Good food is a key ingredient for a great wedding or any event for that matter. After all, a happy stomach brings lots of pleasure and good times. As a dietitian, healthy, delicious food prepared in a clean environment where sanitary food preparation procedures are maintained is critical. Just as critical is ensuring that there are no issues for those with food allergies, sensitivities, and preferences.
The Stanley
The Stanley enjoyed a good reputation in years past, and when we stayed there years ago, they lived up to that reputation. However, you can imagine my horror when last summer the news reported that they failed more than one health inspection. With plenty of time before the wedding, I arranged a meeting with my newly assigned wedding planner to discuss my concerns. And yes, I attended the meeting with a rather long list.
The wedding planner put me at ease when she revealed that:
- the chef was let go,a new 5 star
- chef was brought in,they revamped the program to as
- sure compliance, andthey passed subsequent inspections
- with flying colors.
All good news, however, with the exception of a buried blurb, the news did not find that newsworthy enough to give it the same exposure. I love good news, don’t you?
The Menu
For those receptions held at a hotel, conference center, restaurant or another similar venue, you are given limited menu options based on the plan you choose. As the number of selections increase, so does the cost. However, you have the opportunity to tailor the menu to your budget.
Quite a few of my guests had either food allergies or other dietary restrictions and it was important to me that there would be no issues. I provided a list of food allergies and other restrictions and was assured there would be no problems. Although a vegetarian entree was not an option on the “menu” for my vegetarian guests, it was upon request.
Wedding Day
Photo – Courtesy of Laura Grace Photography
As we decorated the Music Room on the morning of the wedding day, the chef made a point to meet with me. He went over the list of allergies and other food restrictions and assured me there would be no issue with cross contamination (a common problem with peanut and shellfish allergies). He was true to his word and the meal was delicious.
Our guests had a happy stomach and used that delicious meal as fuel to dance the night away… I’m sure the wine didn’t hurt either… .
Any dining out suggestions for those with dietary restrictions?
(c) 2018, Karen Van Den Heuvel