Key Number Three Food Glorious Food

Key Number Three in my five part series of how to create a "Tropical Destination" themed wedding brings us to food and beverage. In the previous posts I discussed the Jamaican style rum cake and Caribbean inspired music, so in keeping with the theme,  I think it's important to cover other Tropical Islands so that you can theme your wedding accordingly.

Key Number Three
Tropical Islands, Food & Beverages           

Island In The Sun

When people think of a  tropical destination wedding, more times than not what they envision is the Caribbean with  Jamaica's Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril or the  Bahamas's Paradise and Harbor Islands as prime locations in which to host their weddings. They also associate Hawaii's Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Big Island as being great destinations for their wedding, but if your planning your wedding on your own door step so to speak,  you can broaden your horizons by incorporating a medley of foods and beverages inspired by different tropical Islands. For example research the Fiji Islands, Tahiti or Samoa to discover different types of cuisines from which to plan your wedding menu.

If your hosting your reception at a venue that provides a chef catered menu, discuss menu options that will bring a tropical taste to your fish, chicken, beef or pork entrees. However if your self catering get members of your kitchen team to experiment with different Island recipes that you can find on line.

Quick Tips

One of my personal favorites is the above easy to do dessert that can be tweaked to include tropical fruits, such as mangos, papaya, pineapples and passion fruit to name but a few of the tropical fruits that are now easy to purchase from a lot of supermarkets.

Purchase small glass containers from the Dollar Store, and your favorite fruit puree, and tropical fruits from farmers markets or your local supermarket.

Layer the bottom of individual containers with the fruit puree, then top with plain or complimenting flavored yogurt, top with more fruit puree, and for a added touch, garnish with a piece of fruit, and a sprig of mint, for an extra special touch sprinkle shaved milk, dark and white chocolate on the top as a extra garnish. Keep chilled until ready to serve.  Display individual containers on a bed of ice and place fruit on the ice for decoration.

Another idea is to make two or three choices available for your guests to enjoy. With creative display this inexpensive dessert can look like a gourmet treat.

If Your Vegetarian Think About Incorporating 

A Vegetable & Fruit Juice Bar

After reading this portion of the Blog, take a few minutes of  R&R, (rest and relaxation) time, to sit in a comfortable chair, then close your eyes and inhale through your nose, exhale slowly through your mouth, and visualize the sugary white beaches, and  puffy white clouds artistically placed  against a beautiful blue sky, feel the warmth of the tropical breeze on your skin, listen to the sound of turquoise colored waters romancing the shore line with beautiful shells. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face and how good it feels, drink the tropics with all it's beauty, and allow your creative mind to create a signature wedding, that includes delicious tasting beverages, mouth watering tropical fruits, foods seasoned in a mix of fresh Island spices. Imagine how you will feel to see the beauty of your themed wedding come to life, as you both enjoy the love and laughter that  you will both share with family and frends.   If you can envision it you can make it yours. 

Create A Beautiful Buffet Of Tropical Fruits

Create The Most Amazing Buffet Of Island Foods

Mix your buffet with foods from all the Islands, Jerk chicken or pork made with Jamaican spices, Hawaii inspired Mahi-Mahi with pineapple relish and Lilikoi tart or Kona coffee cheesecake for desert, or Fiji''s kodakoda which is fish marinated in coconut. Which ever Island you decide to let be your inspiration, have fun creating dishes that will leave your guest saying, Ya Man!

JERK CHICKEN RECIPE