OK, bandster foodies! I need some help planning a menu for the 40th b-day dinner of my dear friend Don. Don lives in Puerto Rico, and is going to be in NYC for a visit next week. Because that coincides with his 40th b-day, I told him to invite over a bunch of friends and I'll throw a dinner party for them (which is also what I did when he got his Ph.D a few months ago).
Here's the catch. . . a bunch of Don's friends are vegetarians. So, I've been really trying hard to think of a nice meal that does not involve meat. This is what I have so far -- but I'd really appreciate any suggestions or constructive criticism you have to offer!!
Hors d'oeuvres: Different antipasti, served on separate plates in the living room
Appetizer: Arugula salad with lemon-parmesan dressing (recipe from Bon Appetit magazine via Epicurious.com. . 4 star rated)
Entree: Wild mushroom lasagne and garlic bread (OMG, carb loading!!)
Dessert: Tiramisu (4 star rated from Gourmet magazine)
What do you think? Should I be serving other sides with the lasagne? What if someone hates mushrooms? Is tiramisu light enough to go with this? It's a little stressful to plan a menu when I don't know the people so well that I know what they like! Any advice you have to offer would be most appreciated! :)
7 years ago
13 comments:
Yum that menu sounds devine, I wish I had a friend that could pull together such a gorgeous dinner!
What about Roasted-Vegetable Lasagne.. Instead of wild Mushroom, incase someone really hate mushroom I found one on http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Roasted-Vegetable-Lasagne-238397..
Good Luck x
I think the menu sounds wonderful, if you are really worried about the mushrooms you can always make 2lasagnas. I have a recipe for spinach & artichoke lasagna that is amazing (my go to vegetarian dish.) http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Artichoke-Spinach-Lasagna/Detail.aspx..the good thing is lasagna freezes really well and you can always pass it along to friends.
Yum!
Sounds yummy. My first thought was a veggie lasagna and are extra sides really needed? It sounds like a lot of food already and I am sure they will be happy with whatever you make. What a great friend you are!! Happy Birthday Don! ;-)
I used to cater for many years and I always found polenta to be a huge multitasker for vegetarians. If you make a pan you can cut it in circles and top with tapenade or ratatouille for a great appetizer. If anyone doesn't want mushroom lasagna you can top grilled or sauteed polenta squares with plain tomato sauce and goat cheese for a really good entree.
I don't think you need you need anything to accompany the lasagna as you have a salad planned.
Sounds wonderful - have a great time!
Sounds wonderful, as in incredibly picky eater I thought there was nothing I would not eat which is rare.
Eggplant Parmesan is always great, and I have attached a link to a healthy low carb recipes.
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/eatingwells_eggplant_parmesan.html
I think the menu sounds great. I dont think you need anything with the lasagne. I think mushrooms are a safe bet with vegetarians.Thanks for the comments about my dad. Hanging in there, just going to be a long 3 months
I'm veggie and I think this menu rocks. I second Linda's suggestion for polenta however. And round would be super cute. As for the mushrooms, if you're still worried about it, you could do half the lasagna with them and the other half either just cheese or with something else. Good luck and HAVE FUN!
Heather
the menu sounds great as do the suggestions. if you wanted to add anything i would make it stuffed artichokes. i stuff mine with flavored bread crumbs mixed with some grated romano cheese. then i drizzle extra virgin olive oil on all the leaves and steam them until tender. you'll know it's tender enough when a leaf just falls out in your fingers when you give it a slight tug.
The menu sounds great! My only comment/concern is are any of them vegans? Or just regular vegetarians? If vegans, you'd need to make sure that there is no eggs, cheese, other meat-based products in any of the dishes.
If you do individual cups of tiramisu, like in really pretty martini glasses or wine glasses, that will help with portion control.
Great call on the berries and polenta! I'm going to add those into the mix (or just leave mushrooms out of a bit of the lasagne). Thanks, everyone!! :)
Id think all vegetarians like mushrooms. The menue looks great
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