March 22, 2012 at 12:25 PM · Filed under Food, Green Catering ·Tagged caterers, catering, corporate catering, denver, denver caterers, event planning, food, green, green catering, green weddings, party planning, serendipity, serendipity catering, vegetarian catering, vegetarian food, weddings
The sun is shining and it is unseasonably warm. Grass is starting to turn green and it seems as if each morning new signs of spring are making their appearance. Soon it will be time to prepare the garden and make way for the fruits and vegetables Colorado has to offer.
Vegetables that grow well in Colorado include beans, beets, cabbage, carrots, collards, cucumbers, lettuce onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, radishes, spinach, squash, tomatoes and zucchini. Fruits that are successful in Colorado include apples, cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, raspberries and shrub fruits. There are a ton of resources for planting directions and advice — most local garden centers have experts on hand to answer questions and a simple Web search will provide a harvest of information.
Colorado Gardening
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
While you wait for your garden to grow, there are a lot of fruits and vegetables that are in season now that will add some spring to your diet. While shopping this weekend, add some artichokes, asparagus, avocado, broccoli, fennel, kale, potatoes, rhubarb, rutabaga, and turnips to your basket. Sweeten your diet with some blood oranges, grapefruit, kiwi or pineapple.
Natural Home and Garden: Spring Foods
If you are trying to slim down a little so you look great in your bathing suit when summer rolls around, Shape magazine has named the Top 50 spring diet foods for weight loss. This handy Web page lists the foods, describes their health benefits and offers a recipe or two for each food.
Shape: Top 50 Spring Diet Foods
For the gourmets out there, Bon Appetit put together a “Spring Awakening” list of dishes that include tasty meals like peas, mint and parmesan crostini; beet, rhubarb and orange salad; and Moroccan-style vegetable stew with Harissa yogurt sauce.
Bon Appetit: Spring Awakening
With all the delicious, healthy foods of spring come a variety of fattening foods to avoid. Sorry, gang, hot dogs at the ballpark are not good for you and made WebMD’s list of Spring’s Most Fattening Foods.
WebMD: Springs 10 Most Fattening Foods
Not matter what you are craving, let Serendipity help you plan your menu. From basic tasty dishes to globally inspired food featuring Colorado ingredients, we can cater any party for any occasion. Call us today!
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March 15, 2012 at 2:37 PM · Filed under Food, Green Catering, Party Planning, Themes ·Tagged caterers, catering, corporate catering, denver, denver caterers, event planning, food, green, green catering, irish beef stew, irish lamb stew, party planning, party themes, patron saint of ireland, serendipity, serendipity catering, weddings
For little ones, March 17 is the day to wear green or get pinched – the myth behind this is leprechauns will pinch anyone they can see and wearing green makes you invisible to the little creatures. For adults, green beer and Irish inspired food mark the St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
History
Believe it or not, the jovial holiday began as a minor Christian feast day more than 1,000 years ago. Patrick was a slave in Ireland as a young boy. As a result of his hardship, he found religion. After escaping from Ireland, he returned home to Roman Britain where he was ordained as a priest. The spirit moved him to return to Ireland and convert the Irish people to Christianity. Patrick used the three leaves of the Irish shamrock to explain the Catholic concept of the Holy Trinity – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Patrick, recognized at the patron saint of Ireland, died on March 17, thus date for the annual feast.
The party-like celebrations and parades were started by Irish-Americans in the United States as way to confirm ethnic identity – wearing the color green was a way to show loyalty to Ireland.
National Geographic: St. Patrick’s Day
History.com: St. Patrick’s Day
No matter how you celebrate, Irish inspiration is hard to find, especially when it comes to food.
Irish Stew
Irish food is known for its fresh ingredients and the lack of herbs and spices, except for salt and pepper. The staples of the Irish diet include potatoes, grains and dairy products including many types of seafood, beef, lamb and pork. A typical Irish dinner consists of potatoes cooked whole, cabbage and meat.
Irish stew is the national dish and is known the satisfy the hunger of anyone who eats it. Basic Irish stew consists of potatoes, onions, carrots, bacon, lamb and salt and pepper. Modern recipes call for more spices and other twists the traditional dish.
