Help me with a menu

kiarox2002 · June 2011

So Kate is about to turn two (ack!) and we're trying to do some party planning. Last year we did all of the food ourselves (really it was DH as he is the cook in our house) and we don't want to be cooking during the party this year. It was a drag to have to deal with food- we want to be with our guests. With that in mind...

There will probably be between 30 and 40 people. Only 2 toddlers- Kate and our friend's son. Why so many people you ask? Because DH has 4 brothers and they all have wives and kids. I priced catering at pokejos, but it's going to be at least $300. I thought DH was going to have a heart attack when I told him that although it seemed quite reasonable to me.

What are some semi-classy things we could do that can be prepped the night before so we aren't cooking the day of? I suggested an upscale sandwich bar, but DH said that would probably end up costing more than pokejos. (I was thinking of a few types of mustard, maybe an avocado spread, different types of rolls, deli meats and cheeses...)

Also, last year I made all of the cupcakes and smash cake. I *really* don't want to deal with that again. Anyone have suggestions for tasty reasonably priced cupcakes? I would love to get fancy cupcakes, but something is telling me that's not in the budget.

I wouldn't be surprised if we end up with pokejos, but I want to offer him some options.

fjaril · June 2011

Rise and Shine bakery on 2222 (near 620) is very reasonable. you get chocolate or vanilla (or both). I think they do fondant toppers or you could etsy some or whatever

what about rudy's?

ali-1411 · June 2011

I got a party sub from Jimmy John's for Jakob's 2nd birthday. Delicious. I don't remember what is cost but it wasn't $300.

Angie&Doc · June 2011

What about grilling some burgers and hotdogs and then just have all of the bbq sides?

There are a lot of options if you are wanting to cook ahead of time and prepare the night before. Mexican? Like taco bar or enchiladas that you just throw in the oven.

Or do the deli sandwich bar and sides

CollieJade · June 2011

DH and I had this same battle with DD's first birthday party. Mostly 'cause I went all Tori Spelling on the whole shindig and wanted to do everything short of fly in the San Diego Zoo to our backyard. (wait, whaaa? you mean that's not normal? lol)

Anyway, I was adamant that I didn't have time or energy to do the cooking/prepping of any part of the food, and lord knows DH wasn't gonna do it, so we hired a caterer. That, plus the cake (HEB, and they actually did a great job!) cost around $350. I promise you, in the end, $350 is worth your sanity. You'd probably spend that much in time and $ making everything yourself. It was fvcking *brilliant* not to have to worry about any of that part. Tell your DH he's getting off easy this way!

As for cupcakes, have you checked with Kimberly (Kimberly's Kakery and I can't remember her Nest name...)? DELISH.

colleenor · June 2011

i don't know if this is anything close to what you had in mind but for max's bday we did italian beef in the crock pot the night before (fly's recipe) and it just cooked over night...yum. all we had to do was slice the buns and the cheese:) i also was going to do walking tacos with KA chicken taco meat and frito bags but we ended up not needing that much food. we got veggie and fruit trays from costco. i made corndog muffins for the kids. have you looked at costco for cupcakes? i know the cake is good!

KittyFX · June 2011

We are not having a party for DS this year so that we don't have to deal with these things.

I would give Rudy's a try though. We used them last year and I remember it being really reasonable.

kirknsarah · June 2011

I have used KA tacos multiple times with groups of 15-18. Works great and is SUPER easy. I've just doubled or tripled the recipe.

Another option is to get meat from Rudy's or some other BBQ joint, and then get sides from HEB. Or the party sub from Thundercloud--super tasty and easy.

I second Coscto for cakes--they are pretty tasty. HEB's tres leches is aMAzing. we almost did it for our wedding cake.

Good luck! Yay you for wanting to be with your guests--as a guest at parties often, I appreciate that.

fjaril · June 2011

I had another thought, what about having a one of your grill loving guests be in charge of the grill?

that way you guys get to wander around and someone else is in charge of the grill. you just need a few bags of chips, dips, fruit all from costco

kiarox2002 · June 2011

Good ideas ladies! Thanks!

Fjarl- I'm planning on making some cupcake topers. I guess I need to get on that.

I will definitely check out the places you guys recommended, but it sounds like KA's tacos might be the way to go. I've never made them though as I'm a vegetarian. I guess a test batch is in order for this week. Maybe we could have some friends over for dinner or something so DH doesn't have to eat the entire batch by himself. Can someone repost the recipe?

Do you have to be a costco member to get cupcakes? We don't have a membership. I'm not a big fan of HEB cupcakes, but I will call those other places.

kiarox2002 · June 2011

fjaril:
I had another thought, what about having a one of your grill loving guests be in charge of the grill?
that way you guys get to wander around and someone else is in charge of the grill. you just need a few bags of chips, dips, fruit all from costco

This might actually work. My stepdad loves to grill and if he had a job he might stop acting like a 2 year old and come. Currently, he says he's refusing to come because my dad will be there.

fjaril · June 2011

We did that at a party and it went over really well. A lot of time family members want to be useful AND this way you don't have to deal with them

https://www.riseandshinebakery.com/Home_Page.html

I want to say the cupcakes were only like 2 bucks each maybe less I can't remember, but they were yummy.

s-a-r-a-h · June 2011

You could also do pulled pork or meatball sandwiches. Both can be made in the crockpot and are super easy.

Temp13436125005166 · June 2011

What about a big batch of cheese ziti? I did that for Ryan's 1st birthday and it was a hit, plus kids love it. I assembled it the night before and then cooked it in the morning, pretty easy.

Duckie07 · June 2011

I think with that many guests, catering would be a great way to go. I bet if you priced out some of the previously suggested menus, after buying everything (ingredients, utensils, drinks, etc), you'll probably end up spending close to $300. Maybe you could do a price comparison and then show your DH that it'll come out to about the same amount, except with the catering there will be less hassle. If the party was for less people or more kids than adults, I would definitely suggest making your own food to save money. But, I think the way it is now, it'll come out to about the same amount. Good luck!

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