Food--opinions?

missmegsi

So FI and I decided a while ago that we would like to have italian food buffet style for our reception.  FI's family (which is over 75% of the guest list) are all fans of italian food, as are we. But while looking at the 2 caterers that we have to choose from, their italian buffets only come with pasta options (ie lasagna, alfredo, four cheese penne etc) and no meat except for what's in the pasta dishes. I feel like we should have at least something like baked chicken available for people who might not want just pasta (lol but that would probably be maybe 20 people).

How would you feel if you only had the option of pasta dishes available at a wedding you attended?

If we did decide to have a meat option, do you think having something like baked chicken available would be enough as an option or not? We have a kind of modest budget for food, so I know we probably can absolutely please everyone's wants.

Thanks

PinkButterfly2011

Have you looked into Tinucci's?? I have been to two weddings that they catered (awhile back tho) and I have eating at the restaurant in Newport and it was really good.  Its Italian food and from what I remember they have more meat options then just the pasta.  HTH.

MoriaMN

I don't think I'd be phased by the pasta-only options. Offering chicken seems to be really above and beyond. I think you may even overestimate the number of people who wouldn't be able to find a pasta selection they can eat. Instead you may just increase costs without really increasing guest satisfaction and by giving all attendees the option of chicken. Is it possible you identify those people with wheat allergies or other dietary restrictions and handle them individually? HTH

Kelly&Mike10

I agree with MoriaMN.  I think adding your baked chicken option is going above and beyond.  If it's something you feel strongly about, I think its a nice gesture, but I really think having only pasta as options is perfectly fine!  Especially if you let people know that it's a pasta style dinner then they will not be surprised.  I'd say go for it - save yourself the money and just go with the pasta dish. I don't think anyone will be upset!

veijes

I also agree with PP, but ask your caterer if they do have options for gluten free and people with certain allergies. I'm sure if they only have pasta options, they come in contact with problem often at weddings. Our caterer lets us have 8-10 "specialty" plates for people who are either vegetarian or have allergies, anything beyond that and I think we get charged. I would just ask! HTH!

LittleSweetie

Ditto the Gluten Free allergy concern with the pasta buffet, but in general I think it would be fine!  I also wouldn't be phased by it.

golden1215

just throwing this out there because I'm on atkins but people who may be low carbing it would be totally hosed....

leggwilliams

I disagree with Golden. I was on weight watchers for 4 months to lose 25 lbs before wedding dress shopping and while yes, it kind of sucks to go to parties and weddings where you're not supposed to eat anything on the menu, you accomodate yourself. People will either eat a smaller portion to compensate for the extra calories or eat something else before they come. You can't please everyone and when I was dieting I wouldn't expect special low carb options to be provided for me when it's a free meal.

babybrd182

Mmmm ... noodles

Nuff said

Do what's in your heart and your budget my dear. This day is about you. People can get over themselves for 2 seconds.

missmegsi

Thanks for all the input everyone! I think the reason I started to worry was because I just met someone who really doesn't like pasta or italian food :-0. We haven't met with either of the caterers yet but wanted to see how wedding guests might feel. We'll still consider the chicken option, but I'm not as worried about it. I don't think I'll really worry about who is on what diet because there are just way too many portential diets to take into consideration, I think.

PinkButterfly, thanks a lot for the suggestion, but we have to pick between a couple caterers designated by my venue. Is Tinucci's the same restaurant that's at the MOA? I've wanted to try that place.

I'm definitely going to make sure there are gluten-free and veggie dishes available, and looking at our guest list there is only one person who has allergies, and my sister is the only vegetarian that we know of (there are only a handful of people we don't regularly have family meals/holidays with)

LittleSweetie, we're having our reception at ECC, I'm wondering which caterer you went through, and what your experience was like.

Thanks Again!!

LittleSweetie

We went with Classic Catering and were very impressed.  I would use them again in a heartbeat!  We had the carved roast beef, chicken cordon bleu, glazed baby carrots, green beans almandine, garlic mashed potatoes, garden salad, fruit, and the usual rolls/punch/coffee.  They were very easy to work with.  Make sure you bring lots of take-home containers, because they will fill them up with your leftovers!  Their thought is that, you paid for it, you are welcome to take it with you. 

Any other questions, feel free to page or PM me!