Need advice on a graduation dinner for vegetarians and non-vegetarians

[Anonymous]

I'll be hosting about 15 people for a post-graduation ceremony dinner and trying to figure out a good menu or catering options. Here are the hiccups -

- This will be after a doctoral hooding ceremony and I won't be getting home until around 7 pm and everyone else will be right behind me, so I need something that can be ready very quickly!
- There are strict vegetarians AND strict non-vegetarians coming (the guest of honor is a vegetarian so I want to make sure we have a great option for him).
- There will be 4 or 5 kids from 7 - 15 years old

Otherwise, I don't this crowd is very picky and is quite open to ethnic and interesting food. I looked at Lebanese Taverna but their platters are quite large, I think I'd have a ton of leftovers given the different dietary needs of the guests. But it's an option.

Would love other options or suggestions!

[Anonymous]

I can think of bigger problems than having leftover Lebanese Taverna food. I'd go with that -- SO good.

[Anonymous]

My family is pretty equally split between vegetarians and non-vegetarians and we've done parties with Maggiano's (vegetarian pasta dish and chicken dish+sides), Big Greek Cafe (falafel, chicken skewers and gyro+ sides), Indian food and even a BBQ place (BBQ meet plus green beans and mac and cheese and other sides). Most places with catering menus can accommodate this easily.

[Anonymous]

Stuffed shells and salad and garlic bread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stuffed shells and salad and garlic bread.

Go Italian - eggplant parm, stuffed peppers, etc.

[Anonymous]

I like the Italian idea as well. Think there are places I can pick up big dishes and platters at 7 pm and they'll be ready to eat at home?

[Anonymous]

How about Chinese delivery? It’s fun when there are a bunch of options.

[Anonymous]

Or sounds like a good option for a DCUM taco bar. Bar Taco has good carry out.

[Anonymous]

District Taco is great--they cater and have big platters. Buca di Beppo is good for large italian.

[Anonymous]

Some good suggestions here. I’m vegetarian and would be excited about the Greek, Indian, Italian or Lebanese options. Not barbecue though as the sides tend to be bland and mushy.
I was at a catered dinner party a few months ago and the food was from a Burmese restaurant in Silver Spring - also delicious!

[Anonymous]

I would get Indian food. Order it in advance and pick it up on your way home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some good suggestions here. I’m vegetarian and would be excited about the Greek, Indian, Italian or Lebanese options. Not barbecue though as the sides tend to be bland and mushy.
I was at a catered dinner party a few months ago and the food was from a Burmese restaurant in Silver Spring - also delicious!

Mandalay! Agree it’s yummy.