Imperfect is the new perfect

In the wedding and catering industry, trends change as fast as the speed of light. It used to be fondant cakes were all the rage, now there has been a shift back toward old faithful, thick and creamy butter cream icing. For a while it was tiny, bite size architectural bites that often left people wondering, what is this? Yet, now we’re seeing more of a shift back to comfort food, foods that are recognizable to the eye and comforting to the soul…like little grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and fried green tomatoes.

We even laugh sometimes around Main Course that “imperfect is the new perfect.” While, yes, we do strive for perfection in our kitchen, at our events, in our interactions with clients, and in our service…we don’t always believe that “perfect” makes for the best food or the best atmosphere at an event.

We use all local, organic tomatoes in our soups, sandwiches, and salads. And if you know anything about tomatoes, you know that while the tomatoes you pluck from the produce section at the grocery store may look perfect, often times they can be mealy and tasteless. On the flip side, that rugged looking tomato you get at the farmer’s market that looks anything but perfect – just might be the sweetest thing you’ve put in your mouth all week. And since we’re in the business of making stop you in your tracks good food, we tend to err on the side of imperfect, if it means the end result is a dish that makes you say, “wow,” and leaves a lasting impression on your palate.

When it comes to presentation, our table designs are impeccable and classy, but oftentimes rustic, drawing inspiration from nature and local produce, both of which are beautiful in their imperfection. Maybe it’s an artisan cheese display on an old wine barrel, where twigs and herbs mingle with decadent cheeses and refreshing local fruit.

Maybe it’s a table topped with flowers cut from a client’s garden early that morning…imperfect and stunning at the same time.

Another time, using an old family recipe, a bride's mother in law baked the wedding cake in our catering kitchen, making for a perfectly delicious imperfect cake full of soul and family history.