cyclic menus

hi all,
As a student cook I have a project to design a 1 week cyclic menu for an ovo-vegetarian keeping in mind dietary guidelines etc. I was wondering how you cooks out there working it approach menu design. I have to supply morning tea, lunch afternoon tea and dinner.
Thanks for any advice.

[shroomgirl]

we don't do daily tea food here, is morning tea light or heavy breakfast???? and afternoon tea??? I do fancy scones, sandwiches and pastries when I am out of town and need a rest from the day's events...

Balance is my key, heavy on veg adn fruit,
I guess the key is to know your client....what and how do they like to eat?

I've had private chef clients for 5 years and it varies from family to family/actually sometimes from person to person....
find out what they like and dislike, take the season and product availability in consideration, also know if you can serve the same things slightly adulterated within a few days....ie leftovers with a twist.

I balance my clients menus usually going by protein, you could do this too....
Mon legumes
Tues Omelets
Wed Cheese (if they are dairy) ie eggplant with ricotta and marinara, pasta with pesto
Thurs Tofu

*** or go by cuisine....
mon french
tues mexican
wed thai
thurs cajun

This is a rough format, but it comes in really handy....I also sit wiht mags or cookbooks and search for inspiration, or go out to eat....R and D for those of you doing your taxes, Boy this is a great country for a self employed food professional.

[Kimmie]

A traditional afternoon tea is complete with warm scones and clotted cream and/or strawberry preserves, cucumber-egg sandwiches, tomato sandwiches, cinnamon madeleines, and perfectly made pots of tea.

Maybe exotic fruit tartlets or brochettes of fresh fruit.

Cheese sablés are also a classic.


RECOMMENDED READING FOR INSPIRATION
Anton Edelmann
"Taking Tea at the Savoy" (Pavilion, 1999; price varies)

Available in your local bookstore or from Amazon.com, and Barnes and Noble

Good job, Shroom, with your answer!



[ April 12, 2001: Message edited by: Kimmie ]