Entree for 30

So typical of us, DH and I are hosting a dinner party Sat evening that has gotten out of control. It is for around 30 people, all adults plus a smattering of kids. Originally, I planned to do marinated pork tenderloins, sliced into medallions. DH is worried that not all will like pork and has suggested grilling rib-eye steaks (about 20) and then having chicken cordon bleu. I think this is a bad idea - it is difficult to cook steak for that many people, have them all done at the right time etc. What do you guys think? Any suggestions for other meat choices?
TIA

[GreyhoundsRUs]

Re: Entree for 30

Do you have any dietary situations to worry about? Vegetarians, people keeping kosher, etc?

What about ham? Or a few different types of pasta (like a pesto, an alfredo, and a red sauce)? You could have some meatballs and sausages on the side, with a salad?

My mom cooked all the food for my high school graduation party (80 or so people)- she did pork tenderloin with sour kraut.

If you have a grill that can accommodate most of the steaks and did the chicken in the oven, it may work - but if you are doing sit-down and not buffet style you run the risk of cold steak

Good luck!

Re: Entree for 30

I'd stick with the pork tenderloin and then offer a pasta as well. I think it's nice to accomodate preferences and all, but that doesn't mean you need to prepare lots of different meats! I think offering a non-meat alternative is plenty!

[ladymoreta]

Re: Entree for 30

Lily, that sounds awesome! Mmm, now I want to make it!

Re: Entree for 30

Yep, Lily it sounds awesome. Italian is usually my go to choice when dealing with a large group. But early on, DH requested (begged?) that I not do it. Drives me nuts - it would be so much easier to do. Thanks for all the suggestions. I am still up in the air, but am going to have to decide soon.

[Sheherezade]

Re: Entree for 30

I figured that lasagna must be out. It's the go-to crowd pleaser around here. What about chili? I'm imagining that is also too casual. It's hard to feed 30 mouths!!

What about a roast of some sort? Or just supplement the pork tenderloin with the chicken dish? I'd guess that the people that would object to pork would prefer chicken to red meat. You could do some type of stuffed chicken breast en masse as a second offering.

(or....you could call a caterer and call it economic stimulus.....poor people are being put out of work by all this DIY ingenuity! )

You are a brave woman.

[alison]

Re: Entree for 30

Wow, 30 people! I think the lasagna suggestion is a good one.

[Sheherezade]

Re: Entree for 30

I want to party with Lily. Now. Please??

[Pollyanna]

Re: Entree for 30

Does your hubby plan to be in charge of the steaks? If so, I would let him grill the steaks. You can put the sides together the day before and cook the pork dish the day of the party. All the men folk can hang around the grill and drink beer, that is always a hit.

[GreyhoundsRUs]

Re: Entree for 30

All the men folk can hang around the grill and drink beer, that is always a hit.

I agree - and am jealous of anyone who has weather nice enough to do this in March

[Sheherezade]

Re: Entree for 30

I'm not sure what kind of dinner party this is. I was thinking it was more formal based on the original dish of pork tenderloin but maybe it is more of a BBQ?

Re: Entree for 30

I want to party with Lily. Now. Please??

BTW I have to say, if my DH wanted to serve steak to 30 people, I would tell him to take a long walk off a short stoop. That's not only pricey, but you have to fart around with who likes their steak rare, well, etc... they never come off at the same time because of that, and with 30 people you'll be serving heated-up steak. And if they're tough? People will feel obligated to eat it because it's looks like you spent a load (which even if you get them at Costco, you have). It's just not a sure bet, and for me, I don't want people to leave my house talking about what a bad steak they had. I want them leaving saying they had a great time and how nice the spread was.

Thank you - my thoughts exactly. We have a Fresh Market here and they are selling whole angus ribeyes (which they will slice and wrap for you) for $4.99/pound (normally $9.99). The quality will be good but the timing and doneness of the steaks will be a huge issue.

The party is actually a couples baby shower for 2 couples that we are all friends with. Originally we thought that we wouldn't have enough girls to come so we invited the guys - now we have way too many people. And I would consider outsourcing the food except that I enjoy cooking and have all ready ordered a $125 cake.

And Lily we could throw a heck of a party. As of today, I have 40 sets of plates, silverware and cloth napkins. DH is going to kill me.

Re: Entree for 30

Big ups for the party plates!!!!

Okay, my final objection to your husband's steak thing is this:

NOBODY EATS STEAK AT A BABY SHOWER. It's simply not done. This isn't about the men. This is a baby shower for two couples and therefore the men are lucky to be invited. Get over men. Men get a free ride all the time. This is about women. Women who are cooking. And buying the stuff. And doing the prep work. And likely the cleanup. And then getting the kids ready for bed.

If he wants steak that bad, he can meet the men at Outback. >)

Forget partying with Lily, I want to marry her.

[Sheherezade]

Re: Entree for 30

Word. What Lily said!

We'll just let you two party divas hash this out amongst yourselves. I hope you don't mind if I listen in for tips.

[Ladybug]

Re: Entree for 30

I'm with Angie. I'd probably look into a caterer for 30 people. That volume of food (fridge storage, oven space, serving dishes. etc.) could not be accommodated in my kitchen. You'll be working the whole time if you don't get some help. Hire your sitter to clean up dishes, glasses, and keep the kitchen from getting congested and keep fresh drinks, ice, food, etc out.

It sounds like a fun shower!