I had my first luncheon yesterday at my little cafe in the antique store.

dawn_mo

dawn_mo

Well-known member
It went very well and the ladies loved it. My menu was chosen by them, with a few additions added in by me. It was a small group of ladies between the ages of 65 and 85. They have been getting together once a month for decades; they were a real treat to talk to. I served chicken tetrazzini, mini Greek quiches, tomato aspic, frozen Waldorf salad, mini vanilla scones, mini cheesecakes, coffee and tea. I took some pictures that I will try and post later.

Now for my question; I have been asked to cater a lunch for about 15 at a bio-tech company. My friend's husband works there and wants me to cater it for him. They are used to Panera-type catering. I am lost as to what to serve this group. It needs to be ready to pick up and eat, I think. What sort of things would you like to have if you were having lunch catered in at your office? Any ideas and recipes will be most appreciated. Thanks so much!

 
How lovely! smileys/smile.gif

Dawn, I don't know if you read cozy mysteries, but the cafe-and-antiques-shop setting reminded me of this series: Cackleberry Club mysteries, about three women who run a cafe-bookstore in a small town. Fun--and they have good recipes.

Not sure what to recommend for the biotech group. A selection of salads?

 
Sounds lovely, well done...in this weather soup and roti....

sorry not much help from this part of the world.

 
Dawn, you should probably ask what facilities they have--warming oven, refrigerator, etc.

and how much work they're willing to do.

If it has to be served "as is" at room temperature, perhaps a selection of sliders and mini sandwiches, along with several salads. That's normally boring but you could do so much with it--varying the flavors, breads, spiciness etc.

Or a really nice decorative antipasti platter, a pasta dish (like baked ziti if they can keep it warm or a pasta salad), a caesar salad and foccacia.

 
sandwiches on focaccia bread, wrapped in parchment, crunchy kettle chips, a nice soup. relish tray.

big cookies.

 
Sounds nice... maybe an assortment

of finger foods?

Depends how much they want to spend I guess.

quarter-sandwiches (is that too boring?) or wraps

chili and homemade muffins?

baked potato bar?

Not too creative I know, but getting over a cold!

 
If they're used to sandwiches, I'd got totally different. Would be nice to get a hot meal.

For one, on my own I eat a ton of sandwiches all week. A caterer comes in and what? For one day I get a better sandwich? Is that really memorable? Getting a hot meal during the work week where I don't have to wait to order, rush through my meal and still possibly be late for work + tip, and break the weekly budget? Now THAT'S special.

Thinking:
Enchiladas (the green enchiladas I posted earlier are terrific), beans, etc.

Lasagna or Stuffed Shells

Also check this out. The link below is to my favorite caterer in the Seattle area, Gourmondo. I'd be super happy with any of these options.

https://gourmondocatering.com/driver.php?category=buffet&subnav=meat

 
Barb, I just saw a sandwich on their menu that gave me an idea.

I am thinking (have not thought this out very well, but...) about doing the sandwiches and/or wraps with a board game Clue theme. Their sandwich, Colonel Mustard, gave me the idea. I have to think about this a bit, will get back soon. Thanks!

 
We had a delightful tea in ABQ that used the Clue game for the tea service.

Murder at the St. James Tea Room

Colonel Mustard = a scallop napped with mustard sauce
Professor Plum = plum tarts (looked like empanadas)
Mr. Green = tiny parmesan shells with salad greens
Miss Scarlet = Red Velvet cake
Mrs. White = Cucumber sandwiches on white bread

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g166/Finer_Kitchens/Marilyn_CakeBalls/022.jpg



https://recipeswap.org/fun/wp-content/uploads/Finer_Kitchens/Marilyn_CakeBalls/022.jpg[/img]

 
Reminds me of an episode of goldern Girls with the menu reading something like:

tuna on Catcher in the Rye, Edgar Alan Potatoes.........

 
Lovely menu and probably lovely lunch with wonderful surroundings. As to the techies, I can't ...

imagine a hi tech office without a kitchen!
At least a microwave. I would combine - soup and sandwich. The clue thing is a great idea.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top