The same weekend we catered the perfect surprise birthday taco party, we had another gem. Since it's hard to believe we could cater two perfect events in one weekend... we'll call it an exceptional party.
This exceptional party had perky umbrellas dotting a neat stretch of lawn bordered by orange trees and garden roses.
Roses and oranges, oh my!... their scent lingering heavenly in the breeze-less afternoon.
The sun was very high, very hot and stayed put right over the backyard.While warm like a August summer day usually is, it offered in return the bluest sky ever. A cloudless canopy stretching endlessly overhead.
A setting as beautiful as the occasion...
Celebrating 50 years of marriage!
On the patio, stretched two draped and decorated buffet stations near a babbling waterfall and pond. Koi fish delighted the guests... especially the little ones! Food, beverage and dessert stations enjoyed a lush backdrop.
When the hostess suggested a Spanish Tapas style menu, I was surprised, delighted and intrigued.
Tapas are snacks and finger foods, something that I would normally pitch for an afternoon garden party but rarely do I get the go ahead.
I got the go.
Planning a Tapas menu is creative there is so many unique and tasty options. Even if some of the appetizers are labor intensive, they are every bit worth the effort.
50th Anniversary Tapas Menu
110 guests
Tapas Platters
grilled vegetables, marinated lima beans, cured pork, marinated artichokes, chorizo, marinated mushrooms, pickled carrots, roasted peppers, spanish stuffed olives, manchego cheese, kalamata black olives,
melon wrapped in cured ham, herb goat cheese, dried fruit, grapes and berries
Fresh Summer Fruit
Shrimp Gazpacho
with avocado, capers, onion, celery, dried chili, lemons and lime
Chevere Torte with Red Onion Jam
cracker assortment
Spicy Stuffed Sausage Mushrooms
Manchego Cheese Popovers
Spanish Albondigas
Chorizo and Black Bean Empanadas
Station Items
Bruschetta freshly Toasted and
with Three Tomato Pomodoro Sauce
Saffron Seared Chicken Skewers
Sherry and Garlic Braised Beef "Sliders"
Dessert Cupcakes
Guests gathered to celebrate five
decades of special memories. All were treated to a exceptional afternoon of music, good food and friendship.
"An
anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of
yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow." ~Author Unknown
My goal is to finish this huge task by Halloween, which means blog posting has slipped to the back burner. But with the end so close, I'll break and share some dishes that are fall savvy, delicious and fun!
