Reception Catering Menu by Great Events Catering

Unlike other menus, the reception catering menu can be suitable for any kind of event. It’s perfect for corporate events, gala dinners, openings, presentations, seminars, networking events, and customer appreciation parties. It’s a great pick for outdoor wedding receptions, posh or cozy weddings, anniversaries, and other social gatherings.

Reception catering menu is best for events in which the food is complementary to the agenda (e.g. hors d’oeuvres during a networking event) or the venue lacks space for guest tables, or serves as a cocktail hour preceding a formal dinner.

The reception catering menu is served on platters or chef stations. Platters can be either carried by the waiters or placed on a stationary buffet. Use the chef stations and buffets to draw the guests around the space and create flow through the event.

Reception Catering Menu Items(click through different sections)

HORS D’OEUVRES

Canadian Cheese Board

spruce meadows white cheddar, swiss, marble, brie, blue, monterey jack, gouda, dried fruit, grapes, gourmet crackers and raincoast crisps

International Cheese Board

white cheddar, brie, blue, gouda, boursin, st. paulin, cranberry chevre, oka, dried fruit, gourmet crackers and raincoast crisps

Balsamic Caprese Bruschetta

chopped fresh roma tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella,
garlic, basil, olive oil, balsamic and lemon juice with toasted slices of baguette

Market Dips

creamy dill dip | white bean dip | cheddar bacon ranch | baked pita chips and raincoast crisps

Middle Eastern Hummus Platter | VEGAN

beet hummus with toasted pine nuts, and garlic hummus served with quinoa cumin crackers, pita crisps, roasted vegetables and marinated olives

In-House Smoked Salmon

in-house smoked sides of atlantic salmon, served with bavarian rye, capers, red onions and dill cream cheese

Grilled Vegetable Medley

feta, lemon-marinated stuffed olives, roasted eggplant with garlic, fresh asparagus with green onions and balsamic vinaigrette, marinated artichokes with garlic and herbs, roasted red peppers in olive oil, grilled zucchini with balsamic thyme, baguette slices

Italian Antipasto Platter

thinly sliced prosciutto, lemon and oregano chicken kebabs, genoa salami, fresh bocconcini, green olives, roasted red peppers, pickled vegetables, italian bread basket

Rustic Charcuterie

dry salami, prosciutto, chorizo, smoked duck breast, beef tenderloin, selection of cheeses, assorted olives, mustard, pickles, baguettes and butter

East Meets West Seafood

stuffed olives, roasted eggplant, roasted red peppers in olive oil, grilled zucchini with balsamic, garlic-marinated mussels and clams, tarragon-poached shrimp, served with a basket of baguette slices

Wild Trout Cobb Harvest Board

wild bc trout, onions, tomato, egg, radish, garlic, mushrooms, bacon, chives, feta, wild greens, dipping sauces

Farmer's Garden Vegetable Display

roasted garlic, red chili hummus

Orchard's Harvest Fresh Fruit Tray

Orchard's Harvest Fruit Skewers

Tempura Green Beans

sriracha aioli

Hand-Cut Tortilla Chips

with homemade salsa and guacamole

Homemade Potato Chips

with spicy valentine ketchup and onion dip

Salted Edamame

Pretzels

Cranberry Trail Mix

Fancy Nuts
POULTRY | per dozen

Chipotle Chicken Cubes

green onion, pepper

Chili Braised Chicken

queso fresca, avocado, charred tomato

Chicken Portobello Ragu Cup

shaved pecorino

Teriyaki Chicken Crunch

asian noodles, japanese drizzle

Blueberry Balsamic Smoked Duc

tomato confit

Duck Breast Polenta

pinot grigio cherries

BEEF, PORK, LAMB | per dozen

Bacon and Iceberg Skewers

crispy pork belly, crisp iceberg, sweet blue cheese drizzle

Antipasto Sticks

air dried prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella, thai basil, melon

