A Curated Wedding Menu Says It All | An Elevated Wedding Day Experience

The wedding menu is one of the most critical elements of the day. It has the potential to elevate a celebration from a good one to an unforgettable one. Whether your wedding is held in the historic charm of Cartagena, Colombia, the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast, or even the vibrant flavor of Los Cabos, Mexico, curating your wedding menu makes all the difference in the world.

Collaborate & Curate

Collaborate closely with your wedding planner, chef, and venue. Tailor a wedding menu that aligns with your tastes, traditions, and the freshest available ingredients. Infuse your wedding menu with regional cuisine. You’ll delight your guests with exceptional flavors, enriching their experience and immersing them in local culture.

Having spent the Summer working and traveling internationally, I continue to be inspired by new international flavors and culinary colors. Read on for my ideas on combining culture, sustainability, and local fare to create the perfect wedding menu.

Mexico

Authentic Mexican Cuisine: A Culinary Celebration

Imagine the sun setting over Casa La Laguna, an oceanfront villa in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico. The Sea of Cortez glimmers as you share your special day with 150 of your closest friends and family. Enlisting a trusted caterer to draw inspiration from authentic Mexican flavors. Guests will embark on a gastronomic adventure inspired by Chef Javier Plascencia’s renowned book, The Soul of Baja.

Begin the culinary experience with a refreshing Watermelon Salad with Queso Fresco. Follow up with Baja-style ceviche, made with the freshest local catch. Opt for Grilled Octopus with Black Garlic and Olive Tapenade for the main course. Alternatively, a Slow-Cooked Birria de res, served with handmade tortillas, is also an option. Complement these with Roasted Chayote with Epazte Butter and Mexican Street Corn with tangy lime crema. Indulge in Flan de Cajeta or Churros served with rich chocolate sauce to cap off the meal.

This sample wedding menu is not just a meal. It’s a cultural experience that brings the heart and soul of Baja to your wedding day.

A Farm-to-Table Feast: Flora Farm in Los Cabos

If you are lucky enough to get married at the world-famous Flora Farms in Los Cabos, expect a farm-to-table, family-style feast that is both fresh and flavorful. Flora Farms offers a menu deeply rooted in the region’s bountiful produce. This stunning restaurant specializes in dishes highlighting the farm’s fresh, organic ingredients.

Your guests could start with passed appetizers like Local Fish Ceviche and Mini Caprese Skewers with garden-fresh tomatoes and basil. The first course might include Handmade Burrata with Cherry Tomatoes or a vibrant Beet Salad. You could offer Coal-Roasted Chicken or Pan-Seared Catch of the Day for the main course. Pair it with sides like Roasted Field Vegetables and/or Crispy Crushed Potatoes. Flora Farm’s freshly made bread will perfectly accompany the meal.

For dessert, a table adorned with Eclairs with Chocolate Glaze, Dulce de leche pudding, Dark Chocolate Pots de Crème, and Red Velvet Cupcakes will be sure to delight. Don’t forget the late-night pizzas—artisan-style and served hot and fresh.

A Luxurious Experience: One & Only Palmilla

Are you looking for an intimate wedding with an enhanced menu experience? The One & Only Palmilla in San José del Cabo offers a luxurious seven-course tasting menu designed to impress.

The culinary experience could begin with a Watermelon Confit, followed by an Heirloom Tomato Salad. The third course might offer a choice between Heart of Palm Ceviche or Tuna Tartare, while the fourth could be a rich Roasted Heirloom Tomato Soup. The palate-cleansing fifth course might feature a Hibiscus Ice Lollipop, leading into the sixth course of Sea Bass Tikin-Xic. Finally, the seventh course could include a choice between Braised Barbacoa Short Rib or Wild Mushroom Enchiladas.

This wedding menu is an exquisite way to celebrate your love. Each course is carefully crafted to offer an unforgettable dining experience. Wedding guests will marvel at the venue’s Hacienda-style elegance. They’ll bask in the heavenly sun and ocean breeze and delight in the culinary treasures of a custom tasting menu.

Italy

Villa Cimbrone: A Legendary Wedding Destination in Italy

If Italy is your chosen wedding destination, count on the legendary Villa Cimbrone in Ravello to provide the ultimate setting. Perched on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, Villa Cimbrone is more than just a venue. It embodies elegance, romance, and the culinary delights that make Italy a top destination for food lovers. La cucina è per noi Ispirazione e Amore, Impegno e profonda Passione.

At Villa Cimbrone, the kitchen is the heart and soul of the experience. Every dish is a testament to the love and passion poured into each creation. This commitment to culinary excellence ensures that your wedding menu will be as unforgettable as the view from the villa.

