Tapas - The New Taste for a Contemporary Wedding Reception
-courtesy of David Sinoracki, Executive Chef
The Waterfront Banquet Facility

Becoming increasingly popular in the larger metropolitan areas are Tapas Menus for wedding receptions. What is Tapas?

Tapas, popular throughout Spain in bars and restaurants, are appetizers that usually accompany sherry or other aperitifs and cocktails. They can also form an entire meal and can range from simple items such as olives or cubes of ham and cheese, to more elaborate and intricate items like cold omelets, snails in a spicy sauce, stuffed peppers, and miniature sandwiches.

The reason for the increase in popularity of Tapas as an alternative to a complete sit-down, seven course dinner is really simple. Foremost, you can preserve the traditional flow of your reception meal, as Tapas is generally in a sit-down format, and thus not as informal as a cocktail reception. Second, due to the scope and size of the meal, a Tapas menu is generally less expensive than a sit-down dinner. Third, the wide-range of Tapas courses that can be served provide for a wonderful social event. As we discussed last month, pairing couples at different tables for your wedding reception can be an arduous task due to the complex nature of pairing many different personalities. A Tapas menu may include as many as 8 different items, allowing for lots of conversation pertaining to the many diverse and unusual tastes on your palate.

Therefore, if you want a break from the ordinary ask your wedding coordinator at your reception hall of choice for a sample Tapas menu and see if it compares to the one listed below. In the echelon of formality for your reception meal Tapas is a combination of a formal sit-down experience and an informal cocktail reception. Generally, Tapas selections are grouped along the lines of Greek/Mediterranean, Spanish, Italian, Mexican/South American, however, as mentioned above, the range of flavors and combinations is truly limited only by the Chef’s imagination.

Listed below are some samples from Chef Sinoracki’s culinary Tapas delights. For more information, You can reach Dave Sinoracki at the Waterfront Banquet Facility at (570) 270-5862 ext 25.

Greek/Mediterranean:

Hummus Platter - A generous portion of hummus served with capers, feta cheese, pesto and sun-dried tomatoes, onions, kalamata olives, tomato, peperoncini, and toasted pita bread.
Tapas Ultimate Gyro - Select grilled, seasoned chicken or beef, thinly sliced and served on grilled pita bread w/ garden greens and tomatoes.
Chicken Mylionos - Poached Chicken Breast combined with feta cheese, fresh dill, and a light cream sauce, wrapped in Phylo and baked golden brown.

Italian Tapas:

The 4 Tapas - Shrimp, Crab, Artichoke Hearts, Zucchini, and Ricotta Cheese, topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, over a thin crust dough.
Brie Pinwheels - Warm brie wheel drizzled with honey, chopped pecans, served with sliced apples, grapes, and toast points.
Prosciutto Scallops - Sea Scallops wrapped with aged prosciutto served over a creamy blood-orange beurre blanc sauce.

Spanish Tapas:

Chipironos Rellenos - Stuffed squid in its own ink (better than calamari)
Lomito Cabrales - Pork tenderloin with blue goat cheese and mushrooms
La Tinga Nachos - Nachos covered with tinga chicken and cheddar cheese, and served with guacamole and salsa cruda.