[MissButtercup]

We have a group of amazing friends that have helped us out lately so we want to throw a thank you party or host a meal for them. So what would you prepare food wise? We were thinking maybe a spit roast or just lots of tapas style dishes but open to as many ideas as possible.
It you were a guest what would you be impressed with?
TIA

This post has been edited by MissButtercup: 16/02/2013, 02:23 PM

[kpingitquiet]

Seafood always feels extravagant to me. So I'd probably go that route, with an option for another main dish for anyone who doesn't eat fish/shellfish. But check for allergies first!

Back home, we do big crab/lobster/crawfish boils and clambakes to have a big/fun time. Not sure where you are and if you have access to Moreton Bay Bugs or Marron, mussels, cockles, oysters etc but would something like that be an option?

http://www.cashmerefog.com/2011/06/how-to-...ster-steam.html

http://eat.snooth.com/articles/how-to-clambake/?viewall=1

[gettheetoanunner...]

I would be impressed with an invite.
Both of those options sound fabulous.
Not in terms of which is more impressive, but which may be more suitable, or better caters for a gathering - I'd vote the tapas - lots of lovely plates of delicious delectables. If you don't like something, move on to another plate.
Nice one - what a great way to show appreciation

This post has been edited by gettheetoanunnery: 12/02/2013, 04:27 PM

[MissButtercup]

Love the sea food idea but we're in northern Victoria and its quite difficult to get your hands on fresh seafood, however we maybe able to get our hands on some yabbies..

I am leaning towards tapas as well..... Hmm need to think desert as well

[MissButtercup]

Any tapas favorites you could suggest?

This post has been edited by MissButtercup: 12/02/2013, 04:41 PM

[kpingitquiet]

That does make it a little difficult! Tapas would be fun, in that case!

Patatas bravas are soooo yummy. http://misadventureswithandi.com/2012/03/t...an-recipes.html has some good Catalan finger foods, Martha Stewart is ever helpful: http://www.marthastewart.com/274968/tapas-...9/cocktail-hour and you could do some locally inspired dishes using things like haloumi, mallee honey and lamb, Murray Cod, verjuice/wine, olive tapenade, etc.

Maybe an almond/pistachio laced dessert with a good selection of local wine.

(Unless I'm totally off and you're in a different part of N. Vic than I think you are )

[MissButtercup]

I think you've found me kp are you close by?

Love your ideas - best I start on the shopping list even though we're probably about a month off.

[cuddlebud]

You could do a big chicken, chorizo and capsicum paella - can look impressive on the table and helps bulk out the tapas.

[kpingitquiet]

Not super close but we're only about an hour off the big muddy river, in the opposite direction, so our local food isn't too different (with a little bonus seafood thrown in hehe).

I think it's heading into fig season, right now, too! OMG.. check out this fig and almond cake:


http://www.bakingobsession.com/2008/06/14/...d-sesame-seeds/

[MissButtercup]

That does look delicious!