I’m hosting a few work colleagues for apps and drinks. I’m nervous and don’t know what to serve. Ideas?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. Trader Joe’s especially excels at Asian small bites. Don’t know if they still carry it but they used to sell a lemongrass chicken tiny egg roll type thing that was awesome. TJ and your air fryer — perfect together. Their chicken samosas are also awesome.

I would love these with some warm saké as a bit of novelty

Really ??? Better be prepared for the result (i.e. have an adequate supply of cleaners and disinfectants on hand).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do not invite them into your home. Meet up at a neutral spot like a restaurant.

People are bizarre here.

[Anonymous]

Pick up some party trays from Wegmans. They have a wide variety and the quality is excellent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How about a Venetian theme with Cicchetti and Aperol spritz as the cocktail?

Op i like this! And you followed the assignment. I know I could do a platter of X Y z dips etc but I specifically asked for more of a themed pairing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pick up some party trays from Wegmans. They have a wide variety and the quality is excellent.

No, I want more of a themed pairing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ask them. Ask them about what they prefer. People love to talk about travel. Ask them about favorite travel destinations. Ask them about memorable meals at favorite travel destinations. Ask them about what simple things they ate or drank. Or, simply ask them what simple foods and cocktails they prefer. Ask them.

They both mentioned Chinese apps. So I might do a selection of those with Chinese beer and then some regular white wine which I know they drink

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ask them. Ask them about what they prefer. People love to talk about travel. Ask them about favorite travel destinations. Ask them about memorable meals at favorite travel destinations. Ask them about what simple things they ate or drank. Or, simply ask them what simple foods and cocktails they prefer. Ask them.

They both mentioned Chinese apps. So I might do a selection of those with Chinese beer and then some regular white wine which I know they drink

+1

Now crowdsource Chinese apps unless your guests mentioned something specific.

Pot Stickers. Fresh aromatics + a pork, a shrimp, and a vegetable.

[Anonymous]

French 75s
Baked Brie
Crudite platter
Provencal flatbread

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do not invite them into your home. Meet up at a neutral spot like a restaurant.

Just out of curiosity, why do you say this? I think it is lovely when people host work colleagues in their home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pick up some party trays from Wegmans. They have a wide variety and the quality is excellent.

OP is only having four people. I don't think they need that much food.

[Anonymous]

Unless you sre really good at making cocktails from scratch with fresh ingredients do not serve them. Using those horrid mixes or bags of stuff are tack and nasty.
Just serve good wines. Some sparkling waters.

[Anonymous]

I would do some bbq chicken sliders ( you can make the bbq shredded chicken the night before- then when party time, put some in Hawaiian king rolls, some cheddar cheese on top and a pickle then put in oven for 10 minutes- easy and can be apps or a couple make a meal...
Or go a little fancier with a nice mini ceviche or shrimp cocktail in individual cocktail glasses. Crudité and hummus platter to go along with either of these.
For a drink, it depends on the crowd. Texas Ranch Water (tequila, taco loco water and fresh squeezed lime) easy to drink. Hugo Spritz's are always nice and Cosmos are always a good martini that you can make in a batch. Always have a red and a white wine as well as some beer. Have fun- it will be a great.

[Anonymous]

And play some background music- something mellow and not too loud but it breaks up awkward silence (pre drinks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unless you sre really good at making cocktails from scratch with fresh ingredients do not serve them. Using those horrid mixes or bags of stuff are tack and nasty.
Just serve good wines. Some sparkling waters.

+1

Do not use mixes.

[Anonymous]

I like kimbap and something like edamame. Maybe fresh lychee and fruit. You can have mochi as a sweet appetizer too.

Soju is a very versatile cocktail mix. You could get soju and a few Korean sodas or just get mango juice