Tips for a Delicious Menu Tasting
Now that you’ve chosen what makes up the culinary experience of your event, you’ll want to sample what you’ve selected – especially if you’re planning a wedding reception at our Winston-Salem venue. We’ve put together a “Tasting 101” to walk you through tips for a delicious menu tasting. Why should you have a menu tasting? What events require one? And what else should you be doing besides enjoying great food?
Why have a menu tasting?
Tastings are an important opportunity to consider menu items for your event, especially if it’s a wedding reception. And if you’re hosting your occasion at Millennium Event Center, it allows our culinary team the chance to clarify the menu, ensuring we’ll meet everyone’s expectations.
“Everything I had envisioned came to life on my wedding day. I am still hearing from guests how amazing the food was.” – Anna Marino
To help our chefs do their best, we want your feedback on each dish. While enjoying your tasting menu, consider the presentation of each dish as well. And feel free to ask questions and discuss any dietary concerns for you or your guests.
You’ll enjoy a full menu tasting for your wedding reception at Millennium Center.
The primary purpose of your tasting is to ensure that the food and beverages we’ll be providing meet your preferences and expectations. Here are 5 good reasons to have a tasting:
- Quality assurance: You’ll be sampling and seeing taste, freshness, and presentation.
- Customization: Consider dietary restrictions, cultural traditions, and any themes.
- Menu selection: Finalize your choices with confidence.
- Presentation: Remember, you also eat with your eyes.
- Logistics and service: This is an ideal time to finalize serving style(s).
Who’s invited to a menu tasting?
That depends on the event. Traditionally with a wedding reception, the couple, along with anyone who is contributing to the cost of food and beverage – typically the parents – are invited. Here at our Triad wedding venue, we limit our tastings to four people. We don’t recommend event planners attending, unless they have specialized knowledge of food service.
As for corporate events at Millenium Center, most of our clients trust us to provide quality food based on the type of function. And our non-profit clients appreciate a board member tasting if their gala menu has a theme.
With flexibility and creativity, Millennium’s five-star cuisine can be presented as a buffet, plated dinner or in a station format with small plates.
When should you schedule your tasting?
A thoughtfully prepared plated meal of prime rib, vegetables and fresly baked bread.
Schedule your tasting 1-2 months from your wedding reception or signature occasion. You’ll have a better handle on the guest count and that you’re within budget. And it also gives our culinary team the opportunity to work seasonal items into the menu.
When it comes to wedding receptions at our top rated NC event venue, clients sample five to six hor d’oeuvres, two salads, and three entrees with appropriate sides. These dishes are based on your choices from our seasonal catering menu. We’re also happy to prepare items by special request. Just be sure to give us your final menu exceptions 10 days prior to your event.
“The food was fantastic and the atmosphere was just stunning at our wedding. We invited people from all over the country and EVERYONE was blown away by the food!” – Eva Hill
Hopefully, these tips for a delicious menu tasting help you make the most of this opportunity. We even found “know before you go” advice from Food Network.
All-inclusive catering convenience at MEC
One of the key benefits to hosting your wedding, corporate event, or signature occasion at Millennium Center is having everything you desire all in one place. Not only will you find a beautiful selection of event spaces and decor, you and your guests will enjoy five-star cuisine prepared by our artisan catering team.
Let’s discuss your special event with a tour and consultation. We look forward to working with you!
