Opinion Dinner party menu

[Nice95gle]

Hey everyone this is my first post, so I just wanted to say I'm happy to be here. I've been lurking for a while just reading and learning.

I am having a dinner party for 8-10 people. I want just 5 courses and I wanted some ideas on the menu I am trying to put together.

This is what I have so far.

1 - Broiled scallops with a coconut chili sauce.

2 - Clear Seafood soup (I guess a consommé for the lack of a better word) seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt and white truffle oil shattered with grilled halibut.

3 - Endives, Spinach and Currant salad with a tangy sweet
Balsamic vinegarette.

4 - Roasted Partridge with baby corn over orzo

5 - Mini Pina colada crepes with a pineapple reduction and coconut ice cream

Any help would be very helpful.

Thanks

[Suzanne]

Pretty nice menu, Nice. Someone else might say, "Don't repeat the coconut!" but I kind of like the idea of starting and ending with it, since the other flavors will be so different.

But my first question is: how much of that will you have to finish at the last minute? You don't want a menu that will keep you in the kitchen instead of in the dining room with your guests.

Second question: do you have access to FRESH baby corn? If not, don't use canned; it's nasty stuff (imho). And I hope there will be more color contrast on the plate, since both the corn and the orzo are kind of pale yellow.

Anyway, that's just what I think. I'm glad you like us here! Keep us informed about what you do in the end.

[Nice95gle]

Originally Posted by Suzanne

Pretty nice menu, Nice. Someone else might say, "Don't repeat the coconut!" but I kind of like the idea of starting and ending with it, since the other flavors will be so different.

But my first question is: how much of that will you have to finish at the last minute? You don't want a menu that will keep you in the kitchen instead of in the dining room with your guests.

Second question: do you have access to FRESH baby corn? If not, don't use canned; it's nasty stuff (imho). And I hope there will be more color contrast on the plate, since both the corn and the orzo are kind of pale yellow.

Anyway, that's just what I think. I'm glad you like us here! Keep us informed about what you do in the end.

Suzanne thanks for the reply.

To answer your questions:

Most of the menu can be prepared the day before. The scallops and halibut need about 10-15 mins to cook; so I think the little lady can keep our guest busy.

Next I do have access to fresh vegis... there is a Wegmans and Whole Foods in driving distance. But if I have the time I will drive over the bridge into NYC and hit Chelsea market.

I will be serving a tomato (red) or pesto (green) sauce with the orzo for color.

[Suzanne]

Manhattan Fruit Exchange in Chelsea Market always has baby corn. It sounds as though you've got everything pretty well in hand.

Okay, then my next question is: May I come, too?

[Nice95gle]

Sure...Everyone is welcome.