An important menu

There are events or people who deserve to be celebrated with a special evening dinner; one of those where, when the dishes are served to the table, there is a moment of breath-taking silence.

A few special tricks and some vital measures are needed in order to create a menu worthy of an important day or occasion dear to our hearts.

Abundance is already a party in itself, but attention to detail is even more important. Peck proposes a virtuous pathway starting with tiny starters – one and one hot - a first course which is not too overwhelming and a triumphant main course with some dressings on the side and a sumptuous dessert. The menu should be a crescendo of joy, and matched by carefully chosen wines.

The cold starters can be small spoonfuls of raw or sliced meat or fish, vegetable or seafood salads, cold sauces topped by a precious ingredient such as caviar or smoked salmon. The warm starters, can include savoury puffs or miniature quiches. If you wish, you can count on the assistance of a Peck chef in the kitchen – an option for those taking advantage of the catering service - so that you can simply relax and enjoy the company of guests; in this case, for example, you serve fried vegetables and little fish.

Before serving a very important main course, Peck suggests you just serve a bowl of creamed vegetables or soup.

The triumphant course will be a presentation of a choice of poultry, guinea fowl, turkeys, stuffed capons or game birds or ground game. The classic Rossini style beef tournedos or the ever-present saddle of veal Orloff style can be a winning choice, further to Siena style glazed roast pork or a beef stew with Barolo. Choose traditional dishes with confidence: there's nothing more pleasant than a classic dish that revives marvellous taste and happy memories. The fish range is also very comprehensive, such as a large sea bass cooked under a crust of salt to keep the moisture in, a Catalan lobster or Vicenza style smoked cod accompanied by a creamy polenta.

Desserts are the peak moment of every culinary occasion. Decide what you want based on your experience and the tastes of your guests; it can be a cake or a pudding. Just remember one of the golden rules that every good menu must abide by: do not forget the chocolates!