Epicurious: Irish Beef Stew
Allrecipes.com: Irish Lamb Stew
Potato Dishes
Irish Colcannon
Champ/Poundies
While quite basic, this is claimed to be the most widely eaten potato dish in Ireland. Potatoes and scallions are the main ingredients with a little butter and salt and pepper.
Best Health Magazine: Irish Champ
Colcannon
While popular in the U.S. on St. Patrick’s Day, this recipe started as a Halloween tradition in Ireland. The Irish would make the dish, hiding a charm somewhere in the pot.
Christian Science Monitor: Irish Colcannon
Modern Day Cheeses
Irish cheese from igourmet
While there is a bland history of cheesemaking that almost disappeared during World War II, farmhouse cheeses have returned to the Emerald Isle in recent years.
Epicurious: Irish Cheese
Once you buy your Irish cheese, try this soup recipe!
Food.com: St. Patrick’s Day Irish Cheese Soup
Irish Beer
No, not American beer with a little green food coloring, we are talking about real Irish beer. Aside from Guinness, most Irish beers are low profile and can only be found in specialty stores, but they are available.
Stouts are the most popular in Ireland, dark brown with roasted flavors and foamy heads.
Ireallylikefood.com: List of Irish Beer
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March 8, 2012 at 12:26 PM · Filed under Corporate Catering, Etiquette, Food, Green Catering ·Tagged caterers, catering, denver, denver caterers, Denver P2 Partners, event planning, green, green catering, party planning, party themes, serendipity, serendipity catering, slow food, vegetarian catering, vegetarian food, weddings
Sometimes it’s good to be fast. Running fast, driving a fast car, being fast at your job — being fast is often a sign of power and efficiency. However, when it comes to food, fast isn’t always good. Sure, fast food may taste good, but have you considered where that juicy hamburger meat came from? What chemicals are used on the vegetables to keep them fresh? How much gasoline was used shipping the discounted food across the country to your neighborhood?
Slow Food is a global, grassroots movement that focuses on preparing delicious food with a commitment to the community and the environment. More than 100,000 people in 150 countries have joined the international Slow Food organization while thousands more embrace the concept of good food that is good for those who grow it and good for the planet.
Slow Food
Slow Food Denver is one of 200 Slow Food chapters in the U.S. The Denver chapter has more than 150 members that are dedicated to preserving food traditions and heritage, supporting local food producers and purveyors, promoting sustainable agriculture, influencing food policy, protecting biodiversity, and educating members, school children and the greater community about the pleasures of growing and eating food.
Slow Food Denver
Slow Food Denver has formed the Seed to Table program, aimed at Denver’s school children. The group works closely with Denver area schools to teach students where their food comes from, how to prepare it, who grows it, the importance of food choices and the pleasure of sharing with friends and family. Slow Food Denver, along with some partners, has coordinated the Denver Youth Farmers’ Markets, Garden to Cafeteria project, and has worked to increase local products in school lunch and promote scratch cooking in schools.
Slow Food Denver: Seed to Table
Serendipity is supportive of the Slow Food movement. Colorado grass-fed buffalo and Colorado trout are featured on some of Serendipity’s menus along with vegetables grown especially for Serendipity on a farm south of Denver. Serendipity also participates in an active composting program that results in local soils being enriched.
“While we take inspiration for our food from around the world, we always consider what local ingredients can be incorporated into the recipes,” said Laura Zaspel, co-owner of Serendipity and green event specialist. “We are committed to working with local growers as much as possible.”
You too can work with local growers. Slow Food Boulder County has published a Colorado Farm Fresh directory. The 2011 edition of the directory features more than farms, ranches, roadside stands, u-picks, Community Supported Agriculture programs and agritourism operations as well as nearly 100 farmers’ markets across the state. The directory is free and can be downloaded at:
Slow Food Boulder County: Farm Fresh Directory
The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s website features recipes inspired by Colorado ingredients. From appetizers to entrees to desserts, there are great Colorado dishes to be found.
