Reception Menu

Cuisine

Of course, delicious fare is a major component of any unforgettable wedding. That’s why The Palace at Somerset Park is staffed with the finest chefs – including executive chef and Chaine des Rotisseurs member Justin di Bianca. Unlike many other wedding facilities, we offer extensive cocktail hour and reception menus that are totally customizable to your preferred flavor profile or culture. They also come standard with a gourmet wedding cake prepared by our in-house pastry chefs, an extravagant Viennese display, and several special items that many other venues charge a premium for.

Executive chef Justin Di Bianca leads a team that believes that banquet food can be extraordinary. Dedicated and passionate, The Palace team takes the pleasure in preparing food with fine dining technique (in-house butchering, homemade sauces, hand-selected cheeses) and recreating the experience for large parties. Your guests or employees will be very happy. Check out some of the most-popular dishes in the gallery below and take a look at our menus.
We offer a wide range of takes on traditional cuisine and work with the area’s best caterers that specialize in ethnic and religion-specific food.

Reception Menu

We offer a wide range of takes on traditional cuisine and work with the area’s best caterers that specialize in ethnic and religion-specific food.

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Upon arrival your guests will be greeted with an array of cocktails served by our white-gloved staff to include The Palace’s pomegranate champagne cocktail and signature cocktails

Butler Passed Hors D'oeuvres

A Selection of Passed Items

Short Rib Grilled Cheese, Chipotle BBQ
Mint Scented Phyllo Wrapped Shrimp, Fig Jam
Sesame Chicken, Sweet Chili Glaze
Marinated Grilled Sea Scallop, Maple Bacon
Falafel Fritter, Lemon Harissa Honey
Prosciutto and Provolone Roulade, Rosemary Mascarpone
Lamb Kofta Brochette, Honey Yogurt
Potato Pancake Poutine, Smoked Cheese Curd, Mushroom Glace
Edamame Dumpling, White Truffle Miso Aioli
Bruschetta with Marinated Plum Tomatoes, Fresh Basil and Parmesan Cheese
Tuna Ceviche, Cilantro Pesto, Crisp Tortilla
Herb Scented Ricotta, Citrus Preserve, Olive Tapenade, Herb Crostini
Everything Crusted Smoke Sausage en Croute, Beer Cheese
The Palace Chicken Salad, Stone Fruit, Toasted Pecan
Breaded Mac and Cheese Bite, Aged Cheddar

Cocktail Stations

We take great care to obtain ingredients only from farmers and artisans dedicated to creating their delicacies in the tradition of the harvest. With patience, attention to quality and admiration for the earth. With that said, we at The Palace would like to offer you a unique selection to include some of the best local and imported Products with respect to the Season…
With that said, we at The Palace would like to offer you a unique selection, to include some of New Jerseyʼs best local products with respect to the Season…

Classic Italian Epicurean Flavors to Include
Marinated Tomatoes – Balsamic, Parmesan, Basil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fresh Mozzarella – Olive Oil, Crushed Red Pepper, Chervil and Sea Salt
Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Artichokes
Italian Meat Stuffed Cherry Peppers
Gorgonzola Stuffed Olives

Imported and Domestically Sourced Dry Cured Meats to Include
Genoa Salami, Sopressata, Prosciutto di Parma, Ham, Pepperoni
Vegetable Giardiniera, Assorted Breadsticks, Focaccias, Fussil, Toasted Pita Chips

Artistically Displayed Selection of
Hand Picked Domestic and Fine International Cheeses
Vermont Sharp Cheddar, Holland Swiss, French Brie
Provolone, Smoked Gouda, Crusted Goat Cheese
All Adorned with Dried and Fresh Fruit, Nuts and Berries

Chefʼs Selection of Seasonal Fresh Ripe Fruits to Include:
Golden Pineapple, Honey Dew, Cantaloupe, Seedless Grapes and Strawberries

