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Banquet Facilities & Hotels
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Food for the Teens: Personalizing Their Experience By Matt Tucker With chocolate fountains and themed platters as a staple at many B’nai Mitzvah parties, many parents find differentiation with food selections to be difficult. While teenagers will forever love chicken tenders, pizza, pigs in a blanket, and hamburgers, the bigger food hits are those with brand names and a personal connection. Local favorites such as a well-known ice cream store, bakery, or even burrito joint are possibilities for using sources beyond the caterer. When the reception is in a non-exclusive setting and the caterer is coming to your venue, you have more leeway with creativity. For example, your catering contract can consist of solely appetizers and entrees, leaving room for you to provide and decide on the dessert. In either situation, considering seasonal items is worthwhile. If you happen to have a late summer party for instance, local fresh fruit is a welcome change. Sure, caterers offer fresh-cut fruit, but nothing beats in-season late-summer watermelon or once-a-year sweet Seckel pears (a very
sweet pear in season August-September). With a growing trend in local organic food, seasonal items could be a big hit for a fruit-loving teen. The local food may not have a brand-name, but the food can be just as memorable. Buying from a farmer’s market is the best way to purchase local foods and find discounts. Local purchases eliminate the costs of shipping, packaging and marketing. If the party is small, you have even more room to personalize the food. For closeknit families, consider the B’nai Mitzvah’s favorite family dish. Using family recipes often makes the food more memorable. Despite numerous options, remember to understand your limitations. For larger parties, keep it simple and let the caterer do their job. Do not go overboard with the tasks you assign to yourself. In all cases, let the teenager have a say in the food selection. While there may be a difference between food for adults and friends, ensure that the food selection is personal to the B’nai Mitzvah. Selecting a special food item will give more meaning to the party.