Dinner party at Home or Restaurant if you are a visitor

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Replies

  • DX2JX2
    DX2JX2 Posts: 1,921 Member
    Roasted potatoes won't reheat well for the main. Unless you plan on doing them at the last minute, I would probably think about using a different starch. Also, I find that roasted potatoes never do a great job of 'becoming one' with a braise on the plate because they don't really absorb gravy. IMO, mashed is always a preferable choice when serving with a braise or stew.

    Pasta is also a good suggestion as it reheats well in the microwave and you can toss it with some of the hot braising liquid from the chicken to loosen right before service.

    It might not be the classiest choice, but egg noodles would be my choice. The texture is perfect to work as a base for a braise and the noodles themselves cook to a perfect al dente in 6 minutes so you can do a large amount of them in a short amount of time (a 5 quart pot can handle 2 full bags/12 smallish portions at a time).

    After cooking, toss the noodles with salt/pepper, butter and a bit of parmesan reggiano cheese. The butter will provide flavor and will help to keep the noodles from clumping. If you use a light hand, the cheese won't come off as cheesy and will instead add an umami depth that will work wonderfully with braised meat dishes. You can gild the lily by tossing the noodles with some parsley after reheating as well.
  • PMCG1
    PMCG1 Posts: 3 Member
    I see nothing wrong with coq au vin in April. Unless it’s blazingly hot, I don’t think people fuss about whether something fits a particular season. People care if the food tastes good and the company is pleasant. And I would opt for home too. More chance to mingle and relax
  • JaydedMiss
    JaydedMiss Posts: 4,286 Member
    evening at home 100%. People go to restaurants because they dont want to cook or just want a change, Why go out if you can provide that at home in a quiet nicer atmosphere. That said its only if YOU want to do it. They wontcare if you dont take hours making something fancy and special for them, But the first post sounds like youd enjoy it so go for it
  • dsboohead
    dsboohead Posts: 1,899 Member
    I say catered at home!