Friday, June 13, 2014

Mexican Food Catering For That Special Occasion Or Party

By Ina Hunt


There are many alternatives to traditional types of foods for special events. There are also ethnic options to be considered such as Mexican food catering. This is an excellent way to provide hearty fare that almost any person would really enjoy at a gathering or special party. These types of menus are quick and simple to prepare and are usually much less expensive to purchase than almost any other type of food items.

First determine whether on-site or off-site food service is needed. On-site is when the meal is served at the same place it is prepared. Off-site is when the menu items are transported to a remote area such as a party hall, office, school, park or private home to be served to guests, employees or customers.

You will most likely have a choice between plated and buffet meal service. If you choose a plated meal, guests will sit down and be served by waiters at tables. This is usually more expensive of the two because of the extra cost of labor. At buffets, menu items are served from a long narrow table. The items may be presented in chafers or on trays. The guests will get in a line and serve themselves from the many cold and hot items offered.

You can choose from a variety of cold items. Serve shrimp, ceviche, crab claws and oysters on ice with several seafood sauces and condiments to choose from. Other items such as guacamole, chips and dips, taco salads, and fresh fruit trays can be added for more variety. If these items are to be available to guests for a very long time, they need to be chilled or rotated for freshness and food safety.

Hot dishes are much more varied and could include tortilla soup, quesadillas, tamales, enchiladas, empanadas, tacos and chalupas, flautas, re-fried beans, Spanish rice, grilled vegetables, menudo and more. Keeping these menu items at the right temperature is the main challenge of any company and large warmers may be required to assist with this. If they are served on a buffet, they are usually laid out in a two-inch pan which is inserted in a chafing dish frame with warmer candles or sterno beneath.

Select desserts such as a caramel flan, Mexican wedding cookies, or cold cinnamon ice cream. Serve ice cold margaritas rimmed with sea salt and tubs of Modelo, Dos Equis and Corona beer for the adults. Ice down bottled, imported sodas for any children that attend the event. If several guests are expected, rent an electric margarita machine to make both strawberry and plain margaritas for everyone. Make garnishes of orange slices, pineapple wedges and lemon and lime wheels.

The use of bright colors is essential for these occasions. Decorate with colorful blankets, pinatas, streamers and paper flowers. Linens and paper goods can be used in a variety of rainbow shades. Use tablecloths that reflect the ethnic theme and brighten up the room.

This type of catering and the assortment of menu items and decorations that are required are fast, casual and easy on the budget. Your entire group will enjoy the many offerings available that will fit almost any appetite. Choose the specific items that your crowd will enjoy the most and plan a set-up that flows easily and effortlessly for an affair to be remembered.




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