Food safety is one of the most-talked discussions among couples who are planning their wedding in the current times. The concern for guests’ safety is undeniable and understanding this concern, wedding caterers are finding creative ways to serve up COVID-friendly appetizers, drinks, entrées and dessert safely without sacrificing deliciousness.
Balancing safety with providing a delicious experience is a meticulous art. And a true artist knows the secrets. We have Sarita Bazaz, Founder of The Food Affairs from India, one of the leading wedding caterers in the country and worldwide to shed light on how wedding food and drinks have changed due to COVID-19, and how they’re creatively working within guidelines to serve up COVID-friendly appetizers, drinks, meals and an all-around satisfying culinary experience for your event.
“We aim to set a benchmark for hygiene standards and safety in a pandemic-hit environment. We have worked on several measures to ensure the safety of our employees, guests and vendors, right from the venue entry to exit; to the way seating and table arrangements are organized at weddings, we are prepared to welcome guests with all the necessary precautionary measures,” shares Sarita.
Pre-Plated Options
With micro weddings limiting the number of guests, the traditional process had been revamped to more of a DIY, and pre-plated option. The cocktails can be pre-poured ready to grab, and the other food stops pre-plated and handed to guests to keep the line moving to allow for social distance. Coffee and water service stations are eliminated altogether in favor of tableside service. While wedding cakes aren’t going anywhere, treats such as cupcakes and cake pops will likely rise in popularity as they can be served to each guest individually.
Socially Distant Stations
One of the biggest trends pre COVID was – stations. From specialty cocktails to appetizers to desserts, the unmanned station was a hit as it brought people together and allowed for coloring outside the box. In 2021. stations are still in but will now require a server at each location. With outdoor weddings as the biggest trend, there will be two sets of parallel tables: behind one, the chef prepares the food and after the second one, the guests stand. In between them, position a couple of servers to avoid direct contact of the guests with the chefs.
Reimagine Individual Servings
Nothing is as luxurious as beautifully plated food served directly to your guests. Multi-course, plated dinners for an upscale feel while keeping guests in their seats for COVID safety will be a 2021 trend. Craft Catering to include mini wedding cakes and individual servings of everything. Mason jar dips and dressing, single-serving grazing boards and food boxes are making their way in.
“Our food is now been presented in individual servings. We have them plated by our team and offered to the guests. They do not hand over the plate to the guests directly. Nor do the guests take the food from the buffet directly. We have servers stationed with the food who wear gloves (which are changed regularly) and keep sanitizing the serving equipment.”
Creative Buffets With In-Between Servers
Buffets can still be incorporated if done creatively. Plated dinners are safest, followed by family-style and then buffet service. This way, you’re limiting the number of hands touching the utensils. Seated Dinner with a printed menu on the guest’s table is an innovative way. The tables are placed at a safe distance from each other with a minimum number of people seated at each table. The guests make their selection and convey it to the server in charge who safely gets the food on the table.
Self-Serving Stations
Install self-serving stations at a couple of points (where there are self-contained appetizers) so that instead of staff serving the crowd, it can go as contactless as possible.
Top Sanitizing Tools
One of the most important aspects to consider with catering changes during COVID-19 is the safety measures that caterers are now taking. The Food Affairs keep UV plate sterilizers and have individually packed cutlery and glasses. The staff wears PPE kits along with double masks, gloves, shoe covers and face shields. Apart from this, they sanitize their hands in every 15-20 minutes. and consciously maintains social distancing among guests and themselves. Sanitabs and other natural techniques are used to wash the raw materials.
What’s Most Important Is Choosing Wedding Catering That Will Fit Your Needs
With the pandemic still gripping its claws, it’s important to book a caterer with experience in handling such an unprecedented situation. 6200+ events in 78+ locations in India and worldwide has given The Food Affairs an enormous experience in dealing with different cuisines. With unparalleled hospitality, exposure to international events and thematic presentations, you’re sure to have a distinguished event.
Their passion and reverence for food are evident. Every dish is prepared and seasoned perfectly using the season’s freshest produce, sourced locally. Their inspired creations, subtle recipes, aromas, textures and hues evoke powerful, positive emotions. Every menu that they curate and create is lovingly tailored to the occasion, location, and the people it is meant to be served to.
Sarita Bazaz is a pioneer in the catering industry, bringing alive flavors and innovations to weddings and events for the past 28 years. She pays attention to the smallest of details, including sourcing the right products as well as reinventing and recreating recipes to suit different palates. At events, you will often find her closely studying the expressions and feedback amongst guests tasting food.
Allow them to take you on a gastronomical journey and create an unforgettable & bespoke dining experience. Book them right here!
Website: www.thefoodaffairs.in
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