In the Fall, We Gather
There is something about fall that makes us want to gather - to watch a game, around a table, or for a special event. Maybe it’s the first chilly morning after yet another summer of breaking heat records, or the return of dishes that arrive caramelized, braised, and comforting.
I am never one to wish away a season, as I try to find little joys throughout the year. But I can never help getting a little extra excited for fall. In my opinion, fall offers the best of colors, comfort fashion, and of course great food and great events.
While we are still in the dog days of summer and the thick of the heat, now is the time to start planning for upcoming fall trends. While reinventing the wheel is not on the menu this season, we are already seeing an expansion of trends from the last several years - think recipes beyond your basic pumpkin spice and predictable comfort foods, and the return of family style focus!
Squash, apples, pears, mushrooms, and root vegetables are still fall staples, but they’re showing up in more creative ways. Think miso-glazed squash, roasted pears in savory dishes, mushroom-forward pastas and hearty grain bowls. The goal is food that feels true to the season without feeling traditional just for tradition’s sake.
Comfort food is also getting a global upgrade. Braised meats, roasted chicken and sauces are being paired with flavors like gochujang, harissa, curry, chile crisp and tahini. These additions bring warmth and depth while keeping menus interesting and unexpected.
How food is served at your next event matters just as much as what's on the menu. Large grazing tables at the forefront versus additional past appetizers, chef attended stations that allow your guests to interact and learn a little bit more about where their meal is coming from and how it was prepared, and tasting portions in place of full meals so that even the pickiest eater can find something they like - all put the focus on gathering.
Ultimately, fall catering is all about balancing comfort with creativity. Guests still want warm, familiar flavors, but they also want something worth talking about. The strongest fall menus take what people already love about the season and give it just enough of a twist to feel new.
-Haley
