party for somebody they didn't know. And, when they got to the party and recognized their local competitors, you'd think they'd be suspicious. Also, I'd think a large bust would need to be sanctioned by the District Attorney. I can't imagine you can invite a bunch of people to a party, even if under surveillance, and have good cause to arrest them - including all their friends! Sounds fishy. Thu May 16 09:46:59 -0700 2002 1565490 0 Uncledave 4 1565558 OH, Uncledave, don't be such a party pooper! True or not, it's funny as sh*t. Thu May 16 10:24:51 -0700 2002 1565552 0 CTer 4 1565589 I'm sure it's true - I've seen a few similar police busts on TV. They did one where they notified everyone with outstanding warrants that they had won a cash prize in a local contest. You'd be amazed at how many people showed up at the designated "prize center". The funniest one I saw was when the police sent out 'invitations' to be an extra in a local movie. Even as they were being arrested, they thought it was still part of the movie. Here's one example I found: Link: http://www.fayettevilleobserver.com/news/archives/1998/tx98jun/n07bust.htm Thu May 16 12:51:25 -0700 2002 1565552 0 Rubee 1 1565499 I went to a wedding in the last year that served huge dark and milk chocolate truffles adorning a multi-tiered decorative metal serving thing (can't think of the word), instead of traditional cake. At the bottom sat the little bride and groom decoration. They were fantastic, and it was a nice change from the usual. Another wedding I went to years ago, served barbeque for the meal. It was great, although, they're divorced now. Hmmmm... Wed May 15 19:22:00 -0700 2002 1565471 0 Vanessa On The Town 1 1565501 Our wedding was three years+ ago, and I made sure both our food and cake was delicious! But on top of that, I was determined as the bride to enjoy my own food. So my husband and I ate every bite. Everything was just so wonderful...time flies when it's your own wedding day. Wed May 15 19:33:00 -0700 2002 1565471 0 Wendy Lai 2 1565505 Over twenty years ago, I tied the knot. One suggestion to the adventurous for a wedding cake: St. Honore Cake (Italian whipped cream and rum flavored). Like a big whipped cream-rum flavored cake with cream puffs stuck all around the edges. We used Victoria Pastry in San Francisco - North Beach district and they should still be there as far as I know. (Haven't needed another wedding cake, thank God) Wed May 15 19:41:57 -0700 2002 1565501 0 Bob Savelli 3 1565525 Yes, they are there. In fact, we just picked up the very same cake for my husband's birthday last year. It was fantastic! Wed May 15 23:01:39 -0700 2002 1565505 0 wow i'm a dog 1 1565527 I have not been too impressed with food at weddings I've attended here in the US. Most have served safe, please everyone options, ie grilled salmon, chicken etc. On the other hand Chinese weddings I've attended tend to be no holds barred, 8+ course, bring on the expensive stuff, show-off dinners, all washed down with a free flow of XO, VSOP, beer ... my complains tend to be "..why no crab roe in my shark's fin soup... or are they going to serve abalone?.." I actually look forward to the food Link: http://www.marina-mandarin.com.sg/wedding_menu.htm Wed May 15 23:54:14 -0700 2002 1565471 0 SG 2 1565562 About 12 years ago, my cousin married a Chinese man, and the night before the wedding his family treated all the wedding guests (it was a small affair--only 75 or so) to a banquet at one of Seattle's best Chinese restaurants. It was a 13-course affair, complete with abalone (which I was too timid to try) and shark's fin soup. I remember the last course being a hot almond soup, which I'd never had before. I hadn't been to any sort of Chinese banquet, so it was quite an experience. Unfortunately, my poor kosher-keeping grandparents could only eat the whole fish course! I don't know how I managed to eat anything at the wedding meal the next day. I do remember the cake was very nice--real buttercream and all. Thu May 16 10:52:07 -0700 2002 1565527 0 Stephanie L. 3 1565580 Stephanie L. - would you mind sharing which restaurant this was? I am getting married next summer in Seattle and am considering having a big Chinese banquet, but would of course prefer to have it at a place where others have had a positive experience. Thanks! Thu May 16 12:07:34 -0700 2002 1565562 0 Jujubee 4 1565605 I couldn't even begin to tell you. It was so long