BLT Cakes

double smoked bacon, pickled roma, arugula cream

BBQ Pulled Brisket Bites

in a garlic ciabatta bun with birch syrup and onion

Beef Carpaccio on a Garlic Crisp

with a truffle aioli

Roasted Garlic Lamb

with pomegranate tzatziki on a potato crisp

Roasted Flank Steak

with a curry basil sauce on a garlic crisp

SEAFOOD | per dozen

House Made Smoked Salmon

caper bisquit, lemon aioli

Seared Sesame Tuna

wakami slaw, pickled daikon

California Rolls

cucumber and avocado, crab meat with wasabi, pickled ginger and light soya

West African Prawns

two prawns with peanut sauce and arugula

Beetroot Marinated Scallops

dill crema, pickled peppers

Lobster Hash

with fresh dill and radish on a crispy potato ring

Crispy Shrimp Toasts

lemon garlic butter drizzle

Far East Sushi

sushi, nori maki and california rolls with wasabi, pickled ginger and light soya

Lobster Deviled Eggs

flying fish caviar, dill fonds

Grilled Shrimp Platter | 100 pieces

mediterranean dip, cocktail sauce, lemon
garlic aioli add ice bowl for chilled shrimp

CANAPÉS AND WRAPS | per dozen

Crispy Toasts | choice of three

- italian | prosciutto, radish, mascarpone ricotta, pistachio
- avocado | grilled vegetables, asiago
- caponata | goat cheese, green onions
- wild mushrooms | carmelized ramps, feta mousse
- chicken caprese | balsamic droplets

Gourmet Shooters

- cajun shrimp | bacon cheddar dip
- spiced melon avocado | sesame crumb
- beet bruschetta | goat cheese, crisp
- smoked salmon | caviar crème, dill, capers

Baja Rolls

- carne asada | red onion, tomato, quinoa, queso, cilantro, chili sour cream
- spicy thai chicken | quinoa, carrots, purple cabbage,
thai sweet chili
- fiesta shrimp | field greens, black beans, corn, avocado, cheddar, lime vinaigrette
- hummus market veggie | red pepper hummus, avocado, spinach, cucumber, quinoa, fresh basil

Open Face Italian Crisps | choice of three

- roasted tomato | goat cheese, basil chiffonade
- porchetta | spiced tomato jelly, squash
- crispy procuitto | brie cheese, grilled asparagus
- charcuterie | genoa, ricotta, gem tomato, artichokes
- italian chicken | spiced hummus, olive tapenade

Artisan Bread Sliders

- tempura shrimp | sweet Asian dressing, pickled onion
- cajun chicken | salsa verde cream, pea shoots
- italian deli | jalapeño havarti

Vegan Vietnamese Salad Rolls

bean sprouts, rice noodles, carrots julienne, green leaf lettuce and fresh mint in a rice paper wrap. served with hoisin dipping sauce

Rainbow Vietnamese Salad Rolls

bbq chicken or tandoori mango, rice noodles, green leaf lettuce, carrots julienne, purple cabbage, fresh mint, rice paper wrap, hoisin dipping sauce

