Lately, I’ve been putting together a list of dinner party / themed party ideas. As you might expect, each is somewhat, if not directly food-related. Even as the list grows, I have every intention of fulfilling each one. The first step towards making things real is to share the idea or thought with others. What better way to explore a notion than to blog about it?

At the moment, the list contains 6 distinct ideas. In no particular order, here’s what I’ve got brewing in my imagination:

1. Taco Party: I came across this thought after preparing a pork dish and feeling a bit of dissatisfaction with the result. A while ago I found this recipe in The New York Times Magazine, knowing that I was buying a chunk of pork through Afton Field Farm. Well, suffice to say, I was not happy with the meal and decided that the best way to cook a pork shoulder or slab of pork butt was in the crock pot. Forget the fancy plating, I want to make tacos! Thus is born the need for a taco party.

Here’s the vision: People are assigned dishes so that we can create the ultimate taco party experience. I would want to make some pulled pork, and we’d have folks bring chicken and vegetarian options. Bowls of pickled radishes and carrots, piles of cilantro and sliced limes. I love the idea of having a party where everyone hangs out and downs delicious tacos. Maybe some beer and tequila, no matter to me. Of the various ideas, this one looms in the nearest of futures.

2. Fondue Night: Almost a year ago this time I received donated cookware for the classes I was about to teach. Originally, we thought that the classroom equipment was off limits and that we would need to provide our own cooking tools, hence the solicitation. Not only were we wrong, but I also received a ton of donated goods. Everything was given away – knifes, cutting boards, bowls, measuring cups, etc – except for one item. One kind woman donated a new though dated, fondue set. I knew then and I know now, that such an item would be of little use to a household that struggles to make ends meet, let along prepare a bourgeoise dinner affair. So I held on to it.

So now I have a fondue set and I have yet to use it. Though rich and luxurious in flavor and texture, everyone would like to dip something in a big pot of melted cheese or chocolate. Here, the potluck setup is super easy. Each person brings something to dip and a bottle of wine. We dip, we drink, we dine. What could be better than this? In winter no less!

3. Youtube Party: These days, it’s almost inevitable that a guest or friend or total stranger feels invested in sharing their favorite YouTube video. For me, it got to the point where there was a whole series of videos I felt inclined to share. So why not have a party focused on this very need?

I’m thinking that the people invited must come up with 3 favorite YouTube clips and maybe they are emailed to me or written down. The food is of course, potluck style. After eating and drinking we gather round the computer. Like the television parties of the 90′s, let’s celebrate the ingenuity of the internet and all them crazy folks out there.

Food wise, I’m not certain on the theme. Maybe bar food? I suppose it could really be anything. More to consider…

4. Pho Night: This thought has been around for a long while. I think it first occurred to me while we were living in Minneapolis. Between the frigid winter nights and our amazing meat CSA, maybe the idea was inevitable?! In any case, I like the idea.

Ironically (or not,) most of the ingredients are summertime finds, but I never wanted to make the soup in the summer. Another winter night gathering, I now envision the evening occurring on a wet winter night here in Portland. The excitement for me is the broth. To make proper broth for pho (pronounced fuh,) you boil beef shank and spices. On this night (unlike previous suggestions,) I think I’d make all the pho and have guests bring wine. Or maybe I could make the broth and guests could bring the toppings. Either way, this will be an awesome dinner party.

5. Settlers of Catan – Night of the Savages!: Yes, it’s true! I play geeky strategy board games, Settlers being one among many. The game takes place on the island of Catan and each player represents a groups of settlers, competing for resources. In my mind, the settlers are all savages and hang out in their loin cloths eating freshly grilled legs of wild boar. So, here’s the vision:

Five people attend (as I have the expansion pack and up to 6 people can play.) Maybe other people bring their boards and then more folks can participate. Before and during game play, we feast on meat! Everyone who comes would prepare a meat dish. No grains or vegetables, just meat. I, on the other hand, for those health-minded urban savages, will prepare a vat of mashed root vegetables and a giant bowl of salad. Honestly, this sounds awesome!

6. Fall Party: I recently realized that fall (or autumn) is officially my favorite season. This hunch has grown over the last few years – when I discovered winter squashes, brussels sprouts and kale – my world changed completely. And then a few weeks ago I was hunting for chanterelles and the leaves were just amazing. And thus I’m sold on the colors, flavors and foods of Fall!

Not to get too overboard, but I want to have a potluck that celebrates the foods of fall. Each person brings a dish that features fall vegetables, fruit or mushrooms. And then we feast!

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So there you have it. This is the current list and as it grows I’m sure I’ll want to share. You can definitely expect a post on the event, after is occurs. When it comes to dreaming and cooking, there’s no end to my imagination.

Related posts:

1. Cuisines of the World Potluck – Denmark
2. Winding Down Winter (weekly menu 26)
3. Filling up the freezer
4. Cuisines of the World potluck – Vietnam
5. Hearty Food Returns (weekly menu 18)

Tags: afton field farm, cooking, NW cuisine, seasonal eating, wild mushrooms