Lighter takes on hearty classics

Lighter Takes on Hearty Classics

by Samantha Manzella

date posted: March 09, 2018

Photo by Nicole Nero Studio

Elevate the menu for your special day with lighter, healthier takes on hearty classics.

Shift the focal point of your menu du jour from heavy meats to leaner, lighter proteins like organic chicken, or wild-caught fish. Think about vegetarian options, too: soy-based proteins like tempeh, seitan, or tofu can easily act as meat substitutes in many dishes.

For salads and sides, try subbing nutrient-packed ingredients—think wheat berries or puffed quinoa—for standard elements like croutons or crispy chicken strips. These unexpected add-ons offer diverse textures and flavors for a well-rounded menu.

Guests will enjoy the tantalizing new dishes spread before them, and you might even be able to save some money by forgoing heavier entrées

The Hudson Valley offers a bounty of delicious farm-grown produce that can be used as key ingredients and beautifully displayed.

Food for thought:

Do any of your guests have dietary restrictions, allergies, or intolerances? Consider including dairy-free, meat-free, and gluten-free options in your lineup so that all friends and family have something to enjoy.

Can ingredients be sourced locally? The Hudson Valley offers a bounty of delicious farm-grown produce that can be used as key ingredients and beautifully displayed. Search for caterers who shop locally for fresh goods.

Can your catering team cater to the season? If they can, it will not only enhance the seasonal beauty of your special day, but will also allow you to use more local ingredients, and is often more cost-effective. Design your menu around the calendar: For a fall or winter wedding, think roasted acorn squash or toasted pumpkin seeds. For a spring or summer ceremony, try sliced melons or a spinach and tomato salad.

blue mountain bistro-to-go

Kingston, 845-340-9800, www.bluemountainbistro.com

The official caterers of the Onteora Mountain House, Blue Mountain Bistro is committed to providing a high-quality food catering service both on the day of your wedding and during the time leading up to your event. When you choose Blue Mountain Bistro Catering for your wedding in the Hudson Valley, you will be rewarded with raves from friends and family. Feel totally carefree to relax and enjoy yourselves knowing that their creative, experienced staff is handling all the details of the day.

bread alone catering

Boiceville, Kingston, Rhinebeck, Woodstock, 914-388-7588, www.breadalone.com

Bread Alone Bakery is a family-owned, values-driven bakery. Our vision has not changed since the day that we opened: we create delicious, honest foods that we believe speak to the best in us. Now offering sourdough pizzas with local ingredients from our copper-clad wood-fired pizza oven. Available for off-site catering. Cafe locations in Boiceville, Kingston, Rhinebeck, and Woodstock. catering@breadalone.com!

bridge creek catering

New Paltz, 845-255-9234, www.bridgecreekcatering.com

Offering indoor and outdoor options at two locations. We will accommodate your event with every attention to detail and can discuss menu choices based on budget, size, and style. Both restaurants are available for a buyout or to cater at a location of your choice. The Barn at Cucina is a restored 19th-century barn with original beams, long rustic harvest tables, and splashes of modern décor. Accommodating up to 100 guests, the Barn is fitting for cocktail events, dinner parties, rehearsal dinners, and weddings.

cucina woodstock

Boiceville, Kingston, Rhinebeck, Woodstock, 914-388-7588, www.cucinawoodstock.com
www.marketstrhinebeck.com

fresh company

Garrison, 845-424-8204, www.freshcompany.net

Fresh Company’s food combines the comfort and generosity of home cooking with the sophistication of restaurant cuisine. They are committed to sourcing seasonal ingredients from farms and producers in the Hudson Valley—not just because it’s right, but because it’s good. Look them up and you’ll see “best food we’ve ever had at a wedding” is the most common review. Fresh Company will help coordinate all aspects of your wedding to ensure your big day goes off without a hitch.

frida’s bakery & café

Milton, 845-795-5550, www.fridasbakeryny.com

Frida’s Bakery & Café, nestled in the apple orchard region of Marlboro on the Hudson River, offers beautiful bridal showers in the loft space, as well as after-wedding breakfasts and parties. In addition, Frida’s can provide morning-of catering delivered straight to your door, and fantastic favors to make your special day extra special. Frida’s provides quality, service, and hospitality with every event using fresh, local ingredients. We’d love to be a part of making your wedding day extra memorable.

graze farm to table

Accord, 845-626-1531, www.grazefarmtotable.com

Graze specializes in seasonally influenced and locally inspired foods for weddings and special events of any style. Each of our events is individually crafted and can accommodate a range of visions and budgets. We offer the following services to make your event effortless, gorgeous, and delicious: customized menus; pre-event tastings; event design; coordination of rentals and staffing; and on-site setup, plating, and breakdown.