ago, plus it was my first real visit to Seattle. I know it was in the International District, but who knows if it's even still there. Heck, when I asked my cousin a few months ago, even she couldn't remember! Thu May 16 13:46:49 -0700 2002 1565580 0 Stephanie L. 5 1565665 Thanks for the response. =) I should probably try posting this on the PNW board... Thu May 16 17:35:14 -0700 2002 1565605 0 Jujubee 4 1565630 Jujubee - if you do decide to have a big Chinese banquet, would you be able to update all of us on how it went and what restaurant you used? Living in Seattle, I'd enjoy hearing all about it! I have friends that were guests at a banquet like that (sorry, I don't know the name of the restaurant) and they were talking about it for days! ElizabethC Thu May 16 15:07:49 -0700 2002 1565580 0 ElizabethC 5 1565664 I'd be happy to! The wedding is not until next summer (2003) but I will report back. Thu May 16 17:33:55 -0700 2002 1565630 0 Jujubee 3 1565624 Now if only I can get invited to a wedding where they plan to serve caviar, truffles, foie gras ... Thu May 16 14:30:30 -0700 2002 1565562 0 SG 1 1565540 I have always dreamed about having a wedding or at least the rehersal dinner with only yummy food you must eat with your hands.. Like ribs corn on the cob crab Mexican with only tortillas as utensils...etc Wouldn't that relax the guests and of course the in-laws? Peace, jill Thu May 16 07:11:37 -0700 2002 1565471 0 jill 2 1565542 I am helping with a rehearsal diner with that sort of flavor: grilled wursts of all sorts, veggie shiskabobs for the vegetarians, all served on rolls, with lots of dips and salads on the side. Does require plates, but definitely on the informal side. We are all praying for good weather! Pat G. Thu May 16 07:41:04 -0700 2002 1565540 0 Pat Goldberg 3 1565545 My best friend was married last summer, and for her rehearsal dinner we got Maine Italian sandwiches (very different than other italian sandwiches, but that's another thread) and ate on a bluff overlooking the rocky shore on picnic tables. It was very informal, but a gorgeous day and a lovely meal. Great idea. And it allowed us all to be relaxed. Thu May 16 09:00:11 -0700 2002 1565542 0 Jaylea 1 1565547 Funny--my husband and I are helping to organize a wedding a few weeks from now and were just talking about this. The wedding (like ours) is outdoors, with a mixture of pomp and casual. My fantasy was to get all the amazing takeout from the MD suburbs (Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Cuban) for the rehearsal dinner but in all the hubbub the organization got too tricky. We ended up calling our (very decent) local grocery chain and ordering rotisserie chickens and a bunch of beans, potato salad, slaw, brownies. It was actually quite good, inexpensive, and it took me maybe an hour to calculate how much I'd need, call, and order it. They had the chickens cut and everything packaged up. For the wedding, we had a good friend cater--he brought one of those barrel grills and did grilled marinated flank and chicken on the bone, plus nice veggies. Then we just had a wide assortment of interesting ethnic-type salads. The kind of menu that the trendy vegetarians and the midwestern relatives could both deal with--which is a consideration, you have to admit. And unless you have a big kitchen handy, cold food is a great option. I've catered too many functions with icky scalloped potatoes that sat in a hotbox for 3 hours before serving. Thu May 16 09:09:02 -0700 2002 1565471 0 Redbone 1 1565553 At my wedding, which will be in 9 months (!) we decided to forego dinner altogether in favor of yummy hors d'oeuvres, which are my favorite things to eat anyway. We're thinking zucchini madeleines with chipotle sauce, artichoke hearts with wild mushroom mousse. Thu May 16 09:50:46 -0700 2002 1565471 0 Caitlin Wheeler 2 1565557 Your post reminds me that my mother has from time to time remarked on weddings before they became Groaning Board Extravaganzas after WW2. My parents were married in the morning (as were most Catholics before Vatican II; there were no masses after noon). The wedding was followed by a wedding breakfast (they had fasted since midnight) for the wedding party, immediate family, and guests from far away; meanwhile, all the local guests went out for lunch on their own, and everyone returned for the reception, which involved cake, punch and light cocktail/tea-type food and