The Party

If you seen the “Eat Cheap Drink Rich” television show, you have a pretty good idea of what one of our parties looks like. And if it looks like fun on TV, imagine how much fun you’ll have hosting your own party.

It’s not difficult, really… and Chef Jeff makes it easy to do if you follow the step-by-step, course-by-course instructions and recipes in the Eat Cheap Drink Rich Party Kit.

Here’s the concept in a nutshell.

Invite:
Go through your cell phone or the address book you keep your friends info in…and find some folks you’d like to re-connect with…or 3 couples you know… who you think would blend in well with each other. The couples need NOT know each other… remember, as host…you are the common denominator. Invite them to a dinner party. (The Invitations are in the ECDR Party Kit) Invite your guests at least 3 weeks before the date of the party… and if it’s for the Super Bowl or a Holiday… even earlier.
Make sure they RSVP.

Plan Menus:
This is gourmet cooking, but don’t be afraid. Chef Jeff doesn’t cook for a 5 star hotel dining room or the fancy place downtown where everything is 7.5 (or more). No, he cooks for his family and friends, just like you’re going to be able to do. Pick a dinner you’d like to fix… either the whole meal or pick and choose your appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert from among the dozens available here on the website. Send the menu and recipes about a week before the party… but not too early. Frankly, shopping for ingredients the day of the party is best because everything will be fresher.

Shopping Lists:
This is really easy, because every recipe comes with a shopping list attached to it.

Kitchen Utensils:
Just about every recipe can be prepared using the pots and pans you already have. But, if there is some new tool or utensil unique to this recipe, it’ll be listed right there on the recipe sheet. For example… you don’t have to go buy a “zest” tool… the tines on a fork do the same thing.

Wine List:
The wine is a very important part of the Eat Cheap Drink Rich party concept. Save money on buying and preparing the food yourself, use the savings for a better bottle of wine. Not sure what goes with what? The wine list on the website can help. And, there it is…right there on the recipe, a suggested wine for that course. You don’t have to buy the specific wine recommended, but our wine experts have selected just the right one for that particular dish.

Party Time:
Most Eat Cheap Drink Rich parties last between 3 and 4 hours. When guests arrive, we suggest only limited introductions. Open a bottle of wine…and get started cooking. And, here’s the real secret to facilitating the ‘mingle factor’. Mix up the couples! You will notice that working on assigned tasks will quickly break the ice. We have found that guests are talking about family and friends, jobs, hobbies, and favorite sports teams within a few minutes.

Time-Line:
Perhaps the most important element is the timeline. Every recipe comes with an estimate of the length of time it will take to finish. In the ECDR Party Kit… there is a timeline that meshes all the courses. If you’re cooking from the website… you’ll have to work out your own timeline. Pay special attention to the oven. Sometimes several courses will involve baking, make sure you’ve allowed time for temperature changes.

Remember… it’s a party.
Following the recipes, using the timeline, and pairing the wines with the courses will make the party special… but, when all is said and done… have fun. Don’t worry if something doesn’t come out just right… you will laugh at your goofs, I promise.

Check out our guest interviews...

http://www.youtube.com/user/ECDRTeam?feature=mhsn#p/a/u/1/SamuReXcwk4

Want to host an Eat Cheap Drink Rich Party? 

Click here… peggy@eatcheapdrinkrich.com