Whether we intend it or not, feeding people in your own home in an expression of how we feel about them. This is especially true for those times in which we invite people to our homes for a special occassion. In fact, the thought and effort we put into what we feed our guests can almost entirely set the tone for your gathering. Thus, it is important to carefully consider what one feeds his or her guests. For this reflection, you will create an annotated menu for a social event in your home. You will write out a menu (appetizers, main course and sides, dessert, plus drinks) and under each item, briefly describe your rationale for including it (in at least two sentences). Based upon the month of your birthday, you'll create a menu for one of the following events:
Birthdays in January and December:
A Baby Shower
- No. of guests: 20
- Time of year: Mid-January
- Scenario: Jimmy and Diane are having a baby boy next month. As one of their best friends, you’re throwing them a co-ed baby shower at your home. Will you choose a theme? And, if so, how will that affect your menu? Also, in addition to being a coed event, guests are also invited to bring their kids. It’s important to include kid-friendly items on the menu, including some nut, dairy, and gluten-free options.
Birthdays in February and November:
An Oscars Party
- No. of guests: 10
- Time of year: February
- Scenario: It’s time for your annual Academy Awards party. Last year, your friends raved about your La La Land-themed menu. What will you come up with this year? Remember, this party is less about serving main dishes and more about small plates and appetizers. Finally, your boss—who is vegan—has RSVPed as a "maybe."
Birthdays in March and October:
Fiftieth Anniversary Dinner Party
- No. of guests: 20
- Time of year: March
- Scenario: Grandma and Grandpa are celebrating 50 years of marriage. You’ve decided to mark the occasion with a family dinner. To make the event a little more special, you’ve put together a Mexican menu to remind them of their honeymoon in Acapulco. Keep in mind that Grandpa is a diabetic.
Birthdays in April and September:
Summer Luau
- No. of guests: 12
- Time of year: August
- Scenario: You’ve invited a few friends over for an old-fashioned backyard Hawaiian luau. You’re being especially ambitious by tackling a kālua pig. What else will you serve to set right mood? Poi? Pokē? Also, how will you accommodate your Muslim neighbors so that they feel included?
Birthdays in May and August:
Thanksgiving Dinner
- No. of guests: 15
- Time of year: Late November
- Scenario: You’re in charge of Thanksgiving dinner. The whole family (including many elementary school-aged kids) is coming over, and to put your own twist on the holiday, you’ve decided to cook a New Orleans-inspired dinner. What will you include on the menu? Deep fried turkey? Crawfish étouffée? Gumbo? Maque choux?
Birthdays in June and July:
Holiday Dinner Party
- No. of guests: 22
- Time of year: November-December
- It’s time for your annual holiday dinner party. This year, in anticipation of your upcoming Parisian vacation, you’ve chosen a French Christmas-themed menu. Additionally, Aunt Jenna and Uncle Patrick don’t drink and least two of your cousins are vegetarians.
Considerations:
- Assume that money is not an issue. However, the cost of your menu should be reasonable for the event.
- Your food should reflect the spirit of the event. Small details matter and can enhance your guests' enjoyment.
- Each of the events has specific details (e.g. types of guests, dietary needs) to consider. Do you best to accommodate these details.
- You
are free to include alcohol in your menu, but it may or may not be
appropriate for your event. If included, be thoughtful about the right
amount and type.
- Consider how labor-intensive your menu is. For example, what can be made ahead of time?
Sample annotated menu:
Event:
Bon Voyage Dinner
Your good friend Mario
Appetizer: Pizza Margherita
—Since Mario will be moving back to Italy next week, I am starting with a simple Italian appetizer. I'm using store-bought dough, then assembling it simply using a store-bought marinara sauce, basil, and fresh mozzarella. It is also vegetarian-friendly.
Required:
- MLA Style
- Must be 1-2 pages in length
Due: Thu 10.25