Colorado Department of Agriculture: Colorado Recipes
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March 1, 2012 at 2:10 PM · Filed under Corporate Catering, Food, Green Catering, Party Planning, Themes, Weddings ·Tagged caterers, catering, denver, denver caterers, event planning, green, green catering, party planning, party themes, serendipity, serendipity catering, weddings
Just as Monet was inspired by the beautiful French countryside, and Picasso was influenced by the romance of Paris, all great artists search for that deep emotion that brings their creativity to the surface. Creating a gorgeous table setting adorned by a plate of attractive yet flavorsome food also requires inspiration – catering is, after all, an art form.
Serendipity searched for inspiration from caterers around the globe during the Catersource conference in Las Vegas the past five days. Industry leaders from all aspects of the catering business were on hand to teach and motivate hundreds of caterers.
From recipes to custom tableware to event planning software, Laura Zaspel, Shauna Anderson and Suzie Loya gathered ideas and contacts that Serendipity will employ to ensure Serendipity is one of the best caterers in Denver.
Suzie and Shauna agree that while they learned a lot of new ideas they are eager to incorporate at Serendipity, they also appreciate what great ideas and service Serendipity already provides. Laura, a co-owner of Serendipity a green event specialist, said she was impressed with the professionalism and passion of the attendees. She said she left feeling a renewed sense of energy and motivation “wow” Serendipity clients even more.
So what’s new?
Microveggies and edible flowers were popular items.
“Mini everything,” said Shauna, Serendipity’s senior event coordinator. She said small bites are in, especially street food in miniature form. The Serendipity team visited a vendor that sold micro vegetables.
Laura said Serendipity will be incorporating more small bites on its menu this year, especially tapas inspired from her travels in Spain but made with fresh Colorado ingredients.
Small bites require a lot of small serving dishes and cups – a challenge for Serendipity since it is committed to reducing waste. However, at the convention Laura discovered a new green product perfect for small bites that fits with Serendipity’s commitment to being friendly to Mother Earth.
Bold color is another hot trend. Shauna said tangerine is the most popular right now, followed by other strong, bold colors. Suzie commented that in addition to bold colors, sparkles and lots of bling are fashionable for tables.
The Serendipity trio was impressed with the table decorating competition and brought home some great photos to use for inspiration.
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February 23, 2012 at 1:43 PM · Filed under Corporate Catering, Food, Green Catering, Party Planning ·Tagged caterers, catering, corporate catering, corporate party ideas, denver, denver caterers, event planning, green catering, party planning, party themes, serendipity, serendipity catering
Businesses are always looking for an edge over their competitors and they promote that edge through marketing. One of the best marketing secrets is…you guessed it…great food!
Whether you are rewarding employees for exceeding expectations or launching a new product or simply telling customers “thank you,” food that looks good and tastes even better can play a critical role.
Food Matters.
Salads for everyone! This coporate event catered by Serendipity featured an elaborate salad bar as a "thank you" to employees.
Think about the last great meal you had. Where was it? Who did you dine with?
What impression did you leave with? Now think about the last average meal you consumed. Do you remember much about it? Probably not.
Corporate customers often tell Serendipity they want to make an impression at their event. Serendipity can create custom menus that help drive the message home. For example, a graphic design company trying to land a big account may choose to serve the prospective client a colorful salad with edible flowers to help convey its creativity. A software company trying to establish itself as a global company may choose a menu inspired by world travels.
Looking for a more personal way to thank a customer? Send lunch to the customer’s office.
Rewarding and motivating employees can also play a role in business success. How about an ice cream social to reward hitting a big deadline? Consider a monthly birthday lunch to honor employees as they turn a year older. Employment milestones are also a nice celebration – cupcakes for five years of service, appetizers for 10, lunch for 15 and a full-blown dinner celebration for 20 years.
Touting your company’s anniversary or a new building or project is a great way to send a message of endurance, stability and success to your customers. Host an open house for your employees and customers and let Serendipity create a menu that will leave a lasting impression. Consider also providing a bar and topping the evening off with a cake shaped like your company logo.
