Please critique my first ever bbq menu

[Liud]

Hosting my first bbq this weekend in my first home.
Sadly the weather looks a little iffy but we’ll have a laugh regardless.

This is my menu. We have a few vegetarians. I think it’s a very easy menu as I can give dh the skewers I’ve premarinated. And the rest can be prepared in advance.

The only thing that really requires effort is the focaccia (I don’t love making bread but I love the recipe).

Its probably a bit carb heavy but I’ve done it that way with the vegetarians in mind.

Pasta salad
Homemade focaccia
Greek salad
Bombay new potatoes (dishoom recipe)
Butter herb new potatoes (for ppl who don’t like coriander)
Halloumi skewers
Veg skewers
Tandoori style chicken skewers (tastes better than takeaways imo)
Mint lamb kofte
Corn on the cob

Homemade mint chutney
tamarind sauce
Mango chutney

Crisps and shop bought dips
Nuts

Key lime pie
Profiteroles

Wine
Beer

Sounds nice, but I think people expect more meat at a barbecue.

And more salad. Maybe a caprese salad? I’m always amazed at how popular this is when we do it.

Are you in the UK @Liud Just curious! I would eat very little of that, but I'm assuming you know the people you are inviting will? I'm another one that expects sausages and burgers along with other things!!

Never do less carbs - especially if drinking, it's a fun day not a regular food day. MN is always anti carbs, and not representative of real life (in my circles at least)

The vegetarians are well catered for but not the meat eaters unless you like mint or spice. I care for neither so I'd think it disappointing. However, I appreciate that on here it's trendy to detest tradition so it's fair to say that the menu is v Mumsnet.

Well I would absolutely love this. Just let people know that it'll be slightly different from burgers and sausages. If anyone is craving burnt sausages they can their own bbq the next day.

I think it sounds perfect, OP. I don't know why so many people have taken it upon themselves to give you whole alternative menus - none of them sound as nice. I'm vegetarian so would really appreciate being able to eat so many different things, rather than a manky veggie burger and a dry bun being all that's on offer. I hope the sun shines on you. Have a lovely time.

Not enough meat. Too many sides.

I agree....and no plain meat.

Sounds delicious. I’m vegetarian and I would save myself for a bbq and haveeee… from your menu…

halloumi skewers
pasta
the bread with a dip
Greek salad
Bombay potatoes

in drooling now. Just 2.5 hours till dinner 😭😂

Sounds delicious, lovely bbq. I’d add a big green salad with dressing, jacket potatoes, coleslaw and grated cheese. Some garlic king prawns. Vege and halloumi kebabs. I’d also have some bowls of crisps / nuts and a cheeky bowl of gummy sweets (for people like me!)

I think it’s strange how people think there’s only one way to do a barbecue - ie sausages, burgers, coleslaw, jackets

The world is a big place with lots of different ideas!

I'm not knocking that kind of barbecue I do that regularly

I think it’s more about providing options for your many guests… it’s not all about what you’d like, given you are inviting many people. Still, your bbq your rules!

I can't even remember the last time I had a burger at a BBQ.
I think your BBQ sounds great. (As long as you add a cheese platter).

it sounds utterly delicious - especially love halloumi 🥰 and handmade focaccias sound so wonderful don't change a thing OP

That seems a lot of food (and preparation).

Just how many people are coming? I read somewhere that you could feed five thousand people with five fishes and two loaves - and that will deal with the vegeterian's requirements too.

There's also a trick with passing water off as wine, but I can't remember how you do that.

But you asked people to critique it so they are! Did you just want everyone to tell you what a fabulous cook you are or actually want a discussion? Do you think burgers and sausages arent good enough for your guests? I think your food sounds delicious but they are what people tend to expect and that's why so many people have said it.

And we have never had one with sausages and burgers
We don't eat them normally so why would be at a BBQ?

I do BBQs quite often. I no longer do salads. They just aren’t eaten. Neither are puddings. I just offer a magnum or ice lolly these days. Sometimes a fruit platter too.

Burgers, sausages, some form of chicken with rolls, bread, crisps and dips are good. Chips or wedges go down well. Randomly, pick n mix is a huge hit here too.

Yes a lot of people have been wonderfully helpful with suggestions. But others have been a little overly prescriptive in what constitutes a bbq

Where's the meat and fish? Or are people bringing there own? Steaks, chicken legs, ribs, sausages burgers salmon. Jacket potatoes and corn on the cob

There is chicken
BBQ's don't have to be meat heavy

Sounds lovely, skewers are very popular in our household. As others have said maybe ditch one of the potato dishes.

There are clearly a lot of fussy eaters people with conservative palates on this thread.

@Liud You asked for a critique and that's what people are giving you? There is very little meat unless it has spices or mint with it - and not everyone likes either of those things. The vegetarians are well catered for. Most people would at least expect Sausages and burgers as well, which is what a lot of people are telling you. You know your guests, so if you think they will all be happy with your offering, that's fine. You know your guests and we don't!!

Where's the burgers? 🤣 I'd maybe do a chilli, or something a bit different. Your menu seems to have similar dishes to each other. I'd simplify it.