VEGETARIAN | per dozen

Wild Mushroom Danish

asiago cheese, fresh thyme

Roasted Beet Salad

maple goat cheese, candied pecans, wild greens

Plum Dusted St. Andre

honey pistachio, salted cracker

Zucchini Pancakes

with wild mushrooms, truffle cream

Caramelized Onion Tartlette

chive crème fraîche, maple caramelized onion

Watermelon and Feta Mousse

white balsamic, mint

Greek Salad Sticks

cucumber, tomato, feta, onion, Kalamata olives, Greek dressing

PLANT BASED VEGAN | per dozen

Pulled BBQ Mushrooms

wilted onions, house pickles

Farmer’s Market Tacos

with green goddess dressing

Aubergine Sushi

with avocado mayo

Spicy Golden Beet Poke

cucumber cup, guac

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Hummus Toast

chili oil, toasted pine nuts

Turmeric Baked Falafel

with curried chickpeas and vegan bacon

Mediterranean Cous Cous Salad Jar

with crispy chips and vegan cheese
POULTRY | per dozen

Nashville Hot Chicken

with house made pickle aioli

Crispy Chicken Pot Stickers

dumplings filled with chicken and vegetables, soy sesame dipping sauce

West African Chicken Skewers

with a herb citrus sauce

Thai Chicken Satay

with a coconut satay sauce

Mini Chicken Pot Pie

chicken, vegetables and cream sauce baked in a light pastry crust

Bacon Wrapped Quebec Duck Breast

with maple glaze

Chicken Arancini

with a smoked tomato jam

Buffalo Chicken Dip

with trio of tortilla chips

Jerk Chicken Rangoon

Jerk Chicken Rangoon

Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps

with spiced maple drizzle

Chicken Dippers

choice of honey garlic, salt and pepper, buffalo

BEEF | per dozen

Hoisin Ginger Meatballs

toasty sesame glaze

Adobo Beef Short Rib Bites

with poblano corn salsa

Bourbon Beef

with a horseradish gin cocktail

Beef and Asparagus Bites

maple bacon powder

Venezuelan Beef Empanadas

fire roasted salsa

Mini Shepherd’s Pie

savoury ground beef and vegetables in a light pastry shell, topped with mashed potatoes

Butter Basted Chili Meatball

with shanghai dipping sauce

Beef Suya Pockets

cucumber and onion raita

Indonesian Beef Satay

with a tahini dipping sauce

Chili Lime Steak Bites

horseradish cream sauce

Reuben Bites

with dijonnaise

PORK | per dozen

Fried Sesame Pork Dumplings

with pork and vegetables served with japanese dipping sauce

Pork Dim Sum

steamed pork dumplings, sesame soy glaze

Chorizo and Vegetable Stuffed Mushroom

with cilantro crumb

Asian Pork Belly

with yuzu caramel glaze

Cypriot Pork Meatballs

with apple mostarda

Spiced Pork Steam Buns

pickled onion, asian aioli dipping sauce

LAMB | per dozen

Herbed Lamb Meatballs

with chimichurri sauce

Indo-Asian Lamb Satay

with Asian masala glaze

Mediterranean Garlic Style lamb

with lemon hummus

Moroccan Lamb Lollipops

with mint aioli

SEAFOOD | per dozen

Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops

with bourbon peach glaze

Crispy Shrimp Tempura

with a bang bang sauce

Candied Salmon Crisps

with pickled cucumber slaw

Creamy Seafood Mushrooms

buttered crumbs

Mango Habanero Speck Wrapped Shrimp

two shrimps with lemon rind mignonette

Crab Cake Bites

with creole dip

Coconut Shrimp Lollipops

with a pepperoncini aioli

Lobster Hushpuppies

with horseradish crema

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

with pickled onion

VEGETARIAN | per dozen

Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Mushrooms

with chives

Wild Mushroom Tart

with chive royale

Vegetarian Samosa

with mango balsamic chutney

Zucchini Pakora

indian-style vegetable fritters with yogurt dip

Vegetable Potstickers

with a korean bbq sauce

Bang Bang Cauliflower Bites

with a creamy sriracha aioli

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Mini Peppers

topped with spiced onions and tomato glaze

PLAND BASED VEGAN | per dozen

BBQ Vegan Meatballs

with caramelized onions

Plant Based Sausage Stuffed Mushroom

crispy jalapeño

Wild Mushroom Stuffed Peppers

with tomato emulsion

Sweet Potato Fritter

with sriracha dip

Shallot Bhajis Bites

with vegan yogurt dip

Spicy Glazed Broccolini Bites

blue agave chili sauce
Stations

Living Greens Salad Stand

living greens cut fresh and tossed with guests choice of chicken, shrimp, eggs, tomato, cucumber, carrots, corn, peppers, feta, goat cheese, mushrooms, onions, a selection of dressings, salad toppers and clipped micro greens

Thai Station

authentic green thai curry | thai eggplant, bok choy, onions, red pepper, green chili coconut curry. guests choice of chicken or shrimp. served with aromatic rice pad thai | rice noodles, bean sprouts, egg, peanuts, scallions, spiced tamarind lime sauce. guests choice of chicken or shrimp

Campfire Burger Bar

selection of charred cheeseburgers, grilled mushroom chicken burgers and vegan burgers served on a mini soft bun. guests choice of toppings served with cajun chippers

Spanish Nights

traditional paella with chicken, sausage and shrimp made to order in a savory smoked paprika and saffron base, fried plantain chips and crispy jalapeño