Roasted Asparagus and Wild Mushroom with Shallot Confit Moroccan Fruit and Nut Couscous, Chef’s Choice of Seasonal selections
Fresh Crisp Vegetable Crudités to include
assorted Hand-Blended dips, Hummus, French Onion Dip, Toasty Pita Chip 

A Vibrant Display of Locally Sourced Fire Grilled Produce
Balsamic Marinated Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Japanese Eggplant
Peppers, Portobello Mushrooms

Please Select From the Following Stations

Friday & Sunday Evening, Choose Four | Saturday Evening, Choose Five

a uniformed chef will carve your choice of two selections served with new potato hash and savory bread pudding

peppercorn crusted sirloin strip of beef • horseradish cream
salmon en papillote • banana leaf • herbs • citrus
grilled vegetable strudel • puff pastry • roasted red pepper coulis
potato and leek strudel • french onion bisque
apple and caramelized onion stuffed pork loin • currant honey mustard
roasted turkey breast • sage pan gravy
leg of lamb • mint infused demi
herb marinated grilled flank steak • chimichurri
guinness braised pastrami • spicy brown mustard
whole suckling pig • chimichurri

a selection of four served from silver roll-top chaffers

herbed breadcrumb stuffed mushrooms
eggplant rollatini
mussels with white wine, plum tomato or fra diavolo (select one)
fried calamari • marinara sauce
clams oreganata
risotto with wild mushroom or lobster (select one)
little neck clams with garlic and white wine or portuguese chorizo (select one)
pork or chicken italian sausage (select one) • peppers and onions

a uniformed chef will prepare your choice of two
served with lemon herb rice


Chicken Medallions- Scarpariello with Sausage, Marsala, Piccata or Putanesca


Beef  Tips- Pearl Onion and Cognac Cream or Wild Mushroom and Burgundy


Veal Scaloppini- Scarpariello with Sausage, Marsala, Piccata or Putanesca


Sautéed Prawns- Scampi, Fra Diavolo, Putanesca or Pesto


Vegetarian- Portobello Mushrooms Scampi or Artichoke Heart Francaise

a uniformed chef will prepare your choice of two in rice pancakes

seared duck, cucumber, carrot, scallion, plum sauce
ham, gruyere, caramelized onion, apple chutney
grilled chicken, asparagus, boursin cheese
baby spinach, goat cheese
wild mushroom, sun dried tomato, feta

 

a uniformed chef will prepare from a cast iron grill

polish kielbasa • german knockwurst • bratwurst
caramelized onions • caraway sauerkraut • assorted mustards
chafing dishes of toasted cheddar and potato pierogies, herbed spätzle

 

a uniformed chef will prepare

mini hot dogs with assorted toppings • sausage and peppers
margarita and italian meat pizzas • fried pickles • cheese curds • curly fries

 

served from silver roll top chafers

jerk spiced boneless chicken and miniature jamaican beef patties
coconut rice and beans • sweet plantains • yuca fries
mango, shrimp and jicama salad • traditional conch salad

 

a uniformed chef will prepare from a cast iron grill

seasoned grilled lamb and chicken gyro meat
warm pita • shredded lettuce • tomato • red onion • feta cheese
falafel fritters • mint and lemon rice • tzatziki sauce

 

hand sliced slab bacon • cheese disco fries • chocolate dipped thick bacon strips • miniature BLTs
chipotle and ranch sauces

 

a uniformed chef will prepare from a cast iron griddle
traditional style cuban sandwiches
black beans and rice • tostones • sweet plantains
mango salsa • cilantro crema

 

a uniformed chef will prepare on a hand hammered wok and hibachi style grill

choice of teriyaki shrimp, chicken, roast pork or tofu (select one)
grilled with onions and peppers
a stir fry of vegetable lo mein with straw mushrooms, celery, scallions, carrots, baby corn
served from chinese to-go containers
vegetable potstickers • spring rolls • stir fried rice

served from silver roll top chafers….