Here are some menu ideas inspired by the flavors of the Amalfi Coast:

Tra Orti e Lampare o Ventresca di Ricciola: A rich amberjack belly complemented by the crisp textures of Agerola biscuit and the sweetness of corbarini.

Riso Ravello o Carnaroli Rice: This dish features creamy Carnaroli rice infused with the bright notes of lemon and elderflower, adorned with wildflowers and spontaneous herbs, offering an authentic taste of the local landscape.

Spaghettini di Gragnano o Spaghettini: This classic pasta is elevated with the luxurious flavors of butter, smoked anchovies, and seaweed, creating a dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the sea.

Agnello dei Monti Lattari o Lamb: Tender lamb from Monti Lattari, roasted to perfection, accompanied by
croquettes and locally sourced mushrooms.

Oro degli Eroi o Lemon Grove: This lemon-infused dessert captures the essence of the Amalfi Coast and is a light and refreshing end to your meal.

The traditional Italian wedding cake, known as ‘Millefoglie,’ features layers of flaky pastry and delicate cream. Millefoglie is often flavored with local lemons or enriched with chocolate. Adorned with fresh berries or nuts, this cake is a celebration. It is steeped in history and symbolizes the layers of a marriage—complex yet harmonious.

Including locally sourced ingredients like lemons, olive oil, tomatoes, olives, and classic beverages such as Chianti, Prosecco, and Rosé enhances the culinary landscape and tablescape, making every bite a narrative of Italy’s rich culinary heritage.

Colombia

Exquisite Cuisine for Your Cartagena Wedding

When planning a wedding in Cartagena, you can rely on Vanessa Figueroa. Vanessa is an excellent chef renowned in Colombia, providing exquisite cuisine as vibrant and colorful as the city. This culinary team offers a delightful fusion of local flavors and international influences, making it a perfect choice for food-loving couples. Here’s a suggested menu that captures the essence of this coastal paradise:

Hors D’Oeuvres

  • Aborrajado de Plátano Maduro: Sweet plantain fritters stuffed with tender ropa vieja and served with a tomato mash.
  • Vasitos de Ceviche: Fresh ceviche served in small cups with crispy yucca chips for a perfect balance of textures.
  • Galleta de Coco: Coconut cookies topped with creamy brie cheese and a sweet corozo costeño jam.
  • Buñuelo de Lentejas: Lentil fritters accompanied by a tart mango tartar and a spicy banana ají.
  • Coquilles de Cangrejo Gratinado: Baked crab shells filled with a rich, creamy crab mixture and melted cheese.

First Course

  • Ensalada de Aguacate: A refreshing salad of avocados, colorful cherry tomatoes, hearts of palm, cucumber, and tender greens dressed with a cilantro vinaigrette.
  • Sherbet Maracuyá: Passion fruit sherbet served in its own fruit shell, providing a tangy and tropical palate cleanser.

Main Course

  • Posta Cartagenera: A slow-cooked punta de anca certified Angus beef, served with a smooth criolla potato purée and grilled vegetables.

Dessert Table

The dessert table, masterfully crafted by Vanessa, is a feast for the eyes and palate. Featuring a dessert selection as decadent as it is diverse:

  • Cranberry Pannacotta with Wild Berry Compote 
  • Wild Berry Meringue 
  • Chocolate Turron 
  • Assortment of Brigadeiros
  • Mini Alfajores
  • Apple Masa Philo
  • Mini Caramel Toffee Éclairs
  • Mini Brownie Fudge Bites

In Cartagena, every meal is an invitation to explore a rich tapestry of flavors. Where local ingredients meet culinary traditions to create a wedding menu that tells a story. With Vanessa Figueroa Catering, your wedding will be a feast, delighting the senses and capturing the magic of your special day.

¡Salud!

Authentic, Local, Sustainable, and Elevated Wedding Menu Creations

A thoughtfully crafted wedding menu is more than just food on a plate. It’s a reflection of your personal style and a celebration of the destination’s culinary heritage. I invite you to indulge in authentic Mexican flavors, savor the farm-fresh delights of Flora Farms, or experience the luxury of One & Only Palmilla. Immerse yourself in the cultural elegance of Villa Cimbrone. Revel in the vibrant cuisine of Cartagena. Each destination glows with immersive, memorable experiences.

Collaborate with your planner, chef, and venue to ensure every dish is crafted with love and precision. This attention to detail will make your wedding day a true feast for the senses. The wedding menu is more than a meal. It’s an experience, an expression of love, and a gift to guests long after the plates are cleared.

Buen Provecho!

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