German Pretzel Bar

crispy turkey schnitzel slider on a crusty roll, bavarian pretzel tree, grainy mustard, cheddar bacon dip and house made beer dip

Sushi Station | 3 pieces

assorted maki rolls, nigiri sushi and california rolls with wasabi, fresh ginger, soy sauce and chopsticks. prepared in front of guests

Loaded Nacho and Potato Bar

choice of fresh flour, corn tortillas or potato skins fried crispy and served with choice of crock pot chicken, southern steak, chili, refried beans, green onions, olives, jalapeños, charred mexican street corn, red onion, cheddar cheese sauce, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream

Bombay Curry Bar

a selection of traditional indian dishes baghara baingan, bhindi do pyaza, vegetable rice pilau,
lamb rogan josh, chicken tikka masala, garlic naan

Stations

A Taste of Sicily

insalata caprese, flatbread rosario, fettucine arrabiata or gnocchi with wild mushrooms, served with grill breads, olives, parmigiana reggiano, balsamic reductions

Hawaiian Poke Bowl Station

guests choose from a selection of traditional toppings of, white or brown rice, onion, avocado, cucumber, mango, sliced jalapeño, lettuce, edamame, carrots, sprouts, radish and proteins to include ahi tuna, salmon, shrimp and tofu, with a selection of sauces

Korean Taco Hut

korean bulgogi beef, korean braised spicy pork, shredded chicken with kogi bbq sauce, crispy tofu gochujang served with soft shell corn tortillas, pickled slaw, cucumbers, green onions and a selection of taditional sauces

Dim Sum Bar

shrimp har gau, pork sui mai, bbq pork steamed buns, vegetable medley, chicken dumplings

East Meets West Oyster Sampling

a selection of shucked east and west coast oysters, served with a selection of mignonettes, lemon wedges and hot sauces | ice carving quote available upon request

A Time to Graze | 8 pieces

a selection of cured and dried meats, pates and terrines, cheeses, marinated vegetables, house made dips and spreads, dried fruits, artisan breads and crackers, olives, roasted vegetables and fresh fruit

Certified Angus Beef® Tenderloin

carved, whole-roasted tenderloin, red onion confit, creamy horseradish, dijon mustard. served with crusty rolls or crispy yorkies

The Grill Master | choice of 2 proteins

birch syrup smoked brisket with brown sugar cider, creole shrimp sticks, sous vide louisiana pork belly, crock pot beer can pulled chicken on brioche slider, thuringer wurst, cast iron skillet baked beans, sour cream and shallot skillet taters, great events house made sauces

Savoury Perogy Station

traditional cheese and potato
potato, mushroom and caramelized onion philly cheesesteak perogies
toppings: onion bacon jam, spiced sausage crumble, roasted crispy kale, chive sour cream, herbed cucumber yogurt, masala gravy

DESSERTS AND SWEETS

Sundae Bar

- ice cream | vanilla, chocolate, strawberry
- sauces | chocolate, strawberry, caramel
- toppings | sprinkles, coconut flakes, cookie crumble, smarties, assorted fresh fruit and berries

Gelato Station

our chef will scoop a selection of gelato flavours in an ice cream cone or bowl for your guests

Mini Sugar Waffle Station

fresh made waffles garnished with hot sour cherries, hot chocolate and caramel sauces, whipped vanilla cream, fresh berries, nuts, bananas, pineapple, selection of ice cream

Gourmet Pie Bar

a selection of traditional, graham, and chocolate pie crusts filled to order with chef made fillings, served with fresh Italian meringue, whipped creams and crumbles for toppings, accompanied by amarena cherries, candied fruits and chocolate crumble, chocolate, caramel and strawberry drizzle

Dessert Empanadas

warm apple pie, dulce de leche bananas, blueberry cheesecake empanadas garnished with guest’s choice of caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, raspberry cherry sauce, chantilly cream, mixed nuts and coconut
DESSERT SWEETS TABLE

Dessert Table | minimum 30 guests

- mini dessert shooters
- créme de cassis, mint brownie, tiramisu
- french pastries
- dessert lollipops

