So we're not having a Chinese wedding banquet, but I would still like to incorporate an homage to that part of my heritage in some way, and through the food will probably be the easiest/yummiest.
Any ideas? At this point, none of the menu is set, so suggestions can be for appetizers during cocktail hour, some sort of appetizer course, entree, or dessert.
For appetizers, we've thought of egg rolls (probably would do Vietnamese spring or summer rolls -- goi cuon, oh-so-good...), and I've been to a wedding where they did dumplings/potstickers served in a Chinese porcelain soup spoon with the dumpling sauce in the spoon already. So you would just slurp down the whole dumpling/sauce in one bite. Which just reminded me of xiao long bao, oh the deliciousness...
Or how about some dim sum dishes served as passed appetizers? Not sure.
Or, can you think of any Chinese dishes that could translate well as part of an entree not served family style? We're doing either a buffet or plated dinner, and that's one thing I don't want to change. They could also be Asian-inspired dishes; it doesn't have to be true to form here.
Eggrolls and dumplings are good standbys also but a peking duck station or a sushi bar has a bigger wow factor. Have you looked through the menu to see if there are asian-inspired offerings or have you asked the venue if the chef can create signature appetizer just for you?
I met with the caterer/chef today, and they're going to do some homework on their part, and I promised to come up with some ideas of my own on my part. I figured this would be a great place for some inspiration! I do like the idea of a peking duck station...
Maybe you could have the chinese wedding cakes and chinese tea for dessert in addition to the regular wedding cake and coffee. I'm not sure if your guests are used to traditional chinese foods. If they're not, you might consider something more fusion.
It's totally not Chinese, but for an asian spin, I had plum wine in my drink selections.
Congrats on bucking tradition. My mother to this day still does not understand how I could possibility not want a Chinese banquet for my wedding!
We served very traditional American fare by an upscale caterer, but we had them serve it family style! It worked out really well and people said they loved it because they got to eat more than just a plated meal, but didn't have to keep getting up for a buffet. That was my homage to the culture.
Also, we changed from our tux & white gown into the traditional Asian outfits for the cakecutting, which caused quite a stir since my hubby is white! He was a great sport, then we changed back into the tux & gown for the rest of the reception.
We only mixed in a little bit of Asian food during cocktails...dumplings in the spoons like you mentioned, Chinese chicken salad served in open take-out boxes with wooden chopsticks in each, and Ahi tuna in a wonton cone. I think bite-sized spring rolls would be fab (tell your caterer to look at Cheesecake Factory's menu..they have a good Americanized version).
So we're not having a Chinese wedding banquet, but I would still like to incorporate an homage to that part of my heritage in some way, and through the food will probably be the easiest/yummiest.
Any ideas? At this point, none of the menu is set, so suggestions can be for appetizers during cocktail hour, some sort of appetizer course, entree, or dessert.
For appetizers, we've thought of egg rolls (probably would do Vietnamese spring or summer rolls -- goi cuon, oh-so-good...), and I've been to a wedding where they did dumplings/potstickers served in a Chinese porcelain soup spoon with the dumpling sauce in the spoon already. So you would just slurp down the whole dumpling/sauce in one bite. Which just reminded me of xiao long bao, oh the deliciousness...
Or how about some dim sum dishes served as passed appetizers? Not sure.
Or, can you think of any Chinese dishes that could translate well as part of an entree not served family style? We're doing either a buffet or plated dinner, and that's one thing I don't want to change. They could also be Asian-inspired dishes; it doesn't have to be true to form here.
Suggestions would be MUCH appreciated!! Thanks!
posted by hwong14 2 months agoEggrolls and dumplings are good standbys also but a peking duck station or a sushi bar has a bigger wow factor. Have you looked through the menu to see if there are asian-inspired offerings or have you asked the venue if the chef can create signature appetizer just for you?
posted by kmlee 2 months agoI met with the caterer/chef today, and they're going to do some homework on their part, and I promised to come up with some ideas of my own on my part. I figured this would be a great place for some inspiration! I do like the idea of a peking duck station...
posted by hwong14 2 months agoMaybe you could have the chinese wedding cakes and chinese tea for dessert in addition to the regular wedding cake and coffee. I'm not sure if your guests are used to traditional chinese foods. If they're not, you might consider something more fusion.
It's totally not Chinese, but for an asian spin, I had plum wine in my drink selections.
posted by cyshas 2 months agoCongrats on bucking tradition. My mother to this day still does not understand how I could possibility not want a Chinese banquet for my wedding!
We served very traditional American fare by an upscale caterer, but we had them serve it family style! It worked out really well and people said they loved it because they got to eat more than just a plated meal, but didn't have to keep getting up for a buffet. That was my homage to the culture.
Also, we changed from our tux & white gown into the traditional Asian outfits for the cakecutting, which caused quite a stir since my hubby is white! He was a great sport, then we changed back into the tux & gown for the rest of the reception.
We only mixed in a little bit of Asian food during cocktails...dumplings in the spoons like you mentioned, Chinese chicken salad served in open take-out boxes with wooden chopsticks in each, and Ahi tuna in a wonton cone. I think bite-sized spring rolls would be fab (tell your caterer to look at Cheesecake Factory's menu..they have a good Americanized version).
posted by SoCalBeachGirl 2 months ago