What to expect
Serendipity can put together an ice cream social like you've never seen! This is a great way to thank customers or employees.
When you hire Serendipity to help create your corporate event, you can expect service and follow-through.
A service consultant will help you choose a menu appropriate for your event. Every detail will be decided from food, to the color of table linens to the number of servers needed to ensure the occasion runs smoothly. Serendipity will coordinate with vendors for rental items and the purchase of alcohol, if you prefer.
An event coordinator and/or catering captain will be assigned and will ensure the set-up, delivery, execution and clean-up of the event is flawless. All servers working at your event will provide you and your guests exceptional service.
From start to finish, working with Serendipity will allow you to create a corporate event that guests will talk about long after the party is over. It will also allow you to enjoy the event and leave the work to our professionally trained staff.
Serendipity knows that great food is the key to a great event!
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February 16, 2012 at 12:04 PM · Filed under Food, Green Catering, Party Planning, Themes, Weddings ·Tagged caterers, catering, denver, denver caterers, event planning, green, green catering, green weddings, party planning, party themes, serendipity, serendipity catering, weddings
Aloha! Although Colorado is a long way from the beaches of Hawaii, many of Serendipity’s 2012 brides are taking inspiration from our island friends for their wedding menus.
One of Serendipity’s service consultants, Suzie Loya, said Serendipity is getting a lot of requests for luaus. Suzie and Serendipity’s executive chef put together this menu for one of their June brides.
Arugula Salad with Fresh Vegetables and Edible Flowers
Served with Housemade Citrus Vinaigrette
Sesame Cabbage Salad
Polynesian Inspired Salad topped with Black Sesame Seeds
Kalua Pig
Slow Roasted Pork Butt Shredded and Sprinkled with Hawaiian Salt
Huli Huli Chicken
Chicken Thighs and Breasts Marinated in a Pineapple-Soy Sauce accented with Fresh Ginger
Sweet Potato Puree
Sweet Potatoes combined with Brown Sugar and Island Spices – a Client Favorite!
Macadamia Nut and Toasted Coconut Rice Pilaf
Savory Grilled Pineapple with Avocado and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Rosemary Flatbread presented with Assorted Spreads including Honey Blossom Butter and Roasted Garlic Spread
Coconut Cream Mini Pies & Passion Fruit Tartlets
Now if that doesn’t have your mouth watering… Colorado brides seem to be in the know, since honeymoon destination inspired food is popular, especially Caribbean and other island cuisine, according to WeddingChannel.com.
Brides.com highlights organic menus, or menus featuring locally grown food, as being popular with brides. Serendipity, a leader in green event planning in Denver, helps brides with this option by offering locally raised grass-fed buffalo, locally-grown vegetables and internationally inspired dishes made from Colorado ingredients. (Serendipity can go above and beyond the food to ensure your event is green, but those details are for another blog!)
Brides: Complete Menu Ideas
Serendipity: Green Catering
Buffets are still popular among Serendipity brides. Buffets can be very creative and provide a lot of options for guests. However, plated dinners are being requested more this year. One of Serendipity’s popular plated meals includes buffalo tenderloin medallion on a Colorado cabernet reduction and Colorado trout mousse in puff pastry.
Another popular option is a family-style dinner. Theknot.com listed family-style meals among its Top 10 wedding catering trends. Family style not just for Italian food and this type of service allows the food to be the focal point of your tables.
theknot.com: Wedding Catering: Top 10 Catering Trends
Serendipity senior wedding coordinator, Shauna Anderson, said another trend more Serendipity brides are embracing includes a light cocktail hour before the ceremony. For example, guests are greeted by servers with silver trays of spiked strawberry lemonade and a small nibble prior to the ceremony.
If you feed the guests before the ceremony, why not consider a late-night snack, too? Theknot.com said late-night snacks also made the Top 10. Around 10 p.m., when dinner is long gone and cake has been cleared, consider serving something as simple as popcorn or as satisfying as a slider.
The most important trend a bride can adapt is to make her wedding her own! There are hundreds of options when it comes to catering and Serendipity relishes creating custom menus that reflect the bride and groom and help make their celebration one that will be remembered.
