Update on: what should i serve for a dinner party?

Question

6 people, best friends birthday. i am a decent cook. she likes seafood, meats.. i was thinking of either antipasto and lobster alfredo, or caprese salad and prime rib.... not sure on sides. which way to go? i would like to not be running around when guests arrive.

Answer 1

Caprese salad and prime rib are 2 of my all-time favorite dishes!  .. with little browned new potatoes and steamed asparagus bundles (tie them with strips of sunroasted peppers).  ...  Maybe have a pastry-wrapped Brie and crackers for an appetizer ...  Tiramisu for dessert

Answer 2

prime rib, salad, baked or buttered potatoes, dessert

Answer 3

Make sushi and then serve with a caprese salad or a nice strawberry salad.  For those who don't like fish grill some chicken so they can make a meal out of the salad.  You can make the sushi, slice it up and keep it in the fridge (in saran wrap) until guests arrive.  The salad can be made a head of time too.

Answer 4

I would go for a Beef Tenderloin instead of Prime Rib (just because I am not a huge prime rib fan). Grill it (if you have a grill) and you just saved yourself a ton of time. Then you can make a nice Béarnaise sauce or Mushroom sauce and really dress it up. If your friend likes both seafood and meats and you are willing to spend the money (which it sounds like you are). You can always do a modified version of Filet Oscar. I would get the Tenderloin, cook it, then slice it (or slice before) into six pieces. Then top with crab meat (fresh or fresh canned) do not get the imitation. Then top with Béarnaise sauce. It is amazing and looks so impressive.

I would start with a salad. Either Spinach or mixed greens. A good one we do is fresh spinach, strawberries, dried cranberries, red onions, caramelized walnuts and topped with goat cheese. Amazing!

For sides, I would do at least one starch and two vegetables. For a starch you could do garlic mashed, twice baked potatoes, pasta dish, potatoes au gratin. It all depends on what your main course is. For veggies you can do a soufflé and then a sautéed veggie dish. I like the idea of grilling asparagus or other vegetables. You could also do something totally different like a pineapple casserole.

For dessert are you going to do a cake? If not chocolate mousse or soufflé are always popular. I also personally love crème brulee (if you put some chocolate chips in the ramekin dishes before the custard it is even better).

For beverages I would do a specialty drink and name it after your friend. You could also do something festive like champagne, kir royales, or a special martini.

Have fun with the menu and good luck!