Planning a wedding menu is a crucial aspect of orchestrating a memorable and delightful celebration. The process, however, can often seem overwhelming and daunting. Fortunately, at Hyde Bank Farm, couples can find solace in the expertise of our resident chefs, Tracey and Dave. We sat down with them both to learn more about their culinary journeys, explore their sources of inspiration, gain insights into their meticulous menu development process, and uncover valuable tips for couples who find themselves grappling with wedding menu ideas.
What inspired you to become a chef, and how did you get started in the industry?
Dave’s answer was light-hearted, “Someone said I looked good in a chef’s hat!” while Tracey found her passion while working as an assistant manager at a restaurant. She spent some time in the kitchen during her training and instantly knew it was for her, thinking, “Don’t let me out of here!”
Tracey shared that she tends to go off what she thinks she would like to eat at a wedding and what large groups of people would enjoy. She also adjusts dishes throughout the seasons to make the best use of seasonal produce. Every so often, they have a creative day where they cook new dishes that can be added to their menus.
Tracey explained that their wedding coordinators will meet with the couples to talk through the menus and dishes. They discuss what the couple likes and what they think their guests will enjoy, and work closely to create something that they and their guests will love. Sometimes, this means creating custom dishes, especially for the bride and groom.
What is your favourite dish to prepare for a wedding, and why?
Tracey loves preparing desserts, while Dave’s favourite is the chicken with mozzarella dish. This dish has many elements, so he loves to see the result.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face when catering for large events, and how do you overcome them?
Tracey explained that dietary requirements can be a challenge, but their front-of-house team work closely with the couples to identify any guests with allergies or certain requirements so that they can plan for them and prepare the best dishes possible. They make sure that the meals for guests with allergens or certain requirements are just as delicious as everyone else’s.
Tracey’s advice was to think about what they like, but also about what they think their guests would enjoy. She also recommended balancing the menu, for example, by choosing a light starter if they are having a heavy dish for their main. The chefs can also help with menu planning for couples planning to marry at Hyde Bank Farm.
How do you collaborate with other members of the wedding planning team, such as the wedding coordinator or florist, to create a cohesive and beautiful wedding experience for couples and their guests?
Tracey explained that they have regular meetings to discuss upcoming weddings in depth. They talk about timings, dietary requirements, and allergens to make sure that the food on the day is the best that it can be.
How do you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies for guests at weddings and events?
Tracey said that they try lots of different dishes and have recently added several new vegetarian and vegan dishes to their main menu. Their front-of-house team identifies guests with allergens or dietary requirements in the wedding planning process and on the day. They substitute ingredients where possible and tend to keep away from nuts.
What is your process for sourcing high-quality ingredients, and how do you ensure that the food you prepare is fresh and flavourful?
The chefs prioritize using high-quality ingredients that are fresh and flavourful. They source their ingredients from local suppliers, such as the local butcher and greengrocer, to ensure the best quality possible. Everything is cooked fresh on the day of the event, and the team does not reheat any food.
How do you ensure that the kitchen runs smoothly during events, and how do you manage the timing and pacing of dishes?
They both emphasise how well the team work together and the importance of their communication with the front-of-house staff and suppliers throughout the day. As previously mentioned, the whole wedding planning team work closely together from the first meeting with the couple to ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
Book Your Wedding At Hyde Bank Farm Today!
Hyde Bank Farm’s resident chefs, Tracey and Dave, are experts in creating delicious and memorable dishes for couples and their guests, making the task of planning a wedding menu much easier. Their passion for food and dedication to quality shine through in every aspect of their menu development process. They carefully consider the preferences of the couple and their guests, adapt dishes to incorporate seasonal produce, and even create custom menus for a truly personalised experience. To create a truly unforgettable culinary journey for your wedding, trust Hyde Bank Farm’s talented chefs with your menu choices. Book your dream wedding today and savour the delightful creations that will leave your guests raving about their dining experience.