Michael Odom > wrote in message >. ..
> We're having a shindig at our place the last Friday of the month.
> We're expecting about 55-60 people. It's to be an open house for her
> department (academic, that is) and mine, along with several guests
> from Dallas. D just informed me that the function she's accepted
> responsibility for is traditionally a dinner.
>
> Now I like cooking. I'm pretty good at it, in fact. But a dinner for
> 60 people is beyond anything I've ever attempted. So she suggested
> having the event catered.
>
> One option is a barbecue man over in Delta County name of Murray.
> Murray quote: "You get into barbecue, you get good, or you get out."
> He's well regarded hereabouts for his catering. I've had his
> barbecue, and it's quite good.
>
> Another option is Zack, a man we know who ran a small truck stop out
> by the interstate till recently. He's looking to move on and recently
> interviewed with a hotel in Puerto Rico. But he's still here so far.
> He does catering and is also well regarded by people whose taste I
> respect. I know him better than I know Murray and like him. He's the
> one who gave me advice before last spring's chili cook off where I got
> whupped. That I was whupped so badly is no reflection on him. I
> liked his cooking at the truck stop. He's Cajun, by the way, and has
> been in food service and cooking professionally all his adult life.
>
> The last option is that I cook it. I've been eyeing a new smoker pit
> at a welding shop over by the county seat. It's a big un. I have a
> brisket in the freezer and the market here in Cow Hill has them on
> sale right now. With the new pit (ca. $350) I could smoke a couple of
> briskets, a chicken or two, and some veggies (eggplant, e.g.) for them
> as don't eat meat. I could make salads -- fruit, green, marinated
> grilled veg -- and rice, bread, and taters.
>
> Now what should I do? Cook or hire a cook? I'm asking for advice,
> but in the end, I'll make my decision and I'll die by it.
>
>
> modom
>
> "Dallas is a rich man with a death wish in his eyes."
> -- Jimmie Dale Gilmore



I entertain large parties and have done both. IMO, I'd hire a grill
master to cook the meat and do the sides/desserts yourself, ahead of
time. Also hire a bartender - they are more than worth what you pay
them.

-L.