Trying to hammer out menu details.. Poll!

Enchanted616

We had our tasting last week (NUM!)!!.  We had a wonderful time and have it pretty much picked out, but I would love some opinions. We are doing a five course dinner.  Wedding is October, so we are trying to work fall type stuff into our menu.  Here's where we are at right now:

Salad:  Pear Walnut Gorgonzola
Soup:  Butternut Squash (they are making a G with the cream instead of the traditional swirl.. so unnecessary but I LOVE it! I'm a dork.)
First Entree:  Mushroom Ravioli in a cream sauce (super amazing)
***Second Entree:  Okay, here's where I need the help.  My mom is really into the idea of a duet plate, like with a small chicken and small filet.  My only concern with this is that my caterer prepares all steak medium (and their medium is pretty medium rare, very red), and although it was wonderful, I'm worried this won't appeal to everyone.  FI is super allergic to all fish, but loves it, so I don't want to tease him by serving it when he can't have it.  As for sides, of course that will depend on the meat chosen, but will probably be some variation of potatoes and veggies.
Dessert: Wedding cake, undecided.

So.. what would you do with the second entree?  What would you prefer in the context of the rest of the meal?

I Want Cake

I voted for just chicken.  With the bisque and ravioli in cream sauce, a duo might be too much for a lot of people to get through.  Chicken is always a safe bet, though, and probably cheaper.

KatieP10

I went for the duo b/c personally that sounds AMAZING! Also if someone doesn't like at least medium steak they prob won't choose that option. 

shan87

I am completely torn. I am different and love my steak Well done- so honestly I wouldn't touch it. I also can't stand Fish so I would not eat the entire 2 entre/course. However I am 1 of how many guests so I would think there are enough people that would love it to keep it. Plus is seems like there will be enough other options.

wittyschaffy

Just do chicken.  People are picky about their beef.

beka0404

I would just do the chicken - I think your menu has enough going on, and I agree with the PPs about people being weird about their beef/a duet being a lot to get through.

PS: Your menu sounds so so so delish.

hkiesling

I selected other.  One thing to consider about the duet option is that some people may not eat red meat amd having it on the plate may be offensive (although I guess they could get the raviolli).  Or, someone might be allergic to fish but okay with the red meat.  It's a common surf and turf problem.  Plus, if your FI is very allergic, do you even want fish being prepared with the other food?  There could be cross-contamination.

Enchanted616

Sorry, I guess I was super confusing about this.

Since we aren't doing a seating chart, we can't have a choice of entree.  Everyone will get the mushroom ravioli first, then the next course.  Obviously, the portions of both entrees would be smaller than if there was only one.  But yea, it will be a lot of food, but I'd rather that than anyone being hungry!

Because of my FI's allergies, I was trying to say fish is not an option at all.  The duet plate wouldn't be surf-and-turf, it would be chicken and steak.  I loooove the idea of this, but I am starting to think it would be a lot easier to just go with a chicken option.. even if I think its a little boring.  No offense at all to anyone who is serving chicken, but I pretty much grew up on it.. it was the only think my mom knew how to cook.  I wanted a little something a little different for my wedding, but I'm thinking it might just be the easiest way to go to please everyone.

Clare13

Do they have kitchen facilities at your reception site?  I was also concerned about the steak being served medium-rare.  My venue told me that if someone wanted their meat done more it was not a problem and they would just put it back on the grill.  Not many guests made the request but a few did and it worked very well.  We got so many comments on the steaks.  As for the duo option I really like it.  I personally do not eat red meat but this option would allow my DH and I to switch around meat choices and I would be able to eat.  Good luck on the meal choices.  I don't think you can go wrong with either of them. 

hkiesling

Oh, I mis-read that.  We also had a fall wedding and wanted something a little different than chicken.  We had a buffet with carved turkey and roast beef aus juice.  People loved the idea of turkey in the fall.  It's just a little richer tasting than chicken, too.  Maybe that's an option?