Chef Forum banner

catering for 40 on a budget of $1500

1K views 13 replies 9 participants last post by  flipflopgirl 
#1 ·
Hello professionals what are some great ides for a couple apps and a buffet for dinner ? might have a few veggie only and gluten free too. 

Very upscale people but this is a friend thats hosting. How many ppl should i get to help me execute? Thank you
 
#2 ·
I immediately think braised beef short ribs for that price point for that many people, super forgiving and will hold well and very tasty. I think the number of people depends on your menu, how many cold items that can be done ahead and how many hot items. Are you cutting anything to order, etc that takes another person. Apps you could do a bruschetta and a dip with some fresh cut local veggies.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Thanks I agree how about a side?
i can do multiple cold items . also i can cut to order with my back up person on.
i think i may need a veggie option and seafood.
the appetizers can be small but powerful impact. lastly, what size rib and cut ?
thank you
Beef shorts ribs braised fall of the bone and can be served with tongs. They at small square ribs with a bone on the side. They are great braised in beer and cider. You could do tons of different things. Cold shrimp on a small salad would be easy enough. Another easy option would be pork loin carved to order.
 
#8 ·
Hello professionals what are some great ides for a couple apps and a buffet for dinner ? might have a few veggie only and gluten free too.

Very upscale people but this is a friend thats hosting. How many ppl should i get to help me execute? Thank you
Are you passing the apps or setting them out?

an asian pasta dish. Rice noodles, pulled pork or chicken, mint, cilantro, carrots, dicon.... use a peanut sauce or a soy ginger dressing.

poached salmon is always a winner.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Thanks I agree how about a side?
i can do multiple cold items . also i can cut to order with my back up person on.
i think i may need a veggie option and seafood.
the appetizers can be small but powerful impact. lastly, what size rib and cut ?
thank you
Beef shorts ribs braised fall of the bone and can be served with thongs. They at small square ribs with a bone on the side. They are great braised in beer and cider. You could do tons of different things. Cold shrimp on a small salad would be easy enough. Another easy option would be pork loin carved to order.
I have never run an action station so scantily dressed but back in the day would probably have considered it if the tip was large enuf lol ;-)

mimi
 
#12 ·
Hello professionals what are some great ides for a couple apps and a buffet for dinner ? might have a few veggie only and gluten free too.

Very upscale people but this is a friend thats hosting. How many ppl should i get to help me execute? Thank you
Buffet, apps, upscale, a few vegetables, gluten free, budget, etc. leaves me scratching my head. I would plan a menu around Seasonal fresh ingredients in your area. Corn, asparagus, strawberries etc. come to mind. Take a walk around your local market and Farmers' market for inspiration. Check out the seafood, beef, poultry. Plan your menu around same. Sounds like you are pretty restricted re requirements. With a buffet, don't see the need for apps. Keep salads in mind as well.
 
#13 ·
This is a little off topic but maybe a suggestion.

I have been to many functions where they have a mashed potato bar. Two nights ago we were at a function. This might be very common now, but they had a Mac & Cheese action station. 2 pastas, shells and orecchiette. Traditional cheese sauce and a Talegio sauce.  Some ingredients were fresh Lobster, jumbo lump crab, chicken, smoked ham, smoked salmon, chorizo etc. Some vegies, asparagus, sun dried tomatoes, artichokes, broccoli, chilis , bacon, pancetta, fresh peas, and a bunch more. They were dished up in a small French onion soup crock.  There were 3 or 4 toasted toppings. Is this something very common now a days?     

This was an upscale charitable event and the M&C was great!                
 
#14 ·
Sorry if I missed this but who is responsible for the rentals (a perfect world is one in which the client owns all this but the question needs to be asked)

Linens, dishes, flatware, water and or wine glasses, coffee urn and cups, whatever you will be needing to pass or display apps plus everything you will need for the buffet line and or action stations.

To answer one of your original question...depending on your menu one person to help prep and cook (unless you are experienced and organized then you can most likely do this by your self 40 guests are not a lot), at least one person to keep an eye on the buffet (this person could pass the apps as well) and one to help clear tables and clean.

So you and one other person bare minimum.

Since this is an upscale event make sure whoever is pouring wine and clearing tables knows the proper etiquette.

For uniform, a white button down shirt (and tie of some sort) tucked into black trousers with a nice black apron or vest is nice as well.

You may already know all of this but thought I would toss it in just in case.

mimi
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top