Our second ‘tale from the table’ comes from Ian who was born in Twickenham, England and who’s formative years were vastly influenced by British pop music of the 1990s – think Oasis, Blur, Pulp and The Smiths and you’ll be getting warm.

When interviewed about his forthcoming ‘big 5-0’ Ian confessed to not giving it much thought until about a month prior to the day. He knew he wanted to have something at home for 35 or so people and while he has been a vegetarian for nigh-on 32 years, Ian also knew he’d have to cater for a variety of tastes.

Enter Chairman of the Breadboard, three weeks prior to the party.  Ian asked me for suggestions as to how the food part of the event would pan out, throwing us a few curved balls with the inclusion of vegan and gluten-free options.  Buffets are usually best for medium-sized, in-home events like this. I find they serve a dual purpose by not only feeding everyone in a timely fashion but providing an opportunity for the variety of guests, usually from different walks of the birthday-boy or girl’s life, to mingle in the buffet line.

To get the party started we served substantial appetisers as guests arrived including lime and coconut arancini balls, vegetarian kebabs with hommus and Chilled Rockmelon & Mint Soup Shots .

The main meal dishes included, vegetarian ricotta, spinach and pine nut tart; vegan cauliflower and cashew nut curry, and gluten free baked stuffed mushrooms, all neatly labelled so everyone knew which was what.

Ian told me afterwards that the entrée arancini balls had been his favourite of the night. I love those too but if I were to choose an Oasis-inspired ‘wonderwall’ it would be the gluten free/vegan chocolate mousse dessert made with avocado and vegan dark chocolate, arranged in individual shot glasses topped with fresh raspberries.

Thanks, Ian, for the opportunity of stretching the Chairman’s skills with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food. I was very happy with the result and glad you were too.

 

Yours in good food and great events.

Kellee