whipped potatoes • velvety cheddar mac and cheese • wild grains
a service bar of…
smoked ham • bacon • green onions • crispy fried onions • sweet corn • dried fruit
toasted almonds • grated aged pecorino romano • shredded cheeses • roasted wild mushrooms
butter braised broccoli • sour cream


a uniformed chef will prepare your choice of two
served with Italian style meatballs in sunday gravy
penne • vodka, peas, pancetta
orecchiette • broccoli rabe, white bean, garlic chip broth
farfalle • sweet peas, wild mushroom, white truffle alfredo
rigatoni • tomato bolognese
tri color tortellini “carbonara” • peas, prosciutto, champagne cream
gemelli • pomodoro
cavatelli • sundried tomato, pesto lie

a uniformed chef will prepare your choice of two

Whole Roasted Citrus Marinated Snapper, Cilantro Lime Shrimp, Pork Carnitas, Adobo Chicken (select two)
Corn Tortillas, Micro Cilantro, Pickled Red Onion, Salsa Verde, Homemade Crema
Guacamole, Lime Wedges, Pico de Gallo
Accompanied with Corn and Black Bean Empanada, Fresh Tortilla Chips


a uniformed chef will prepare on a cast iron grill

angus beef and vegetarian sliders on kings hawaiian buns
american cheese • lettuce • tomato • smoked ketchup • sriracha mayo • bbq sauces
pickle chips • onion rings • waffle fries with cheese whiz

served from our cast iron grill
“the cheesesteak” grilled wafer steak, sautéed onions and peppers
traditional mini hoagie style rolls • sweet and hot peppers
lettuce • sliced tomatoes • cheeze whiz • ketchup
philadelphia soft pretzel nuggets and spicy brown mustard

a uniformed chef will prepare

dirty rice with cajun chicken and andouille sausage
onions • celery • bell pepper • plum tomato • scallion • okra
served from silver roll top chafers
crawfish étouffée • jalapeño corn bread • hush puppies • creole honey

served from silver roll top chafers

chicken and waffles
stewed spicy collard greens • baked mac and cheese
sweet corn spoon bread • bleu cheese cabbage slaw • bourbon spiked fruit salad

served from silver roll top chafers
palak paneer • vegetable samosa • garlic naan • cumin basmati rice
from a cast iron grill
chicken tikka masala • sautéed onions and peppers
mango chutney • mint coriander • cucumber raita

served from silver roll top chafers
marinated bulgogi beef and pepper chicken
sesame scallion rice • glass noodle • sweet and sour radish
carrot and cucumber salads • kimchee • steamed bao buns

Elaborate Cocktail Station

Please Select One

iced jumbo gulf shrimp • marinated seafood salad
shucked oysters and clams
cocktail • mignonette • lemon wedges

served from a paella pan
shrimp • lobster • mussels • clams • calamari
steamed together in a paella pan with
saffron scented rice • sweet peas • bell peppers • vidalia onions • plum tomatoes
accompanied with tapas style selections of
spanish olives • dried sausage • marinated artichoke • white anchovy • papas bravas

a selection of three grade “A” ceviche served in flower petal ice bowls to include

salmon with horseradish and herbs • spicy tuna and mango • shrimp with coconut and lime
rainbow tortillas • crips plantains

a uniformed chef will prepare from a cast iron grill
housemade crab cakes and cajun spiced seafood salad served on Kings hawaiian buns
tossed frisée salad • southern slaw • creole remoulade
sliced pickles • tomato salsa

 hand rolled assorted sushi
california • spicy tuna • vegetarian •unagi eel • king salmon
pickled ginger • wasabi • soy sauce
kimono clad sushi chef available at an additional fee

a uniformed chef will prepare from a cast iron grill
seasoned lamb chops and marinated chicken served with bell peppers and onions
stuffed grape leaves • assorted pitas • flavored hummus tzatziki • baba ghanoush • moussaka • greek salad

hand pulled fresh mozzarella made to order accompanied by
marinated boccaccini • smoked mozzarella • cherry peppers • fresh basil marinated tomatoes
fire roasted bell peppers • tuscan bean bruschetta • pepperoncini • crostini • foccaccia
extra virgin olive oil • basil pesto • balsamic reduction • herbed olive oil