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February 9, 2012 at 12:26 PM · Filed under Food, Themes ·Tagged caterers, catering, denver, denver caterers, event planning, green catering, party planning, party themes, serendipity, serendipity catering, weddings
A dozen long-stemmed roses are on the table. The candles are lit, the wine is poured a box of chocolates are on hand. Soft music is playing in the background and you hope this is the start to a romantic evening with your Valentine. But what foods should you serve to help ensure the romance? Are there such things as aphrodisiacs?
Are they real?
Named for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, aphrodisiacs are substances — including food or drink — that are believed to have the effect of increasing sexual desire.
Although required biologically, food also served a psychological purpose. For centuries it has been debated whether aphrodisiac abilities really exist or whether they are all in our mind.
A Psychology Today article by Dr. Frank Lawlis calls upon modern science to determine that aphrodisiacs may be more truth than myth. Lawlis says biological benefits of many foods, contribute to sexual pleasure.
Oysters are arguably the most popular aphrodisiacs.
Foods considered aphrodisiacs
Many foods are considered aphrodisiacs. Eat Something Sexy provides readers with an alphabetical guide to aphrodisiac foods.
Eat Something Sexy
Some on the list, like apples, bananas, coffee, tomatoes and watermelon seem ordinary, nothing sexy about them. But many foods like oysters, conch, sea urchin and shark sound more exotic, but share the similar benefits as their more basic counterparts – they have nutrients and benefits that may contribute to increased sexual desire.
For example, oysters — perhaps the most famous aphrodisiac — are high in zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. Zinc increases sperm count while the omega-3s improve nervous system function. Both benefits contribute to increased sexual desire.
The apple’s high pectin content delivers a steady amount of energy need to you through vigorous activity, unlike sugar that creates a quick burst of energy followed by a letdown.
In 2008, researchers at Texas A&M discovered that watermelon contains citrulline, a nutrient that has the power to relax blood vessels, similar to Viagra does. It isn’t clear how much watermelon you have to consume to benefit from the properties, but the studies continue.
CBS News: Is Watermelon A Natural Viagra?
Asparagus and avocados help produce hormones like testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. Bananas, high in potassium, help build muscle strength. Red wine contains an antioxidant that increases blood flow, when consumed in moderation. Soy and papaya are estrogenic and act as the female hormone estrogen.
Recipes
When you plan your Valentine’s Day menu, consider using some of these savory recipes to help ensure your evening is a romantic one.
Gaiam Life: 3 (Healthy) Aphrodisiac Recipes
Epicruious: Aphrodisiacs to Sweeten Your Valentine’s Day
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February 2, 2012 at 10:17 AM · Filed under Food, Themes ·Tagged caterers, catering, denver, denver caterers, event planning, green, green catering, party planning, serendipity, serendipity catering, weddings
It has been said that love is the universal language, but whoever said that forgot about chocolate! The French call it chocolat, the Germans say schokolade and those in Inodonesian it is pronounced coklat. While people around the world say it differently, the pleasure that comes from eating or drinking chocolate is the same.
History
Historians estimate chocolate has been around for at least 2,000 years. While the word “sweet” some to mind, early chocolate was a bitter tasting drink that came from the cocoa beans. Mayans and Aztecs believed the cocoa beans had magical and even divine properties. Latin America valued the cocoa beans so much, they were used as currency for years.
Mouth-watering sweet chocolate didn’t surface until the Europeans discovered the Americas, according to Smithsonian.com. The Aztecs served the bitter drink to European explorers who added honey and sugar cane to make it more palatable. The new concoction quickly became popular in Spain and eventually Europe.
Today, more than 40 million people worldwide depend on cocoa and chocolate industry for their livelihoods, according to the World Cocoa Foundation. The demand for cocoa has increased 3 percent for the past 100 years with an annual global market value of $5.1 billion.
Main Dish Recipes
Although primarily used in desserts and beverages, chocolate can add interesting flavor to all kinds of dishes. Chorizo and Dominican chocolate tapas, chocolate oysters with ginger and green apple, and seared pork tenderloin with cocoa spice rub are just a few of the interesting chocolate combinations Serendipity found.
