Cooking for lots of people- what would you prefer?

[OttolenghiSimple]

I'm cooking for 20(!) next month for a birthday dinner. Everyone eats everything apart from one veggie.

Have worked out two possible menus. Which would you prefer?

1- No starter but some canapes, then lamb curry, pilau rice, tarka dhal, chana masala, one another veg dish TBC, served as a buffet but sitting down to eat. Might have a go at some sort of bread but it's hard for so many. Can buy some popadoms and chutneys etc to have on the tables.

2- No starter but canapes, then roast beef fillet, dauphinoise potatoes, petits pois a la francaise, braised leeks. Again would probably be a buffet then seated to eat.

My thoughts- menu one has the benefit of being what the birthday-haver would most like. It's fairly easy to do as most can be made ahead and frozen. But is a curry a bit ordinary? Maybe I can add in some more celebratory elements but what? (Should add that although I love cooking Indian food and I know my friends enjoy eating it, none of us is Indian.)

Menu two feels a bit more celebratory maybe. Also v easy as can largely be done ahead. Beef fillet for 20 will be expensive. I will need to make something different for the veggie, which I know she will be fine with but I always fear a solo dish is a bit depressing and ungemütlich.

Pudding will be a giant cheesecake which I will order from the bakers so that is sorted.

I would vastly prefer menu 1, but I'm a massive curry monster! I'd make some mini samosas/bhajis/seekh kebabs to have with the poppadums/chutneys as a starter.

I'd happily eat both. I reckon number one is easier to do as a buffet though.

Also simple naan/chapatti recipes can be made in advance, then just warm them and brush with melted butter before serving!

I'd go for the second but because I dislike curry and have family members who can't eat chilli.

Usually I'd go with the preference of the birthday girl (or boy) and have a quick second option available if anyone really has a problem with the menu.

I'd go for the curry and just make sure there's sides available poppadoms,onion bahji,naan bread

I wouldn't really choose either but I would eat the beef to be polite. If you were doing a chicken curry that would change my choice.

Menu 1 for me please!

Indian themed would be nice as with veggie dishes you can include the vegetarian guest a bit easier. And if the birthday person prefers it then that decides it for me.

I would say get an alternative to cheesecake though. Lots of people really don't like it. I've been to a couple of weddings where that was the only dessert option and it wasn't a great solo choice.

Option 2 sounds lovely.

Option 1 assumes everyone wants spicy food which a lot of people don't.

Cheesecake is nice for pudding and is generally popular. You could perhaps have ice cream as a back up in freezer.

Definitely a curry or something like a massive lasagne or pasta bake. With 20 people as long nobody is expecting a culinary experience so don’t put yourself under too much pressure. They are hoping for food that tastes reasonably pleasant and the opportunity to spend time in great company.

Curry option for me. Maybe an additional dessert or cake?

I think curry is a risk!! So many people I know dislike it..

Number 1 for sure. You can make some milder dishes as well - curry doesn't have to be spicy (although I am always disappointed if it's not 😂). I think getting beef right for that many people would be tricky - it's a bit more like a carvery than a nice buffet.

I would much prefer 1 but then i love Indian food.

I'm not a huge fan of curry, but menu 1 would be so much simpler to do, and so probably nicer.
Have some mild sides and plain rice for those who really can't tolerate spice (it's Chilli I can't tolerate, everything else I'm good with).

Any way you can introduce a choice for pudding?

Curry as main option but with plenty on non spicy stuff people can pick - so some naans, rotis maybe rather than just popodums. Some less spicy veg rather than just highly flavoured bhajis.

chessecake is good but great if you can also have some chocolates and fancy biscuits on offer.

Getting beef and dauphinois for 20 just right can be tricky - if timings don’t work out or folk come late it’s less forgiving than curry

Curry one

Definitely the curry! You can make it celebratory with posh chutneys, plenty of sides, and nice drinks. I adore cheesecake but would second the suggestion of a second dessert option because it's such a love/hate thing.

Both sound great but menu 1 would be my first choice.

Option 1. I think it will be easier to serve as buffet and not have to plate up. All sounds delicious

Option 1 with some naan 😋

Menu 1 as I think it will be easier to include your veggie guest as there will be lots of veggie sides too. Flatbreads are easy to make and you can also do them in advance, or just buy some if you don't want to make them yourself.
The Cheesecake I would love, love, love, is that what the birthday guest wants ? I would maybe offer fruit pavlova as well and some ice cream.

I'd be very happy with the curry if it was my birthday (love lamb, love Indian food) and would prefer it over option 2.

Also a curry can be as celebratory as you like. Have you ever seen the spreads Indians have for celebrations? Or even what they cook for a special weekend meal, a bit like an British Sunday roast?

Option 1. Making sure at least one of the 'main' dishes isn't hot (spicy). I'd try and tie the dessert in with that in some way though- maybe a mango/cardamom topping on the cheesecake? Or kulfi in different flavours (super easy as you eat ot straight from the freezer).

An alternative to option 2 (to get over the expense and tricky timing of fillet) could be a lovely beef bourgignon. Easy to cook up in the slow cooker and can feel luxurious. Something similar for the veggie (in a big pot, so that there's enough for anyone else as an option).

As the lone vegetarian I would much prefer you served the curry so I don't stick out like a sore thumb. And if the birthday person prefers it, then that's great.

You can get some great supermarket naan: look for Clay Oven Bakery brand, they're made in Leicester but sold nationwide in Tesco and Morrisons I think - and chop them into smaller pieces to serve, so everyone gets a piece or two.