The Perfect Wedding Meal

Hello Smooch Readers,

This month I’m excited to talk about one of our favorite things, a perfectly executed wedding meal! It’s freshly prepared, beautifully presented, and tastes delicious, with sizzling entrees and cold crisp salads, just as you would expect in a fine dining restaurant. That’s our chef’s kiss!

Why is your wedding meal so important? The food and beverages you serve are the centerpiece of the reception and go a long way to ensuring everyone has a good time. Let’s be honest, a great meal puts everyone in a good mood. Plus, we need happy bellies to nourish those celebratory hearts!

our food philosophy

Abernethy Center hasn’t always been a full-service venue. When we opened, it was simply an event rental space. We evolved to offer couples a more comprehensive set of services once the team saw how much work and equipment it took for an outside catering company to serve a hot meal in Abigail’s Garden. One needs pretty much everything but the proverbial commercial kitchen sink on wheels. So we started including more with our beautiful ceremony and reception spaces. Today, we package venue rentals and catering with your equipment (think tables, chairs, plates, linens, etc.) and staff for the wedding day, so you’re freed up to think about more exciting details.

Chefs Robert Stuart & Barry Losch

If you’ve enjoyed a meal at Abernethy Center in the last fifteen years, it was almost certainly prepared by one of these guys, our Chef’s Robert and Barry. The chefs have been with us from the start and are two of the kindest, most dedicated people around. Food is their love language, and every meal is prepared with heart. That and fresh, local ingredients combined in innovative and visually pleasing ways.

The chefs know that most newlyweds won’t eat much at the reception, so they always create a to-go bag for the couple with a sampling of everything served at the wedding and a bottle of bubbly to enjoy later.

“I cannot say enough about the food. Everything was beyond delicious!”

Sarah, Abernethy Bride

Menu Tastings & Catering Packages

Abernethy Center is committed to providing exceptional Northwest cuisine for your big day. Our chefs have a passion for amazing flavor and beautiful presentation. They know your wedding meal is a one-shot deal. There’s no redo. It has to be perfect! Our mission is you love what you serve, and your guests rave about the food. To help select your ideal menu, couples are invited to a Chef’s Preview, where you’ll try a sampling of our most popular dishes. It’s a magical night to connect with other couples, and, of course, enjoy a delicious meal with us!

Abernethy catering packages

Our standard packages range from $35 per person for buffet to the sky’s the limit! Each package is fully customizable, so you have the freedom to choose the menu that best fits your desires and your spending plan. We even have a few reduced-price packages with set theme menus like a taco bar, pizza party of classic Italian dinner. Your chosen meal is cooked fresh on-site, and a professional and courteous wait-staff will make your reception an experience to remember for a lifetime.

Mouthwatering Summer Favorites

Shaved fennel & watermelon Salad

with mixed greens and balsamic vinegar (V) (GF

Caprese chicken

with fresh mozzarella, micro-basil, vine-ripened tomatoes, olive oil, fleur de sal and balsamic glaze (GF)

Grilled tenderloin

With lemon, garlic, and parsley butter (GF)

Grilled Cowboy flank steak

With Jack Daniel’s bourbon sauce (GF)

Ready to start planning your perfect wedding meal?

Do you have a favorite dish from the Abernethy Chefs or a special memory from your wedding meal with us? We’d love to hear from you! Share on social and tag @abernethycenter on Insta and Facebook. Next month on the blog we’ll continue the catering conversation with a guide to wedding menu selection featuring tips from the chefs and lots of scrumptious food pics!

Sara

Abernethy Center is truly one of a kind! A full-service wedding and reception venue just on the outskirts of Portland in the heart of historical Oregon City. Our property features two distinct gardens, a gorgeous chapel and a classic, elegant Grand ballroom spread out over 9 acres. With nearly twenty years in business, an expert culinary team, and a tremendous staff experienced in providing exceptional service, we have everything for the perfect, uniquely yours Oregon wedding.

Abigail’s Garden —– Veiled Garden—–Abernethy Chapel—–Grand Ballroom