grounded

Kingston, 845-514-3432, www.groundedny.com

Grounded offers exceptional catering services for events of all sizes, specializing in wholesome food made from farm-fresh vegetables, eggs, and meats. Local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers who use the healthiest, most sustainable methods supply their ingredients. They can also assist with themes, decorations, invitations, and other event elements. They cater to all special-need palates and offer a diverse selection of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free menus.

harvest real food catering

Stone Ridge, 845-687-4492, www.harvestrealfoodcatering.com

A leader in the local farm-to-table movement, Harvest Real Food Catering is passionate about food, and they select the best local ingredients to create custom menus, showcasing the Hudson Valley’s seasonal bounty. Chef Mark will personally design a menu that matches your individual style and unique vision for your special day. Their experienced team of professionals is ready to help bring your Hudson Valley dream wedding to life and assist you in arranging an event to remember, from beginning to perfect end.

hickory barbecue

Kingston, 845-338-2424, www.hickoryrestaurant.com

As a full-service caterer offering complete party planning, Hickory can provide trained servers, kitchen staff, and bartenders for a perfect wedding, including a selection of their most popular mouth-watering items. From a simple backyard barbecue to a special wedding, Hickory can help with all the details. Many of their dishes are available as certified organic, grass-fed, vegetarian, and vegan—just ask. Linen and equipment rentals are available. Likewise, they can also provide floral, cake, bar, and other services.

kovo rotisserie

Kingston, 845-338-KOVO, www.kovorotisserie.com

Kovo is a Greek-inspired casual restaurant with a focus on rotisserie meats and fresh, seasonal salads. Our food combines the healthy ingredients of my ancestors’ home on the Greek island of Samos and my home in the Hudson Valley. We are committed to serving the finest, freshest local produce and meat possible. All of our meats are cooked in our rotisserie and supplied by regional farms. All of our salads are vegetarian and gluten-free, and can be made vegan.

main course catering

New Paltz, 845-255-2600, www.maincoursecatering.com

Main Course is a full-service caterer that can coordinate all wedding aspects including customized menus, decor, linens, and rentals. Under chef Bruce Kazan’s innovative leadership, a team of talented professionals creates the finest in catered events. Main Course, a leader in the sustainable food movement, uses small Hudson Valley purveyors to provide the freshest local, organic produce, free-range poultry, line-caught fish, and hormone-free meats.

miss lucy’s kitchen

Saugerties, 845-246-9240, www.misslucyskitchen.com

Miss Lucy’s Kitchen provides an inspired seasonal menu using fresh and local ingredients. Whether you are having an elegant dinner party, country wedding, or family picnic, their professional staff can help to make your party stress-free. They will personally take care of and customize every aspect of your special event, including tents, tables, chairs, linens, glassware, plates, and more. Leave the details to them, so you can fully enjoy your party.

oriole 9

Woodstock, 845-OR9-5763, www.oriole9.com

Oriole 9 supports many local and organic farms in the Hudson Valley and is dedicated to serving great food with the simplest amount of fresh ingredients. Sit down with them for a consultation to create a custom, seasonal menu for your event. Their professional staff will guide you through the planning process and provide attention to detail that will make your event shine.

the amsterdam catering

Rhinebeck, 845-516-5033, www.lovetheamsterdam.com

The Amsterdam caters award-winning, American, farm-to-table fare featuring the unrivaled bounty of the Hudson Valley. From starters of house-made charcuterie and little beet salads, to pig roasts, steaks on the grill, or a multi-course journey with local foie gras, The Amsterdam is ready to deliver an unforgettable hospitality experience. Add the best craft cocktails, local brews, and sommelier-selected wines and you’ve got a fully bespoke event for up to 400 guests anywhere in the Hudson Valley.

the village tearoom

New Paltz, 845-255-3434, www.thevillagetearoom.com

As a member of the Hudson Valley chapter of Slow Food USA, the TeaRoom’s mission is to offer high-quality, local, seasonal, and organic food at reasonable prices. Their menus feature hearty dishes from a variety of European cooking traditions. Delicious food and attention to detail are the hallmarks of a catered event by The Village TeaRoom, Restaurant & Bake Shop.

wm. farmer & sons

Hudson, 518-828-1635, www.wmfarmerandsons.com

Wm. Farmer & Sons are many things, but above all they’re excellent hosts. Everything they offer is beautifully curated and creates an atmosphere of modern, upscale comfort. Taking care of people is what they do best. In the hotel or the restaurant, at their place or yours, Wm. Farmer & Sons’ dedication to the craft of entertaining makes any occasion an effortless win. Contact them today to talk about hosting or catering your next event.

cafe mio

Gardiner, 845-255-4949, www.miogardiner.com

Farm-to-table wedding and event catering offers the freshest local fare in the Hudson Valley, something that is at the core of Cafe Mio’s food philosophy. They strive to provide an experience that allows the culinary wealth of the region to shine in every dish. Cafe Mio will make your wedding an event everyone will remember.