Chelsea Clinton's Vegan Wedding

By now you've probably caught at least some of the hubbub around Chelsea Clinton's recent wedding... most notably, that it was nearly 100% vegan and the cake was gluten-free.  I think this is a huge step forward in taking the concept of vegan dining into the mainstream, and I hope it sets a trend.  So exciting!

The event took place at a lovely estate on the Hudson River called Astor Courts in Rhinebeck, NY.  This makes me wonder, did the newlyweds make a visit to Farm Sanctuary, also in Rhinebeck, and was Gene Bauer on the guest list?

Food was catered by Gendron Catering, a Hudson Valley catering business which promises "an explosion of flavors and a riot of colors."  Owner and Executive Chef, Daniel Gendron, is a graduate of the CIA and has worked at some of New York's finest restaurants, including Tavern on the Green and Windows on the World.  With a catering budget of $750,000, that would include a pretty big Mediterannean spread on the buffet table.

While I don't have the exact menu, rumor has it the gluten-free vegan wedding cake was provided by Babycakes gluten-free vegan bakery in New York City.  The $11,000 cake (or cakes, most likely) could potentially be the first gluten-free vegan dessert these 500 wedding guests have ever tasted.  I hope it was amazing!

If you're thinking about having a vegan menu for your next special event, why not consider contacting Well on Wheels to cater it?


 

Vegan Wedding

I had a busy Friday preparing dinner for a vegan wedding at the lovely High Meadow Farm bed & breakfast in Wallingford. The 18th century home is set atop a hill with breathtaking meadow views of dairy farms and a vineyard. It was an oasis from another time, another place.

In the rustic kitchen, there was an abundance of natural light from well-placed windows which made cutting veggies a snap. And I've never enjoyed washing dishes more, since the sink was underneath a window overlooking a lake on their property.

It was also a pleasure to cook on their huge commercial gas stove (oh, how I miss my gas stove...).

The dining room was perfectly set with fine china, Tiffany silver and various antique linens. Guests dined by candlelight in this cozy dining room.

The meal began with two of my favorite appetizers: Vegan Caviar on Crostini and Pistachio Crusted Cream Cheese Ball (also vegan) with assorted organic crackers.

Here's a closeup of the Vegan Caviar:

The next course was a Mock Caesar Salad with Pear, Grape Tomato and Avocado.

And the entree was a creamy Fettuccine Alfredo with Snow Peas, Sundried Tomatoes and Fresh Thyme.

Such a lovely evening. I wish the wedding couple a lifetime of joy and adventure together!