I am having my sons 1st birthday party next weekend. I am at a loss for what type of food to have. We are renting a room at a local park district. We will have the room for 3 hours. I am expecting about 55 people. I have no idea what type of food to serve. I know that I want to have it catered/prepared (I am not making the food). It's just easier that way. I don't want to serve pizza, but I don't want something that's too elaborate?
Does anybody have any suggesions? I'm thinking about having a local mexican restaurant cater, or a chinese restaurant...but am I overthinking this? There will be a lot of adults at the party and my family is "food" oriented...so I don't want to disappoint. I would love to hear any ideas/suggesions you have.
Hi - I just had my daughter's 1st over the weekend with about 40 people. I ordered two 6 foot subs from Subway. There was plenty of food (we even had leftovers) and it was about $150. I put out chips & dip also.
My son's 1st birthday party is today and we are serving beef and two types of pasta and sausage. I am having 35 people and it cost about $150 for the catering. I ordered a cake and made cookies here at home in the shape of #1. I did little treat bags for his 5 cousins and am just hvaing family at the party. Hope your party goes well:) Can you believe he is one?
We do Papa Charlies beef sandwiches, you can buy the meat at Sams, and salads, chips/dips, and whatever else sounds good and is in season. Also, my neighbor for her sons b-day had a nacho bar. It was a Cubs party so they had all ball park themed food, but the nacho bar was a huge hit! We even repeated it for our halloween party and new years eve! She went to Sam's and got the large nacho cheese can, large box of chips and chili. Then we chopped up green onion, tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream, cheese to put on top. It was fun and good to eat!! Good Luck!
FYI I do cakes and cookies (as favors) for my business, you can check me out on mamasource and from there you can view my website!
I don't know where you live but Scrementies (sp?)does some wonderful Italian catering. Spaghetti and salad and garlic bread is inexpensive and easy and filling and still makes a beter impresson on yur guests than pizza. Hope this helps.
I would talk to someone at the park district. They may have a list of caterers that they (or a banquet manager) may recommend. It is nice to get a recommendation from the park district because they may be able to recommend someone who knows the set-up of the room.
Also, those are some great suggestions! Even wet beef, italian sausage/type dish couple side dishes (buona beef is wonderful!). Love the idea of a Mexican fare - just went to a party with a Mexican food theme - awesome. My friend made his own chicken enchilatas and had a pan of fajitas, served with hard and soft shell tortillas, mexican rice and some other sides. They made their own food but Lalo's restaurant is a good restaurant. Or....Italian food - like a two dish/choice - chicken parmesan and another kind of pasta w/ salad, bread, side dishes. I've used Salina's before (see below). Or... you can always go pork, dumplings and sauerkraut, even Chinese food. The choices are limitless. Just depends on which culture you would like to feature. Good luck
http://www.lalos.com/catering/
http://www.salinaspizza.com/zgrid/themes/798/intro/index....
I use Cuomo Catering in Northlake (they deliver to downtown Chicago) for almost everything. The most expensive menu is $8 per person and inlcudes a ton of food (and it is good). My family is big on the food as well, so it's important. They have a website-check them out :)
Jewel Catering trays are excellent value and have something for everyone. You don't need a lot of advanced timing for them either.
We always go with Corky's Catering, chicken and roast beef. They also have other items to choose from. FOr a fist birthday, I would play it down anyway so this is perfect. You can google them, they are in Addison, IL and do deliver (hot and on time).
Hi,
We went all out for my daughter's 1st birthday and had about 60 people in the back yard. We had Lalo's cater it and it was a hit! We got two of their Fiesta Packs, and there was tons left over. There really was something for everyone to eat, even those who weren't that keen on Mexican food. I highoy recommend it!
I would say Italian is probably safer. You could get a pasta (even the little ones can eat that!), lasagna, salads etc... just make sure it is a great place that caters family style. Maggiano's is great, Bucca di Peppo (sp?) etc....I am sure the catering manager can help you with a menu.
Have a great time!!!
