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#Post#: 31550--------------------------------------------------
Retirement Lunch Menu
By: Girlie Date: May 21, 2019, 2:59 pm
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Here's the deal:
I am planning, for less than two weeks from now, a retirement
party for a coworker. Normally, your manager and teammates would
be in charge, but hers are apathetic at best and simply do not
care. I worked with this woman for years, and I know that there
are many people from throughout our organization who will like
to see her honored. I personally refuse to let her walk out
those doors without being recognized for her time her.
As per our usual company tradition, I am passing around cards
for everyone to sign and asking for contributions from anyone
who would like to give. Based on past and recent collection
activities, I expect anywhere from $300-500 back in cash. This
money will be used to buy an appropriate gift and food for the
occasion.
Question is - I need to feed about 50 people lunch, and I'm
thinking hearty appetizers are probably my best bet. Please give
me your input on the following menu, and help me decide what
else to add:
Chicken Salad
Pimento Cheese
Deli platter
Cheese platter
Croissants/Rolls
Crackers
Chips (Tortilla and Regular Salted)
Salsa, Dips
Little Smokies sausages
Cake
Fruit Tray
A lot of this can be arranged, by me, ahead of time. For
example, I can buy the cheese this weekend, build a platter
myself, and save a lot of money doing it that way as opposed to
buying one that has been made in-house in a grocery/specialty
store. I would really love any suggestions from anyone about
items that can be added. Should I add a soup option?
Thank you!
#Post#: 31552--------------------------------------------------
Re: Retirement Lunch Menu
By: Hmmm Date: May 21, 2019, 3:26 pm
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I think it is very kind of you to take this on and be willing to
prepare so much of it.
We have found that pizza is the cheapest option for large lunch
catering. You can usually get pizza and a salad for around $5
per person.
However, if you are wanting to stick with a menu similar to what
you've listed below, I would just do make your own sandwiches,
the fruit and a green salad. I would eliminate the cheese tray
and smokies.
A local grocery store chain does the quarter salad (pimento,
chicken, tuna) sandwiches for about $20 for 24 quarters and 24
of the silver dollar sandwiches for $25. Having them premade
like that would speed up the serving line. If you have access to
a Costco or Sams, they also have very good deals on sandwich
trays and bulk salads.
#Post#: 31553--------------------------------------------------
Re: Retirement Lunch Menu
By: bigbadbetty Date: May 21, 2019, 3:33 pm
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I would add some veggies....like lettuce and tomato for the
sandwiches and perhaps a crudités platter. I agree with the
previous poster to see if a grocery store or sandwich shop has a
make-your-own sandwich package. I think it is so kind that you
are taking on this task for your co-worker!
#Post#: 31559--------------------------------------------------
Re: Retirement Lunch Menu
By: lakey Date: May 21, 2019, 6:01 pm
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If you plan to prepare the food there are two things I make that
are incredibly easy, taste good, and can be kept in crock pots
or slow cookers. These are classics, and go along with what you
have planned. You may be aware of them.
One would be little sausages or meatballs in a sauce made from
one jar of grape jelly and one jar of barbecue sauce.
The other is a TexMex dip made from a half pound of velveeta
cheese, some browned ground sausage, and a can of Hormel chili.
Another TexMex dip is 1 lb. Velveeta and one can of Rotel
tomatoes.
#Post#: 32052--------------------------------------------------
Re: Retirement Lunch Menu
By: Lilac Date: May 31, 2019, 1:46 pm
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Will people be expecting lunch? What time of day is the party
being held? What sort of room/venue will it be in? Are kitchen
facilities available?
If so, I would agree that pizza is your best bet, perhaps with a
salad. Or maybe some of those large trays of lasagna from a
Gordon Food Service type supplier. Not original but decent.
Otherwise I would be sure to bill it as a "reception with light
refreshments" so people aren't disappointed.
The chicken salad sounds messy; I'd skip that.
While your listed items all re tasty, I think maybe pulling it
together with more a theme might be nice. Are you going for
folksy? Elegant? Ethnic?
An ice-cream social rather than savory food might be an option,
with cupcakes or something.
Or make the theme "sandwiches" and put out mini croissant, that
cocktail pumpernickel in the small loaf, small hard rolls, etc.
with sliced meats & cheeses, along with chips, olive/pickle
tray, condiments and crudite.
If you're having sausages and mini meatballs, I don't think you
need the sandwich platter, just cheese and crackers, chips and
dip. I'm not explaining this well but it seems you should
decide between "toothpick food" and sandwiches, rather than
both. Personally the thought of 50 people shuffling around a
table assembling their own sandwiches makes me want to scream --
you know how some will hover over the assortment, holding
everyone else up, etc.
One thing I have noticed in attending catered charitable and
professional events lately: Less is more. Rather than myriad
offerings, a few select items well-prepared, served in
appropriate containers and easily eaten while mingling is a
trend. You don't have to provide all things to all people.
#Post#: 32068--------------------------------------------------
Re: Retirement Lunch Menu
By: baritone108 Date: May 31, 2019, 7:29 pm
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You don't have any beverages listed. I've found most retirement
parties have coffee, bottled water, and either iced tea or some
sort(s) of soda.
#Post#: 32224--------------------------------------------------
Re: Retirement Lunch Menu
By: Girlie Date: June 3, 2019, 3:37 pm
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Okay, we had the retirement party, and this is what I ended up
with:
Deli sandwich rounds (premade, three different kinds (ham, roast
beef, turkey), from a local grocery store (Thanks to the person
who suggested that!), with all the necessary packets (mayo,
mustard, vinegar, oil)
Chicken tenders (regular and buffalo), with ranch and honey
mustard
Tortilla chips with hummus and salsa
Chex Mix
Plain Lays chips with ranch dip
Veggie tray
Fruit tray
Cake
Chocolate-peanut butter trail mix
Tea, lemonade, sodas to drink
I spent about $300 and fed about 50 people, with leftovers.
Everyone seemed to think the food was delicious, so that made me
very happy.
Perhaps at some point, I'll regale everyone on this board with
the (few, and surprising) etiquette faux pas that occurred. All
in all, the guest of honor was happy, and that's what matters
the most.
Thank you so much for your suggestions!
#Post#: 32244--------------------------------------------------
Re: Retirement Lunch Menu
By: jpcher Date: June 3, 2019, 7:28 pm
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So happy that it worked out for you . . . yes, I agree that the
pre-made sandwiches were the way to go. Your menu sounds perfect
and at ~$6.00/person? Nicely done.
[quote author=Girlie link=topic=1150.msg32224#msg32224
date=1559594267]
Perhaps at some point, I'll regale everyone on this board with
the (few, and surprising) etiquette faux pas that occurred. All
in all, the guest of honor was happy, and that's what matters
the most.
Thank you so much for your suggestions!
[/quote]
Bold above is most important . . . but please regale us with
stories! ;D
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