Chocolate Main Dish Recipes
Recipes from Vosges Chocolate
Dessert Recipes
Chocolate dipped strawberries by Serendipitiy
Chocolate for dessert is an all-time favorite. From basic chocolate cake and brownies to fried chocolate bread, chocolate bark and cocoa waffles, there are hundreds of ways to get your chocolate dessert fix!
Country Living: Chocolate Dessert Recipes
Gourmet: Valentine’s Day Chocolate Recipes
Drink Recipes
Hot, cold, spiked or fruity you can drink your daily does of chocolate! Try chilled hot chocolate, chocolate cream liqueur or a chocolate martini.
Allrecipes: Chocolate Drinks
Mixocology Guide: Cocoa Drinks
Wine and Chocolate Pairings
The flavor of chocolate depends on where the cocoa beans were grown, similar how the taste of wine in influenced by the grape. It is only natural that the two can go together.
Allchocolate.com suggests pairing dark, bittersweet and semisweet chocolate with Zinfandel, Syrah, Tawny Port, Armagnac and Cognac. Milk chocolate goes best with Merlot, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and dessert wines.
Allchocolate: Wine and Chocolate Pairings
Serendipity can sweeten up your next celebration by putting a little chocolate on the menu. Call a service consultant today.
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January 26, 2012 at 12:41 PM · Filed under Green Catering, Weddings ·Tagged caterers, catering, denver, denver caterers, event planning, green, green weddings, party planning, serendipity, serendipity catering, weddings
For some, the term “green bride” conjures visions of Fiona, the jolly green ogre bride in DreamWorks’ movie Shrek. Others may think the bride is green with envy, as the old saying goes. But today’s brides know there is no need for ogres or envy – a green bride is one that plans her wedding to be kind to Mother Earth.
There are hundreds of ways to plan a wedding that minimizes waste, reduces the typical carbon footprint of a wedding and recycles food, clothing and decorations. The trick is finding that caterer, venue and event planner that has experience and expertise in the area of sustainability and eco-issues.
Venue
This venue, exclusive to Serendipity, has ample space for the wedding and reception. It also lends itself to a shuttle service.
Choose one location to hold both the ceremony and the reception, reducing the amount of travel for the bridal party and guests. If that isn’t possible, provide a shuttle service and eliminate the number of vehicles on the road between venues. Try to select a venue that is centrally located for your guests. All of these ideas will reduce emissions created by your special day.
If hotel rooms are needed for your guests, reserve rooms at a facility that is committed to eco-friendly practices. Basic practices to look for include a linen reuse program, low-flow faucets, LED lights, guestroom recycling and use of recycled paper products, according to Global Stewards.
Global Stewards
Invitations
Save-the-dates, invitations, response cards, maps and thank-you notes can use quite a stash of paper. More and more couples are reducing the amount of paper by sending one paper correspondence and then referring guest to a website or event page for more details. Some choose to go entirely paperless. There are a lot of sophisticated e-vite sites that deliver beautiful electronic correspondence and manage responses and thank yous as well.
Greenvelope
Glosite
Paperless Wedding
Flowers
A bouquet from Plum Sage Flowers in Denver.
One of our floral partners, Erin Hornstein of Plum Sage Flowers in Denver, said most people think flowers are “green” no matter what. In reality, most flowers are grown in a tropical location, trucked to an airport, flown to the U.S., trucked to a wholesaler and trucked again to a local flower shop. That creates a huge carbon footprint. Plum Sage focuses on using locally grown flowers as much as possible. Erin also suggests using trees and plants that can be replanted for long-term use.
A tip a lot of brides don’t think about is asking the florist to use recycled vases and pots. Erin said most florists have these on hand for use and it can save money and reduce waste.
Green brides should also consider asking for flowers that haven’t been sprayed with pesticides and fungicides.
Plum Sage Flowers
Food
Select a caterer that is willing to use local ingredients as much as possible, to reduce the amount of emissions created by shipping foods. Serendipity, for example, works with several local farms for vegetables and meat. Green brides can make it easier for the caterer to choose locally by selecting in-season menu items.
