Windows Catering – Exceptional Food and Customized Wedding Menus
As the premier caterer of the DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia), Windows Catering will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025. The company was founded by Chef Henry Dinardo in 1985, and has since become known for its exceptional food, creativity, presentation, and impeccable service. Marketing Director Isabelle Rodriguez shares more about what couples can look forward to when working with Windows Catering, from curating unforgettable wedding menus to selecting locally-sourced ingredients.
GO: When you meet with a couple, what is the process in terms of creating the perfect wedding menu?
A: When we meet with a couple to design their wedding menu, our goal is to create a truly personalized experience. First, we start by learning about their tastes, vision, and any culinary preferences or dietary needs they have. This includes discussing favorite dishes, family traditions, and even incorporating unique flavors or cultural elements to make the menu special.
Once we understand their preferences, our event designers and chefs will craft a custom tasting menu for them to sample. We use this tasting to refine and adjust based on their feedback, ensuring each dish reflects their vision. Our team also provides guidance on complementary courses, wine pairings, and even presentation styles to match the theme or setting of the wedding.
From there, we work closely with the couple and their planner to ensure every detail is perfect for the big day. Our service team is dedicated to seamless coordination, from start to finish, so that every guest experiences an unforgettable culinary celebration.
GO: Many of our couples come from different backgrounds and cultures. What are some ways a couple can incorporate various flavors and traditions, so a menu is cohesive?
A: For couples blending different backgrounds and cultures, we focus on creating a menu that celebrates their unique stories while ensuring a harmonious dining experience. One approach is to incorporate signature dishes or ingredients from each culture in a way that complements the entire menu. For instance, we might start with an appetizer inspired by one culture and follow with a main course that reflects the other, tying the flavors together with thoughtful seasonings or shared elements like herbs or spices.
We also recommend considering fusion dishes that marry both traditions in a single plate, offering guests a unique and cohesive culinary experience. Our chef can help craft these combinations with authentic techniques while ensuring the presentation aligns with the couple’s vision.
Lastly, we suggest incorporating family recipes or traditional flavors in unexpected ways, such as reinventing them as small bites or desserts, so every course reflects a meaningful aspect of their heritage, resulting in a cohesive, deliciously personal menu.
GO: Do you specialize in sourcing any specific types of food or ingredients?
A: Yes, we specialize in sourcing high-quality, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients to ensure our dishes are fresh, flavorful, and aligned with our commitment to sustainability. Our culinary team works closely with local farmers, artisanal producers, and specialty suppliers to bring in unique, premium ingredients that elevate each menu. We are also experienced in sourcing international and specialty ingredients to honor specific cultural cuisines, providing an authentic and memorable dining experience for our clients. Whether it’s fresh seafood, heirloom produce, or rare spices, our focus is always on quality, seasonality, and responsible sourcing.
GO: Do you have any signature dishes that clients love?
A: Absolutely! We have a few signature dishes that consistently delight our clients. For hors d'oeuvres, our Napa Tuna Tacos with Smoked Paprika Pineapple and Kobe Beef Meatballs are always a hit, offering a flavorful start to any event. Another favorite is our Cedar-Wrapped Tribal Block Cod, which combines rich, smoky aromas with tender fish, perfect for a sophisticated, memorable bite.
Among our main courses, the Pan-Roasted Chilean Sea Bass and Braised Short Ribs are client favorites, balancing elegance and comfort in every bite. For dessert, our White Chocolate and Pistachio Cake is often requested at weddings, providing a decadent yet light finish that leaves guests raving. Each of these dishes has been crafted to bring out the best in our ingredients and to fit a variety of event themes and tastes.
GO: Are there any current food trends that couples might want to consider for their wedding menu?
A: Certainly! Couples today are embracing several exciting food trends that make wedding menus both unique and memorable. One popular trend is interactive food stations, like sushi rolling or DIY bruschetta bars, where guests can engage with the cuisine and customize their plates. This adds a fun, personalized touch to the event.
Another trend is global fusion flavors, where dishes blend influences from various cuisines, reflecting the couple’s favorite travel destinations or cultural backgrounds. Think of items like kimchi-topped sliders or Mediterranean-inspired mezze platters that bring vibrant, unexpected flavors to the menu.
Sustainability and locally-sourced ingredients are also front and center, with many couples choosing plant-forward or farm-to-table menus that emphasize seasonal, organic ingredients. Finally, dessert tables are trending, moving beyond the traditional cake to include mini pastries, artisanal donuts, or dessert charcuterie boards that offer variety and visual appeal. These trends allow couples to create a menu that’s both on-trend and true to their style.
GO: How should a couple decide between opting for a multi-course seated dinner, food stations, or serving dishes family-style?
A: Deciding on a dining style for a wedding depends on the couple’s vision for the atmosphere and guest experience. A multi-course seated dinner is ideal for couples looking for an elegant, formal feel. It allows guests to enjoy a carefully curated sequence of dishes with a refined presentation, perfect for intimate weddings where each course can be savored.
Food stations are a great choice for a lively, interactive experience, encouraging guests to move around and mingle. Stations also allow for a broader selection of dishes, making them ideal for multicultural weddings or couples wanting to offer diverse flavors.
Family-style dining, on the other hand, strikes a balance between formality and a relaxed, communal vibe. Large, shared platters encourage interaction and feel warm and inviting, like a shared feast. This style works well for couples who want a cozy, homey atmosphere and love the idea of their guests passing and sharing dishes.
Ultimately, the best choice aligns with the couple's preferences for ambiance, guest interaction, and the flow of the event. Our team can guide couples through these options to ensure the dining style enhances their wedding vision.
GO: What advice do you have for couples when it comes to menu planning?
A: When it comes to menu planning, we encourage couples to start by reflecting on their personal tastes and the vibe they want to create for their wedding. Here are a few tips:
Focus on Favorites: Think about dishes you both love, whether they’re from a favorite restaurant, a family recipe, or something you discovered together while traveling. Personal touches make the menu feel unique and meaningful.
Consider the Season: Seasonal ingredients not only taste fresher but can enhance the theme of your wedding. Spring weddings might feature light, vibrant flavors, while fall weddings lean into rich, warm dishes.
Think About Your Guests: While it’s important to reflect your tastes, consider dietary preferences and potential restrictions of your guests. Offering a few versatile options, like plant-based or gluten-free dishes, ensures everyone can enjoy the meal.
Balance the Menu: Aim for variety in flavors, textures, and colors across courses. This keeps the menu interesting and ensures each dish complements the others, creating a cohesive dining experience.
Plan for the Flow of the Day: The style of service—whether seated, food stations, or family-style—should align with the schedule and flow of your event. For example, food stations can create a dynamic, interactive experience during cocktail hour, while a seated dinner is great for a formal dining atmosphere.
Above all, have fun with it! Menu planning should be an enjoyable process, and our team is here to guide you every step of the way to create a menu that tells your story.
GO: What additional services does Windows Catering offer?
A: Windows Catering provides a full suite of services beyond catering, including wedding cakes, event styling, and decor coordination. Our talented pastry team can design custom wedding cakes tailored to each couple’s vision, whether it's a classic tiered cake or something more modern and unique. For event styling, we work closely with couples to bring their wedding vision to life through cohesive decor, including table settings, linens, floral arrangements, and lighting. We collaborate with trusted local vendors and offer guidance on everything from color palettes to centerpiece designs, ensuring every detail reflects the couple's style and the ambiance they want to create. Our goal is to provide seamless, all-in-one service so that couples can enjoy a beautifully designed event with exceptional food and decor all in one place.
Visit catering.com for more information.