Dinner

Designed to Attend to All of Your Desires…
Additional Courses May be Added Upon Request for a Supplemental Fee

Timbale of Smoked Ratatouille
quinoa • fresh mozzarella • mache leaves
basil vinaigrette

Kale Caesar
crispy garbanzos • heirloom cherry tomato
aged parmesan • chipotle caesar dressing

Burrata
baby arugula • shaved red onion • plum tomato
herb crostini • balsamic glaze

“BLT”
watercress greens • grape tomato
crisp pancetta • grated egg • rye crouton
dijon aioli

Black Truffle Risotto
italian sausage • golden raisin • mascarpone
porcini crostini • micro green

Potato Gnocchi
vegetable bolognese • herb ricotta • toased pine nut
micro basil

NY State Field Greens
bourbon sugared walnuts • sundried cranberry • crumbled blue cheese
wild berry vinaigrette

Wild Mushroom and Leek Strudel
aged gruyere • baby greens
fig reduction

Baked Brie
honey pecan crusted • golden beet puree • sugared beet relish
grilled rustic bread

Grilled Shimp and Grits
tasso ham • scallion
sassafras jus

Entrée Course

THE PALACE “SIGNATURE DUET”
Petite Herb Crusted Filet Mignon paired with your choice of
Pesto Grilled Prawns • Kataifi Wrapped Sea Scallop • Split Lobster Tail
potato gratin gruyere
rosemary roasted rainbow carrots
dijon demi cream
Or
Please Select Three
-One From Each of the Following Collections

Pan Seared Salmon
saffron jasmine rice
garlic chip broccolini
pesto beurre blanc

Herb and Breadcrumb Roasted Cod
 roasted butterball potatoes
shaved brussel sprout
sauce escabeche

Pan Seared Grouper
roasted butternut squash
cranberry tabbouleh
mustard greens
pomegranate molasses

Lump Crab Cake
corn and edamame hash
shaved fennel slaw
sweet chili and lime vinaigrette

Florentine Stuffed Filet of Sole
fried shallot orzo rice
blistered vine ripe tomato
crisp caper
citrus vinaigrette

Herb Seared Frenched Breast of Chicken
sweet corn soufflé
mushroom and spinach sauté chimichurri vinaigrette

Leek and Almond Crusted Frenched Breast of Chicken
golden lentils
haricot verts
citrus vinaigrette

Prosciutto and Basil Stuffed Frenched Breast of Chicken
white bean and barley cassoulet roasted baby zucchini
parmesan fondue

Coq Au Vin
braised bone-in chicken
wild mushroom and tasso grits
rainbow swiss chard
natural reduction

Chicken Paillard
egg coated breast with
spinach, red onion, and feta
roasted potato
pencil asparagus
tomato cream

 

Herb Crusted Filet Mignon
shallot whipped potato
parmesan spinach
port wine glace

Braised Boneless Beef Short Rib
creamy chive polenta
glazed carrots
burgundy wine
gremolata

Herb Grilled Chateaubriand
whipped gruyere
haricot verts
glace de viande

Grilled Rosemary Scented Pork Chop
vanilla whipped sweet potato
swiss chard
sour cherry jus

Grilled Aged New York Sirloin
rutabaga gratin
pencil asparagus
saffron jus

Rosemary Marinated Grilled
Veal Chop {market rate}

parmesean cheese polenta
glazed tri color carrots
true veal reduction & basil puree

Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb {market rate}
bleu cheese grits
glazed fennel bulb
natural lamb reduction

The Palace Viennese Display

Elaborately Displayed, a Pastry Chefʼs Selection from the Following…

Our Chefʼs Seasonal Selection of house baked items such as Imperial Chocolate, Carrot Cake
Creamy Cheese Cake, Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Chocolate Ganache Tart, Entremets, Pecan Tart, Crème Brulée and Chambord Cake
Key Lime Tart, “PB & J” Tart, Lemon Meringue Tart and Tiramisu