Going beyond ingredients, as if the caterer composts food waste and recycles as much as possible. If they don’t, they may not be as “green” as you hoped. Brides can also ask the caterer to provide recycling and composting at the reception.
Serendipity Catering
Resources
These are just a few of the areas where brides can make green decisions. For more ideas, check out a few of these resources.
Eco-Beautiful Weddings
Recycled Bride
Green Bride Guide
Serendipity is Denver’s only caterer that has received the Certifiably Green Denver certification. Call a Serendipity event coordinator to help you plan the beautiful, green wedding of your dreams.
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January 19, 2012 at 1:38 PM · Filed under Etiquette, Food, Green Catering ·Tagged catering, denver, denver caterers, etiquette, event planning, green, green catering, party planning, party themes, serendipity, serendipity catering, vegetarian catering, vegetarian etiquette, vegetarian food, weddings
With an estimated 6 to 8 million American adults following a vegetarian-based diet, chances are you know several people who don’t eat meat. But what happens when you don’t know an invited dinner guest is vegetarian? There are steps hosts and vegetarians can take to prevent awkward situations.
Host
Don’t be disappointed. It is not a statement about you or your cooking when a vegetarian passes on the meat. Being vegetarian is a lifestyle chosen for health, religious or ethical reasons. Honor your guests commitment to being vegetarian and don’t take is personally.
You can be proactive by asking new friends about their food preferences when an invitation is extended. This not only helps you identify vegetarians, but also any food allergies an invitee may have.
Once you are aware of a vegetarian guest, you don’t have to cancel you plans to serve meat. Just make sure to serve a couple of side dishes that are vegetarian. If you choose to eliminate meat from the menu, there are a lot of ways to use protein substitutes in your favorite recipes.
Allrecipes.com: Vegetarian Cuisine
Here are some quick and easy vegetarian recipes.
Cooking Light: Quick and Easy Vegetarian Recipes
Real Simple: 41 Easy Vegetarian Recipes
Pita bread with a variety of hummus is a great vegetarian option.
Vegetarian
Etiquette experts offer a variety of suggestions to vegetarians when it comes to accepting dinner invitations. A common thread is to let the host know you are vegetarian when you accept the invitation. It is suggested to take it one step further and offer to bring a vegetarian dish to the party, or make is clear you are happy eating side dishes. This takes the pressure off the host to try and prepare something special.
If you arrive at a party without the host knowing you are vegetarian, politely say “no thank you” to the meat but emphasize how delicious the rest of the meal is and a how much you enjoy the good company.
On the flip side
If you are a vegetarian planning a dinner party, let the guests know ahead of time they will be getting a tasty vegetarian meal. Just as you may suggest brining a vegetarian dish to a party, allow your guests to offer a meat dish as well.
Serendipity's Cherry Tomato Caprese Bites are great vegetarian-friendly appetizers.
Working with a caterer
Serendipity strives to accommodate all guests at your party, including vegetarians. When working with us, let us know in advance that you have vegetarian guests and we will ensure they are well fed.
Serendipity has a collection of savory vegetarian options that even meat lovers relish!
When in doubt
There are hundreds of resources available to answer vegetarian etiquette questions. Here are a few to check out. You can also consult with a Serendipity event coordinator. All of our coordinators are experienced with vegetarian menus and would be happy to help you plan your event.
Vegetarian Times: You Eat What?
The Kitchen: Vegetarian Etiquette
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Vegetables that grow well in Colorado include beans, beets, cabbage, carrots, collards, cucumbers, lettuce onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, radishes, spinach, squash, tomatoes and zucchini. Fruits that are successful in Colorado include apples, cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, raspberries and shrub fruits. There are a ton of resources for planting directions and advice — most local garden centers have experts on hand to answer questions and a simple Web search will provide a harvest of information.
If you are trying to slim down a little so you look great in your bathing suit when summer rolls around, Shape magazine has named the Top 50 spring diet foods for weight loss. This handy Web page lists the foods, describes their health benefits and offers a recipe or two for each food.
