Top Tips for Magnificent Mezze

Is mezze a mystery to you?

The word ‘mezze’ derived from the Persian has come to mean ‘a pleasing taste.’

MoreSouth follows the mediterranean tradition of mezze. We invite you to compose a feast from a selection of locally sourced produce, and freshly prepared buffet dishes that can be adapted to either finger food or fork buffet meals.

Mezze is the most versatile of menu formats, suitable equally for a corporate meeting/function or a great  party.

What are the three secrets of a good mezze table?

1. Be surprising

The Prelude. Enhance the appetite by presenting many tiny bowls of jewel-like glistening colours and tastes. Bite-sized, intense and sometimes piquant flavours prepare for what is to come.

In the Middle East mezze is accompanied with a glass of ‘arak’ (similar to Pernod) or fragrant, refreshing mint tea.

Perfect for: Party, Canape Reception, Cocktail Party

Try: Bruschetta with roast pepper and cannelloni bean puree, Houmus with tahini, Labaneh (soft white cheese balls rolled in 3 different spices), Italian breadsticks, freshly roasted pistachios, rich green olives, garlicy dips.

2. Be sensual.

Work the senses of sight, smell and taste with an aesthetic, well-presented spread. Tip: ‘open sandwiches’ give a lovely, visual variation to a buffet table. Imagine a mosaic of colour.

Perfect for: Working Lunch, Networking Event, Lunch buffet

Try: Ciabattas, Bagels, Baguettes, Rolls (guaranteed 100% organic) with Mozzarell, pesto & tomato, Smoked Salmon, Salami or Mediterranean Chicken fillings. Local, organic Cheeseboard with celery, nuts and grapes, Fruit Platters,

3. Be satisfying.

Serve generous, abundant dishes in accordance with Mediterranean hospitality. Always offer your mezze with baskets of warm pitta bread or rosemary focaccia.

Perfect for: Wedding, Dinner Party, Corporate Event

Try: Prawns in white wine, garlic and chilli, Turkish pizza, Lamb kofta skewer, Moroccan Carrot salad, Falafel, Chicken barbecues drumsticks, Rocket pizzetas, Seasonal platter of organic crudités.

Mezze can be a teasing taster, a delicious lunch table or a sumptuous buffet dinner. Or even a picnic. And don’t forget the cakes!

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Every Friday lunch we publish a recipe for your weekend mezze table on ‘more-MoreSouth, the blog.’