Hosting Dinner for Chinese Kids- Help!

Don't over think this.

I don't understand the fish situation. The post says "little low" on fish and SWH makes it sound like the fish is abundant.

They are visiting America. if you don't like American classic foods, then cook what you perceive to be American foods for them to enjoy.

FYI, ALL American foods are not artery clogging, lol.

Make potato salad! NOTHING is more American than potato salad at a barbecue! lol.

I agree that they are here to experience America, and that anything you try to make Asian won't be authentic.

I lived in Russia for three years. I never wanted them to cook burgers and fries for me. I was there to experience Russia (and their burgers and fries were never right, anyway!). Unless they have dietary restrictions, make what you make best and let them taste and enjoy.

I would NOT try to do an asian style ANYTHING. It won't be authentic anyway, so won't be any more comfortable for them than your usual fare. They came to the US to experience the culture, right? That's part of why they are staying with host families rather than as a large tour group.

Unless they have dietary restrictions (like if they are vegetarians which you don't say they are) make EXACTLY what you would normally make, I am sure they'll find something they like/will eat. Also, they're not babies. If they're concerned about not likely the food, they will eat a large snack ahead of time or pack something to bring along.

Your menu is just fine. I'm sure they are eating plenty of standard American foods and I think that your menu will be very enjoyable! Add some white rice if you feel you need to have a familiar side and then make whatever sides you feel comfortable making.

I think it's okay to cook Asian for real Asians. I promise you that what we Americans consider Asian style is very different than what they eat at home! When hosting dinner guests I always go with what I know, less surprises that way. Go ahead and make the sides you mention above, they sound great :)

LOL! I am Chinese (America born), so I feel semi-qualified to answer your post. Everything you listed sounds delicious, and I'm sure everyone involved with be darn glad to eat it. There will be no offense taken if you make Asian fusion dishes. Rice is always appreciated -- even brown rice. Have a great time!

They are here to experience America, I assume, so cook as you normally would with a variety they can choose from. Maybe homemade mac and cheese. Get 6# of frozen meatballs, add a large bottle of bbq sauce, cook in crockpot til hot. I serve with white rice, or they can just eat on their own. You can also add in a crock, several pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs. Add water to cover chicken, add 2 packs of onion soup mix. Cook on low all day or night. Stir to shred, serve on kaiser rolls. This is awesome for a party because who doesn't like chicken and its really really good and easy! Good luck!

Why don't you cook some traditional American barbecue for them as part of their experience? I think that would be far more fun and enjoyable for them than attempting to eat facsimiles of dishes from home.

I might check to see if they're lactose intolerant first and therefore can't eat dairy, but otherwise the best thing to do is cook as you normally would for a party.

Hi! It's summer in America, you've got to go with the real thing- corn on the cob, cole slaw, potato salad, watermelon, ice cream and every topping you can get your hands on. If they were afraid of adventure they wouldn't be here, they'd be home!
Have fun---

personally I would go with an "American" meal. Think of what you consider all-American food and make some of that.

My experience in traveling to foreighn countries is that I like eating "native" dishes.

I did misunderstand about the fish. So cook the fish American style, not Chinese style. I know how to smoke fish, so I'd do it on my BBQ grill. The chinese eat a lot of fish and cook it very well. So cook it differently. Make potato salad. Make corn on the cob on the grill. Just because its American food doesn't mean its artery clogging!!!!

So cook American food. Roast beef/pot roast. Stew. Fried chicken. Corned beef and cabbage. BBQ ribs made on a BBQ, not in an oven. Pulled pork sandwiches made on a BBQ grill, not in a crock pot. Corn on the cob. If you are native to San Clemente and don't know how to cook/smoke meat on a BBQ grill, then buy some from a professional BBQ diner so they can taste real American BBQ.

Good luck to you and yours.

Just cook as you normally do. My experience with tutoring exchange students from China is that many were already exposed to and fond of commercial American food and were here for the genuine "American" experience so I would just do whatever sides you would normally do. Perhaps a tossed salad and whatever starch will complement your menu (maybe grilled baby potatoes on skewers, corn on the cob, or something like a pasta or potato salad or cole slaw). Enjoy!

I think your sides sound delish....don't over think this as stated below.

Just steer away from cream based dishes and you'll be fine. Make Asian noodles if your comfortable with your recipe.

I like the corn on the cob idea...super easy and tasty.

I would like to PM you later for you recipes when the company is gone!

Also, I went to a BBQ last weekend, the wife is Chinese. She served both rice from the rice cooker and quinoa. Most Asian prefer rice with every meal.

I think your Fish dinner idea is great and I would offer a little of both of rice and quinoa dishes for them to choose. I don't see anything wrong with having corn on the cob as well. Everything else on your meal repertoire sounds great but what is more great is how gracious you are being with your friends and the boys from China. Sometimes the best meal is feeling welcome and enjoying the company as well. Have a great time and show those kids our California hospitality.

What about a red quinoa salad? This one sounds like it would go well with your meal plans: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/red-quinoa-and-avocado-salad/

And since you'll already have the grill going, how about grilled pineapple slices and grilled peach halves? And grill lemon halves, which would be delicious when squeezed over the fish.

I would make them something more American. It might be fun for them to try something different than what they would normally eat, and most kids love cake, no matter where they are from. lol Maybe something kid friendly, like mac or mash potatoes, or even dare I say french fries! You could always still make the rice, since you know they will be comfortable eating that. Good luck in what ever you choose. :)

The 4 adolescent boys, sound fun as you say and they are great.
Just cook, what you think you want to cook.
They will probably eat anything or at least try it.

Here in Hawaii, there are many Chinese & other Asian people, and they eat anything. Not only "Asian" food.

And if you try to cook Asian, fine.
They will probably think you are just being a nice Host.
Chinese food... REALLY varies as well, per region. It is not all the same. And it is not like, the Americanized Chinese, food here in the States.

Or just see, what the boys might like.

Per fish, here in Hawaii, where there are MANY Asian cultures... fish is cooked, in a Shoyu/ginger/sesame oil type marinade. This is common.
And it is either baked in the sauce, or on the stove top, cooked in the sauce.

It is nice, when a Host attempts to cook a guest's home/cultural type, foods.
ie: when I was in Europe with my Husband... my MIL made for ME.... a dish that she "thought" was typical Hawaiian food.
It was not authentic... but you know what? I REALLY appreciated even her attempts to make it. AND, I was really MISSING, my own home type foods. So it was a WELCOMED, food to see and eat.

If you, are willing to serve a Rice dish... just get some take-out Chinese Fried Rice. I am sure they will love that. They are ONLY there for 2 weeks. A typical cooking style, does not have to be adhered to, absolutely.
Brown Rice... is not typically served in Asian cuisine.
The boys will be there for 2 weeks... and it can easily be a time where there are other types of foods served, as well as, some common Asian foods. Or maybe, the boys themselves might want to cook something????