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It’s true. One of the most important parts of any event is the food. Culinary expertise can turn a good event into an even greater success, and distinctive offerings can set the tone for your gathering. Much like fashion and music, catering trends change with the seasons. So, what can we expect for catering trends in 2023? Monona Catering strives to stay current with the trending food and beverage options for 2023 and beyond.

Local, Fresh Foods
For years there has been a growing interest in knowing where our food comes from. And now after the shutdown, clients are even more supportive of anything local. Monona Catering is dedicated to offering locally grown products on our menus as often as possible to support local producers. This benefits the local economy and is environmentally friendly as well, reducing the distance food must travel to get from the farm to your plate. Plus, shorter travel time ensures fresher foods!

Always Sustainable
People are becoming more and more conscious about decreasing our impact on the environment. Sourcing sustainable produce, product, and protein, designing menus and plating that reduce food waste, and providing a greener service are increasingly more common in catering operations. Beverages are also part of the trend. Our private label wine, Rising Shores® is made by only Certified California Sustainable wineries.

Being “green” is part of our DNA here at Monona Terrace. Frank Lloyd Wright was a pioneer of green buildings with his organic approach to architecture. And as of 2021 the Monona Terrace event space in Madison is recognized as a “green building” at the platinum level by the prestigious U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED-EB program.

Cultural Foods Done Right
Cultural food can elevate an event into a culinary experience, provided it is authentic and more than just a common rendition of a typical dish, like a bland quesadilla or poorly prepared curry. Monona Catering takes great pride in our ability to offer a wide array of ethnic foods without compromising flavor. Our catering department is well versed in creating culinary classics from around the globe and continues to work with trusted partners to deliver authentic and varied tastes.

High-End Comfort Foods
Move over fish fry and pot roast! High-end comfort foods are still big in the catering world. Traditional comfort foods are being replaced with Woodland Mushroom Sirloin, Wisconsin Cider-Glazed Chicken, Brined Pork Loin, and an all-vegetarian Portobello Wellington. With Monona Catering you’ll find all kinds of traditional comfort classics reinvented for a more sophisticated crowd. And we do pot roast too, and it’s fantastic.

Mushrooms Are In-Describable
It’s true. Mushrooms are a hot menu item in 2023, so come meet our fabulous fungi offerings, including Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Mushroom Polenta, Mushroom Brown Rice Pilaf, and decadent Champagne Mushroom Sauce.

Vegan Treats
Every year more vegan treats and specialties are in demand. Much of this is due to the increase in culinary choices that are driven by cultural dietary needs. We have a wide range of vegetarian dishes, from hors d’oeuvres and entrées to desserts and even cocktails and mocktails. 

Did you say “Mocktails?”
Mocktails have come a long way since Shirley Temples and virgin daiquiris. According to Bacardi’s 2022 cocktail report, 58% of drinkers preferred non-alcoholic or light cocktails. It’s no surprise given that mocktails come with all the flavor and variety but without a drop of alcohol. Mocktails are a palate-pleasing part of a push for health and wellness and having a good time while still being able to remember it the next day.

Interactive Food Stations and Grazing Tables
Guests love building their own stuff. Make it interesting with a Salad Shaker Station, Mac & Cheese Bar, or (and?) a Quesadilla Station. Go charcuterie with a tasty Antipasto Table. Ciao bella!

What about Corporate Trends?
Maybe it has something to do with the rise in Mocktails over Cocktails, but breakfast and brunch meetings are now a thing. While our Wisconsin Cheddar and Chive Scrambled Eggs is always a crowd pleaser, options like our “Build Your Own” Lakeshore Breakfast Buffet gives all your guests delicious options to get them primed for a morning meeting.

Individual lunches are also on the rise, and our lunch boxes rise to any occasion at Monona Catering. Lunch boxes allow a client to manage dietary restrictions, reduce food waste, and limit the pressure of providing a wide range of options. No 6-foot subs here, but we’re sure you’ll be pleased with our delicious variety of wraps, like Chicken Caesar Focaccia, House Made Brownies and an assortment of a la carte sides. And, yes, we do have submarine sandwiches, just in case!

Instagram is Still Here
Someone delightfully remarks, “that’s so cool!” Then the phone comes out and “SNAP”… we’re on Instagram. We never get tired of it, so we think about how our food looks almost as much as how it tastes. “Mouthwatering” starts with the eyes, doesn’t it?

Recognizing Dietary Requirements
An increasing number of specific dietary restrictions, needs and preferences have added an interesting challenge to event menu planning. To help ensure all attendees get to participate in and enjoy mealtime, Monona Catering continues to expand its offerings. Special-made dishes can be customized for the needs of all guests. Vegan-friendly dishes such as Chickpea Fritters with Black Bean Purée, Curried Lentil Stew, and Balsamic Maple Glazed Tempeh let guests know their dietary needs should not prevent them from enjoying a delicious meal. Gluten-free options and preparation techniques ensure guests avoid discomfort.

Make your event in downtown Madison truly memorable with a show-stopping menu, incredible service, and a location like none other. The Monona Catering staff is adept at accommodating specific needs and discovering distinctive options to satisfy all tastes. Find out how to add some spice and flavor to your next event by contacting Marcia Terrones, Senior Sales Manager and Certified Professional in Catering and Events, at 608.261.4037.