The way to his parents' heart

[Gummy-Bear]

If the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, then the way to his family's heart should be the same way. Well, I've captured my boyfriend's heart as well as his mom's side of the family, now it's time for his father's approval.

His dad is an exceptionally good cook, and was a chef at a restaurant for awhile. His stepmom is pure-blooded Italian and knows food very well. My goal is to throw a dinner party (I always need the practice) for the two of them and want to try something different. And something that will impress them both.

What themes for a dinner party would be fun, different, and elegant all at the same time?
I'm thinking Greek or Spanish but since everyone on this site is always so helpful, I figured I would sponge up a few ideas here.

[kuan]

I think you should have a tapas party with a lot of wine. This way you don't have a schedule, and if he doesn't like the food, the wine will do it. Tapas can be exceptionally simple. Roasted sausage sliced up, lightly drizzled with spicy oil, broiled shrimp, spicy olives, heck maybe even pickled herring, grilled bread, etc.

You might be better off asking in the general cooking forum.

[Gummy-Bear]

Thank you Kuan, I had no clue where to put this. Tapas are a good idea. I may do something along those lines.

[lentil]

Gummy,

In my nearly 25 years of marriage, the only- and I mean ONLY- thing my mother-in-law has ever said about my cooking is that she'll eat anything that someone else cooks. It's become a family joke.

It sounds as if you're BF's family already loves you. They'll be pleased to be in the company of their son and his special person. The food will be great. Don't worry and have fun!

[AndyG]

Maybe a toga party is out of the question

[Gummy-Bear]

Originally Posted by AndyG

Maybe a toga party is out of the question

DARN! You mean that may not be the way to his family's heart? LOL

[DC Sunshine]

Great Idea Kuan - tapas is great fun as well as great variety - lots of sites on the net with recipes. Guess I'd steer away from italian. It sounds like they've already taken you to heart. The main thing is to not stress too much and make it a relaxed, enjoyable evening. Good food - good wine - good company. And don't worry about the stress of cooking for good chefs and cooks - they'll enjoy not having to cook for a change! Do as much as you can beforehand so you're not stuck in the kitchen all night and can take the chance to get to know them.

Empanadas, floured and fried sardines, spanish omlette, asparagus in butter garnished with hardboiled eggs, garlic soup, fried garlic bread, anchovies with capers, shaved cured ham, stuffed peppers/ tomatoes/onions/eggplant/cucumbers, spanish olives, goats cheese, thick hot chocolate with ladies fingers served with anise liquer.....load up the table with all the goodies, keep the wine flowing, and you'll be right

[Gummy-Bear]

It seems as though everyone is after the wine. "Get them too drunk to critic the food" I love the way you guys think.

Well, I'm still planning out what to do. If it turns out to be Spanish, I'm planning on little appetizers and seafood paella.

I would love to do Greek though.

Choices, choices.