In the 2016 edition of Southern Bride and Groom, we introduced you to the area’s best and most talented wedding caterers! Today, we’re sharing creative wedding food ideas from Raleigh wedding caterer Donovan’s Dish.
Donovan’s Dish is an innovative catering company that really makes an effort to stay ahead of the game when it comes to the latest trends in wedding food. They work hard to personalize each menu to suit the bride and groom’s needs and fit their budget, specializing in everything from beautifully presented buffets to live action cooking.
What’s their most popular setup for weddings right now? Live cooking stations. Upon request, they can feature penne alla vodka with meatballs; signature shrimp and ground grits; or hand tossed pizza dough that is twirled through air before it’s topped and baked to order. Sometimes dessert stations are in demand with fresh s’mores or gelatos.
The seafood boil is a fantastic option for a fun and casual outdoor reception or rehearsal dinner, even for landlubbers here in the Triangle. Picture your guests mingling on a beautiful lawn under market lights enjoying lobster, crab and clams with a bluegrass band playing in the background.
Everything from Donovan’s Dish is made fresh, from scratch, and they source locally as often as possible. They are family-owned and operated and pride themselves in presentation, service and deliciousness. Jill Donovan says their motto is “to take care of everything from beginning to end so the bride and groom can feel like guests at their own wedding.”
Founder and Head Chef TJ Donovan, pictured above, tragically passed away earlier this year. This photo is one of our favorites of him as it captures TJ in his element. He wore that winning smile always, and spread joy in every aspect of his life – from social interactions with friends, to time spent with his wife and beautiful daughters, to preparing food for dozens of weddings each year. His cooking legacy lives on through a committed team that continues to run Donovan’s Dish, led by his co-founder and wife, Jill. At Donovan’s, family tradition lives on as they continue to utilize TJ’s recipes, and incorporate new ones from the company’s talented chefs.
To get a taste of Donovan’s Dish for your own family occasion, check out their new meal delivery service for the Triangle Area which is launching this October. Sign up to receive weekly and freshly prepared meals. Home-made cooking has never been so easy!
Photos by Neil Boyd Photography
