Monday, June 16, 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.

The very first step is to decide whether the menu selections will be served on-site or off-site. On-site is when the party is held in the same location that the selections are prepared. Off-site is when the items must be transported to anther location such as a church hall, party room, school or a private residence.

Make a decision as to whether you want to plate the menu items or serve them buffet-style. Waiters serve plated items after everyone is seated at tables. Buffets are long, narrow, skirted tables with chafing dishes and trays filled with hot and cold prepared items. The guests will form a long line and help themselves to the array of various selections.

Cold items for this type of catering could include a colorful taco salad, guacamole salads, chips and various dips, and fresh fruit trays. If it is in the budget, shrimp, oysters and ceviche on ice can be served along with the salad bar items for more impact and presentation. If the foods are to be available for long periods of time, they should be kept chilled for better flavor and food safety.

Enticing hot items can include a larger variety of snacks and meal suggestions such as nachos, tacos and chalupas, enchiladas, quesadillas, tamales, tortilla soup, menudo, flautas, re-fried beans, grilled vegetables, Spanish rice and much, much more. Maintaining the heat in these dishes can be a challenge for any catering business. Large warmers or trucks with ovens may be needed to assist with the process. If these items are served buffet-style, they are placed in a two-inch stainless pan and then put into a chafing dish with sterno fuel or warming candle.

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.

When putting on an event such as this, be assured that it is fast, casual and relatively inexpensive compared to other event choices. Your guests will enjoy everything you offer and the foods selected will appeal to almost any appetite. Choose what your crowd will enjoy the most and set up a floor plan that provides ease of movement. Your party is sure to be remembered for the weeks and months to come.




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