FAQ

1. Do you have to know how to cook?
To be honest, most of the recipes are straight-forward and come with exact instructions. Having said that, it’s probably a good idea if someone knows their way around a saucepan or a stove. If nothing else, just knowing where stuff is in the kitchen is invaluable.

2. How much does a party cost?
It varies. For the most part, 4 couples (host couple and 3 guest couples) can buy the ingredients for an Eat Cheap Drink Rich dinner…including wine…for about $150. That’s less than $40 a couple. At a fine restaurant… the meal you are preparing… with wine and an 18% gratuity… will be closer to $500.

3. Do you have to invite couples?
No… invite whoever you want. In fact, a singles party is a great way to get folks together at the college dorm or apartment complex. If you’re new to the apartment building, it’s a great way to make new friends. Or… invite friends from the office. It really doesn’t matter… just make sure everybody brings something…and everybody cooks.

4. Who cleans up?
The best way is to clean as you go. Sometimes you’ll actually need to use a pan or bowl for several different courses. Assign someone to clean-up duty…but only for a few minutes at a time. When the party is over…if you’ve been cleaning as you go… it’s usually dessert dishes and wine glasses.

5. What if I don’t have the right equipment / dishes / glasswear?
That’s what friends are for. Ask if they can bring this thing or that. Huge tip! Anybody bringing pots, pans, utensils, flatwear, or dishes… label them and don’t forget to take them home.

6. What if one of my guests is not a wine drinker?
At Eat Cheap Drink Rich we always recommend that the host provide a non-alcoholic alternative. Fruit juice, soft drinks, ice tea and water are always safe bets. Water should be served with the meal. Huge tip! Brew some coffee to be served with the dessert course.

7. Who do I invite?
Invite anyone you want…but couples do seem to work best. Our suggestion is to invite couples that, while they don’t know each other, nevertheless have things in common. For example. All baby-boomer couples will have shared experiences. 30-somethings and 20 somethings… come from Life Groups with very specific life experiences. Unless they’re family… I’d avoid inviting a 20-something couple, a baby-boomer couple, and a set of grand-parents. Keep the group in the same age demographic.