Tasting the Menu

Out of all the wedding planning "things", Alson's favorite event (and it ranks up there for me as well) was definitely the tasting for the reception menu. We decided on a sit down dinner, so we had to choose one salad, two dinners with sides, and dessert. We were placed in a wine room at the hotel that housed one HUGE table, and we sat and ate as the chef presented a brief overview of each dish. It was like being on Top Chef, and we were the judges of all the delicious food. SO MUCH FUN!

In the end we chose this menu:

Pinehurst House Salad
Mixed Field Greens, Roma Tomatoes, Golden Raisins, Toasted Sunflower Seeds, and Alfalfa Sprouts
Pinehurst Peach & Pecan Vinaigrette or Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette

Bourbon Shallot Glazed Filet Mignon
Shiitake Mushroom Demi Glace
Haricots Verts and Carrots
Shaved Ham and Stone Ground Grit Souffle

Strawberry Kiwi Crusted Tilapia
Key Lime Butter and Sweet Lemon Cream
Haricots Verts and Carrots
Parmesan and Basil Infused Duchess Potatoes

Wedding Cake
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Tasting the cake was also really yummy, and we got to keep the extra mini cakes they made for the tasting, but that we were unable to eat (we were really full by the end!). We decided on a four tiered square cake with two fondant ribbons around each layer and flowers on top. We are looking for a happy medium between these two pictures:

Photos from theknot.com

My advice for future tasters, definitely bring your appetite and have fun with the process! We felt like a King and Queen sitting at the huge table getting waited on and presented with the most wonderfully tasting dishes.