It's been over two months since my wedding, and I'm still getting comments from friends and family on how incredible Barry's food was. Even the vegan commented that the cheddar and honey stuffed filo was incredible.
When I first met Barry we asked about his accent - turns out he's from South Africa, in a region called Durban. That community is known for being very diverse in culture. He also spent time in California and, obviously, now lives in VT. As soon as he learned that my mother is Indian, but grew up in East Africa, and that both our families love a variety of foods the menu started planning itself. Bhajias, cheddar and honey stuffed filo, samosas, crab cakes, chicken satays - and that's just the appetizers! Each item was meaningful and mouth watering.
Dinner was done buffet style. I was a bit concerned about the speed of this and how it would go over with guests (I think everyone loves being served). In the end, people could ask for extra of what they wanted, skip what they didn't, and some managed to get up for seconds. It worked perfectly.
Dinner was a wine and herb mopped roast, peri peri style shrimp and scallop kebabs, salt potatoes (simple, but really well done), butternut polenta pie (vegan) and vermont mac and cheese (I regret not getting seconds on this - but as the groom I barely finished my plate)
I'd go on about which items I like... but that would be a book - every thing was just perfect, fresh and really well done.
The staff was also incredible. He hires a number of high school kids, and some alumni, for weddings. At first I was concerned, but then learned the local high school has a culinary program, so these kids aren't just trying to make a buck - this is what they want to do, and it really showed. Additionally, Barry wasn't exactly kicking back - it seemed like he was every where at once - prepping the buffet serving appetizers and some how I kept hearing his booming laugh as he interacted with guests who just had to stop him to tell him how great the thing they just ate was.
The price was right in the middle of what I compared, but the quality, quantity and creativity of the menu put this as possibly the best wedding meal I've been to. (If I can say so myself).
A few notes: Barry does not do bar service. If you need alcohol, you'll have to find another bar tender. I went with Phat Kats and was really happy. There was some question about how water would be served - but between Ohana, Barry and Phat Kats I didn't have to worry about it and it got done.
Note: This review was for my June 2016 wedding at Camp Ohana in Fairlee VT read more
