When you absolutely, positively got to WOW every dinner guest in the room

[Haggises]

For which dish do you accept no substitutes?

Dinner party for 12 on Saturday, lacking inspiration, looking for ideas
I could do my Salmon Coulibiac, but my mother doesn't care for fish.

What do you cook when you need to tickle the tastebuds of your guests?

 

[rockviper]

May I suggest: naked except for bow tie.
It doesn't matter if you serve burnt toast and rotten eggs; nobody will notice.

 

[Mick]

Thai....

 

[Cartier]

I've never been unimpressed with a rack of lamb. The great thing is that you can pair just about anything to your heart's content. Not only is it positively mouthwatering but the dish has great presentation if you chose to take the time.

Too bad she doesn't like fish. Can I have her invitation?

Good luck on your selection.

 

[Haggises]

May I suggest: naked except for bow tie.
It doesn't matter if you serve burnt toast and rotten eggs; nobody will notice.

Move along people, too much to see.........

Thai....

Hmm, that's doable. Haven't made a decent green curry from scratch in ages.

I've never been unimpressed with a rack of lamb. The great thing is that you can pair just about anything to your heart's content. Not only is it positively mouthwatering but the dish has great presentation if you chose to take the time.

Too bad she doesn't like fish. Can I have her invitation?

Good luck on your selection.

Rack of lamb could work. What time you coming over?

 

[rockviper]

It's okay if the bow tie doesn't do it for you. Not everyone can wear one

SWMBO makes Country Cabernet Short Ribs with mashed potatoes when she wants something guaranteed to deliver, especially if new folks are coming over.

 

[Rockminer]

Quality bacon wrapped filet, basted with butter. Give someone the best steak they've ever eaten and they will never forget you. Plus it gives you the ability to go a little off the board with side dishes.

 

[Taproot]

Duck cooked in its own fat on a skillet, mashed sweet potatoes, throw a balsamic reduction with red onions on top as the sauce.

It's not my favorite dish nor my best- but it's easy to execute and people seem to like it.

 

[Haggises]

It's okay if the bow tie doesn't do it for you. Not everyone can wear one

SWMBO makes Country Cabernet Short Ribs with masked potatoes when she wants something guaranteed to deliver, especially if new folks are coming over.

Depends where you wear it I guess
Those short ribs are definitely in my near future. Thanks!

Quality bacon wrapped filet, basted with butter. Give someone the best steak they've ever eaten and they will never forget you. Plus it gives you the ability to go a little off the board with side dishes.

Best tasting artery clogger ever

Duck cooked in its own fat on a skillet, mashed sweet potatoes, throw a balsamic reduction with red onions on top as the sauce.

It's not my favorite dish nor my best- but it's easy to execute and people seem to like it.

I never make duck. I don't know why, it's my favorite meat. Hmmmmm. Interesting.

 

[Rockminer]

Best tasting artery clogger ever

Veggie plate and tofu?

 

[Haggises]

Ah, a balanced plate

 

[COHunter]

Ah, a balanced plate

Balance it right above the trash can/hazmat disposal vessel, scrape off the tofu, dispose of implement used to touch tofu.

A nice prime rib is always good for a crowd.

 

[Austin]

I would suggest chicken as well as fish.

 

[Haggises]

Prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, hmmmmmmm

Might be on to something here....

 

[Haggises]

I would suggest chicken as well as fish.

Chicken's good. I can get some high falutin free range stuff at a farmer's market, but still need to dress it up in something....

 

[BubblesTGB]

Veal Osso Bucco over polenta has never let me down. Apologies in advance if you have a moral issue with veal.

 

[rearviewmirror]

Paella

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

A nice prime rib is always good for a crowd.

COHunter:

...with the 'bones-in', fresh Au jus and/or Horseradish Sauce and 'craved' tableside.

I vote for simplicity and elegance in your Menu from start to finish...then you can 'spend' more time with your guests.

The 'wow' factor can be in the details (i.e., center piece & place settings, tablewear, stemwear, silverwear, the 'theme' of your dinner party, the 'libations' to drink, cigars allowed/offered, suggested dress attire ect...)!

"Every morning one must start from scratch, with nothing on the stoves. That is cuisine". Chef Fernand Point

 

[barrycv]

Rack of lamb does tend to have that semi-elegant 'wow' factor with it in terms of presentation.

If I'm serving a large-ish crowd & need to impress, often I'll do beef wellington.

 

[Haggises]

Veal Osso Bucco over polenta has never let me down. Apologies in advance if you have a moral issue with veal.

Good choice. I got no problem with veal, but unsure about all guests...

Paella

woah nelly. I'm not a bad cook but I dont think I could do paella justice. Would have to be anglicized paella-lite. Also, mother's proscribed food includes most sea creatures