By Amanda Nicklaus T here are many reasons to love summer, and one of those is the abundance of seasonal foods. Summer menus are rich in fresh produce and bright flavors, inherently celebratory and vibrant, perfect for outdoor events. In an article for the 2024 Fall Issue of Special Events , Robin Selden (Marcia Selden Catering & Events and Naked Fig Catering) and Sarah Kuhlberg (then of Colette’s Catering & Events, Orange County, CA) described the key features of summer fare. “For summer, I feel like it goes without saying... anything grilled,” said Selden. “Peaches, heirloom tomatoes, fresh corn, and watermelon in salads or straight up as dessert all remind me of a great summer meal.” Beverages are light and refreshing, said Kuhlberg. “Summertime refreshments like tropical iced teas and lemonades and fruity margaritas are total winners. You can also bring in the summer vibes with classic mojitos and sangrias.” With food and beverage pairing, the guidelines and rules can seem confusing or overwhelming. While it may seem tempting to ignore pairing do’s and don'ts— especially when working with fussy clients—a well- curated food and beverage menu can go a long way in cultivating an experience (and your brand). Here are some summer food and beverage pairings that will guarantee satisfaction. Component combos Interaction between the components of various food and drink (more on that on page 05 in Catersouce in the adjoining issue) can be either pleasant or unenjoyable. While the degree of intensity can vary from person to person, there are a few combinations that produce tried-and-true results. Summer food & beverage pairings to wow your next event
33
SPECIAL EVENTS SUMMER 2025
Powered by FlippingBook