Let us start with the molehill. The One decided to have a spontaneous barbeque since moving into his younger sister's home. Yes I said younger and I said sister. Well that's ok if your a teen or even early 20's but I'm talking about 47! Well that's another blog to write about.
Anyhow moving back to this shindig. He decided to plan it out 4 weeks in advanced at this home. There was already a gas grill and only things truly needed are beverages and of course the food. Since The One attended several of my gatherings, he wanted some advice and I was willing to offer.
First question - How many guests? He figured over 40 which as most may know, not all will attend but somehow he thought so.
Second question - What's the budget? This is of course a very critical question. It will coincide with what's on the menu. The One's budget? $150. Now let's think about that. Beverages and ice will run close to $50 then there's utensils such as napkins, forks and knives, paper plates. Well that is easily another $20 and I'm talking buying it at the 99 cent store. Now that leaves $80 for food. The One wanted to grill some shrimp, actually larger prawns. To feed even 20 people that would definitely eat up the budget. I suggested some Korean BBQ ribs which is a Southern Californian favorite. That alone will cost $40 to $50 depending on weight. So you can see the budget has almost ran out.
Now here's the mountain part. When The One doesn't feel totally comfortable with things he'll act like a starving puppy so others can help save him. His sister decided to help with the food preparation. Here's an exerpt.
Now the simple BBQ has become a catered event. He called it "Friendship Cultivation." It sounded like I was going to meet Jim Jones and be forced to drink some punch.
Here's the PARTIAL menu copied exactly as given to me:
Crispy Shrimp Wontons with Sweet and Spicy Sauce
Crispy Cream Cheese Wontons
Bruschetta
Roasted Asparagus
Grilled Chicken Wings with Mango-Tamarind Sauce
Grilled Flank Steak in Lettuce Wrap
Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp on Skewer
BBQ Shrimp on Skewer
Stir-fry Noodles with Tofu and Shitake Mushrooms
Lychee Iced Tea
Who eats bruschetta at a bbq? Even at a picnic you don't. The only thing actually planned to be cooked onsite was the shrimp.
Due to feeling that people would be overly crowded at his place, he changed the venue to a nearby park. It's a free facility but first come first served. It was comical to me that he brought three other coworkers to survey the area during a lunch break and even snapped some pictures.
I won't go to much further on this blog except to say that 40 people did not come. It was closer to 12 so there was plenty extra food.
I ask you if you think that's a mountain or a molehill?
