Your Garden Fresh Dinner Party
Celebrate fresh ingredients-- and creative entertaining ideas-- with a menu designed by caterer extraordinaire Laurence Craig
As the inevitable end of summer slowly approaches and the evenings grow cooler, it’s the perfect time for alfresco dining in the garden. There’s nothing more special or memorable than hosting an outdoor dinner party of your own. That is why we asked one of New Jersey’s most notable caterers, Laurence Craig, to design a menu using the season’s freshest bounty, straight from the garden—his garden, in fact. The spectacular fare and Craig’s distinctive, one-of-a-kind handcrafted tablescapes set the scene for an unforgettable evening.
He and his partner, Dan Ruhland, hosted this soiree for friends at their 10-acre Califon farm, and their distinctive, tailored approach gives you all the inspiration and recipes you need to create your own garden party. Ruhland, an interior designer by trade (and a farmer by day, loving every minute of it), has transformed their 19th-century farmhouse, which was recently featured in House Beautiful, into a sophisticated, eclectic mix of old and new. The newest additions to the home are the pergola and the brick patio entertaining area where the party was set. Take their cues to create a memorable evening before winter is upon us.
MENU
HORS D’OEUVRES
TINY LOBSTER TAQUITO
smoked pepper, avocado, tomatillo salsa
AHI TUNA PIZZA
scallion pancake, ginger, wasabi cream
DINNER
TUSCAN CHICKEN ROULADE
artichokes, red & yellow pear tomato salad
WATERMELON, FETA & MINT SALAD
toasted pine nuts
QUINOA SALAD
snap peas, roasted carrots & ginger
BABY ARUGULA SALAD
cherries & pumpkin seeds
NICOISE RED POTATOES
olives, capers, roasted peppers, tarragon mustard vinaigrette
VIETNAMESE SUMMER ROLLS
miso dip
DESSERT
CHOCOLATE BROWNIE CUSTARD
fresh mint vegan ice cream
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