dancing. That's traditional. Seems it might be worth reviving by some intrepid couples.... Thu May 16 10:17:46 -0700 2002 1565553 0 Karl S. 3 1565563 Me and my sweetie were determined not to let stress be a part of our getting hitched. We had an old friend/JP come by on Monday evening in February; my "mom" had been alerted and showed up with a bouquet of roses and a bottle of Veuve Clicqot. We exchanged vows, had the certificate signed and drank the champagne. After the JP and "mom" left, I made us a simple Risotto Milanaise, which we ate by candlelight and washed down with a humble Cotes du Rhone & then it was bedtime. The following weekend, we celebrated with his (now our) kids and about 30 of our and the kids' friends (our families all live at some distance -- we'll have another party for them this summer). We made a huge paella, green salad, served with local rustic bread, local microbrew (McNeill's of Brattleboro, VT -- excellent stuff if you can lay hands on it) and simple wines. Here's the important part for those of you who might think you need to include the world in your nuptials: No one, and I mean no one -- not our kids, not any family members, none of the friends outside the inner circle or living out of state -- was offended or felt left out. In fact, so many of them are envious that we did it so simply and so true to our hearts. Thu May 16 10:53:19 -0700 2002 1565557 0 GG Mora 3 1565682 I'm all for voluntary simplicity, but damned if I'm getting up early on my own wedding day! Thu May 16 19:18:19 -0700 2002 1565557 0 Lindsay B. 2 1565584 In New Orleans, that is generally how wedding receptions are -- just heavy hors d'oeuvres and lots of liquor. :) Almost nothing requires the use of a fork -- you see a lot of oyster dishes on the half shell (Rockefeller, Bienville, etc.) and things like that. I hadn't realized that this wasn't done in other places till I attended other weddings out of town several years ago. I think it makes for a much more social event, as well as a lot less planning (seating, careful count of RSVP's, and such). Funny the regional variation in wedding traditions in different parts of the United States, receptions, food, and dress. Last month, I attended 2 weddings in consecutive weekends in different states. The weddings and receptions couldn't have been more different! Blue skies, Catherine Thu May 16 12:32:58 -0700 2002 1565553 0 Catherine 3 1565587 It's funny how late afternoon and evening weddings, which used (in the age before air conditioning) to be a predominantly Southern practice because of the heat, moved to other regions of the US and then got transmogrified into the saturnalia that the Wedding Industry encourages brides to think is normative. Thu May 16 12:43:36 -0700 2002 1565584 0 Karl S> 1 1565579 When I got married, just three short years ago, I told my soon to be wife I only wanted 2 things at the wedding - good food and good cake. We ended up getting married at one of my favorite restaurants (Treebeard's cajun in Houston) and had an excellent cake (Acadian bakery also in Houston). The food was incredible. Mostly cajun dishes, but with some identifiable chicken dishes for the squeamish. The dinner was buffet style and.... The wedding couple went first! I didn't get any seconds, but a good time was had by all. Thu May 16 12:07:23 -0700 2002 1565471 0 wrharper 1 1565642 Great article. Love all the comments. I'll have to bookmark this thread for future use. My wedding is this coming Halloween but we're doing the whole thing in two parts. Part one is a small family affair at Walt Disney World. Cake and champagne with a wedding dinner that night. We plan to have the reception next year in the Spring so that it can be an outdoor affair, and the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years) are just too close after the wedding to try to get anything properly organized. We're flipping between an old-fashioned ice cream social or a old-fashioned picnic (baskets and all) though we haven't confirmed anything yet. I like the idea of casual yet taste-bud tantilizing food. We'll either have cupcakes and/or pies if we go the picnic route, a funky ice cream cake if we go for the social. Hmmm.... Thu May 16 16:43:06 -0700 2002 1565471 0 SisterT 2 1565658 Our wedding coordinator did this great outdoor picnic for one of his clients; email me if you want to check out the site... Thu May 16 17:14:50 -0700 2002 1565642 0 wow i'm a dog