Housemade Hazelnut Truffles

Assorted Gourmet Cookies

Assorted Dessert Squares

Lollipop Parade

cheesecake and brownie lollipops, dipped with dark and white chocolate

Trio of Tarts

lemon meringue, raspberry, praline

Cheesecake Bites

orange, salted caramel and raspberry

Decadent French Pastries

Mini Chocolate Tulip Cups

strawberry, baileys and creamsicle

Mini Beignets

chocolate hazelnut, red berry

Pastry Puffs

double raspberry, double chocolate, nutty caramel, black currant pistachio, mango passion fruit

Trio of Madeleine

honey apple, chocolate orange, elderflower

Tiramisu Espresso Cups

Layered Pie in a Mason Jar

apple cinnamon, blueberry, key lime

Gourmet Cupcakes

lemon ginger, pecan caramel, Strawberry, double chocolate

Mini Crème Brûlée

french vanilla, dark chocolate

Dessert Shooters (choice of 3)

Cappuccino, strawberry vanilla, passion fruit, raspberry meringue, Black Forest

Warm Crumble in a Jar

apple crumble | strawberry rhubarb served in mason jars

Mini Chocolate Marquise

Bite sized chocolate paté

Assorted Bijoix Chocolate Boxes

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Clafoutis

with apricot glaze

Chocolate Fondue | minimum 30 guests

choice of dark, milk or white chocolate, an array of fresh seasonal fruit, pineapple, strawberries, melons, bananas and biscottis

Chocolate Fountain Rental (optional)

- more than 100 guests | large
- minimum 50 guests | small

Reception Catering Menu Setup

Depending on the items you select from the reception catering menu, the buffets will be set with plates and flatware, available to the guests where necessary. Where items like sliders, canapes, and skewers are butlered by waiters, cheese boards, charcuteries, crudites and sushi might be offered on a stationary buffet with plates and flatware or chopsticks.

Used in reception-style service, cocktail menus aim to feed your guests in small portions, typically no more than two bites each. Because your guests will be standing as they mingle for the majority of the event, each item must be created to be consumed comfortably without the aid of utensils or structured seating.

You aren’t serving a formal meal, so you’ll need to consider the timing of the event and order enough pieces per person from the reception catering menu, so that your guests will walk away feeling well-fed. For example, if your event falls between or after usual meal-times, we recommend the reception catering menu consisting of less than 10 pieces per person, but if you’re inviting them right after work, you’ll need to increase this to more than 12 pieces per person, plus add a few platters (like crudites or cheese boards) since they will be hungry, having not eaten dinner.

The items you choose for reception catering menu should cover an array of proteins, vegetables and carbs. Choose satiating stick-to-your-ribs items, paired with a few lighter palate-cleansing selections. The food itself and the serving should be designed in a minimalistic manner, butlered by the waiters or placed in a designated space where guests can easily pick the items they love. An interesting addition to any reception is a chef-attended station, where the food is prepared live. Doubling as an activity where guests get to interact with the chef, top their own plates with special condiments or select from a small menu of similar items, action stations add value to the reception.

Alternatives to the Reception Catering Menu

There are several alternatives to the Reception Catering Menu, based on the event type, the allocated budget, the event facilities, table setup and number of guests. Please find several alternative menus below. Keep in mind that our catering experts are ready to assist you along the process of designing the menu for your event. Feel free to contact us at any point and we will be happy to help you!

Please check our Plated Dinner Catering Menu for a plated dinner setup. It may be a better option for events where guests are seated at the tables and when the number of guests is well known in advance. It can either minimize the food serving time or integrate the food serving into the event’s agenda (e.g. Fundraising Dinner).

You can also check the Buffet Catering Menu for a quick and easy service for any size of event. It may be a better option for large events, especially when the number of guests is unknown (e.g. Open Events, Fairs).

Additionally, we are proud to offer one of the top quality BBQ catering services in Calgary through our Rare Cut division. Check the amazing BBQ Catering Menu selection and prepare for a most-entertaining and unique culinary show!

Contact us for a Quote

Phone: 403.256.7150
Fax: 403.254.8147
[email protected]
7207 Fairmount Dr. SE
Calgary, Alberta
Canada, T2H 0X6