Chocolate Royal, Mocha Éclairs, Profiteroles, Flavored French Macaroons
Sfogliatelle, Mignardises, Petit Fours, Financier

Seasonal Fresh Fruits to include Strawberries, Grapes or Pineapple
Fresh California Berries, Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melons

Freshly Baked Cookies, Biscotti, Chocolate Mousse, Crémeux, Dessert Bars, Blondies and Brownies
Spiced Chocolate Truffles and Caramels

creamy rich custard sprinkled with turbinado sugar
caramelized to your guests delight

Uniformed Chef will Prepare Golden Belgian Waffles with Classic Bananas Foster
Three Flavors of Freshly Scooped Ice Cream
Toppings to Include:
Rainbow and Chocolate Sprinkles, Reeseʼs, Mini Marshmallows, Maraschino Cherries, M&Mʼs
Wet Walnuts, Mini Chocolate Chips, Oreo Crumbs, Whipped Cream, Chocolate and Caramel Sauces

hand piped with traditional or chocolate sweet ricotta cream
mini chocolate chips • nuts • sprinkles

One of Our Trained Bartenders Will Serve You and Your Guests
Top Brand Cordials and Cognacs

Freshly Brewed Palace Blend Coffee – Regular and Decaffeinated
Assorted Teas for Steeping, Espresso, Cappuccino

mousse and cake filled martini glasses
fresh berries • créme anglaise • fresh whipped cream

Inquire with your event planner about our elaborate dessert stations*
*additional fees apply

Wedding Cake

Custom Tiered Wedding Cake Served to Your Guests

Cake Flavors and Fillings

chocolate pudding
dark chocolate cake • chocolate pudding
red velvet
red velvet cake • cream cheese
lemon
vanilla cake • lemon mousse
chocolate mousse
dark chocolate cake • chocolate mousse
cannoli
vanilla cake • cannoli cream
strawberry
vanilla cake •  vanilla custard • strawberry marmalade
chocolate fudge
dark chocolate cake • chocolate fudge
dulce de leches
vanilla cake • dulce de leche mousse
french raspberry
vanilla cake • french cream • raspberry marmalade
baci mousse
dark chocolate cake • baci mousse

Enhance Your Wedding Cake With Our Premium Flavors and Fillings*

24k cake

spiced carrot cake • cream cheese

raspberry truffle

devils food cake • chocolate ganache • raspberry marmalade

funfetti bomb

vanilla cake • rainbow sprinkles • cream cheese mousse

mango mousse

vanilla cake • mango mousse

blueberry cheesecake

vanilla cake • cream cheese mousse • blueberry marmalade

*Additional Fee

Wedding Cake Station
custom tiered wedding cake cut and served in your viennese hour

Standard Cake Designs

A custom tiered Palace cake can be selected from our cake portfolio which showcases a range of design elements for suggestive use.
All cakes in our portfolio are included in your package.

If desired, a photo may be brought in for our cake designer to duplicate.
Additional charges will apply if the requested cake requires more time
and/or materials than a standard Palace cake.

A Premium Brand Open Bar for the Service of Cocktails, Imported & Domestic Beers and House Wines, Regular & Diet Sodas, Sparkling Waters & Juices

Choice of Three Red and Three White Varietals available by the Glass
Upgraded Wines Are Available at an Additional Charge.

For the Arrival, Available on all bars, Champagne Toast and offered throughout the remainder of the event

We offer indoor or outdoor ceremonies based on availability. Additional charge will apply.

Fully Serviced Suite with Personal Attendant for the Entire Event

European Floor Length Ivory/White, or Solid Colored Cloths and Matching Napkins

Front Door, Coat Room and Valet

Place Cards, Direction Cards and Menu Cards

Printable version

Weddings, Events Parties & Meetings

Inside The Palace

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