Give me a good lunch idea

Shadowfire

My parents and my fiancee's parents are finally going to be meeting tomorrow. I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out what to do about lunch while everyone's over in the afternoon. In the area, there really isn't much for resturants we could go to, beyond pizza, chinese, or applebee's/chillis, so I was thinking of cooking something at home.

But I have no idea what. I want to do something better than cold cuts, but I really have no idea, and I'm looking for any suggestion right about now as long as it doesn't break the bank.

Nogs

Shadowfire wrote: »

My parents and my fiancee's parents are finally going to be meeting tomorrow. I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out what to do about lunch while everyone's over in the afternoon. In the area, there really isn't much for resturants we could go to, beyond pizza, chinese, or applebee's/chillis, so I was thinking of cooking something at home.

But I have no idea what. I want to do something better than cold cuts, but I really have no idea, and I'm looking for any suggestion right about now as long as it doesn't break the bank.

salad and pasta is always a good pick. Ask your fiancee what her parents like/don't like and go from there. Seafood can be tricky, so I would stay away from that. If they are on a diet, try something based around chicken.

KMFurDM

Grilled chicken breasts on a small bed of mashed potatoes with a baby green salad on the side with a nice vinigarette.

Get the chicken at Whole Foods or something, make sure it wasn't frozen, with the skin on (they can take it off if they don't want it), marinate the fuck out of it, make sure to not over cook it. Get some wine too. A decent bottle of white.

PirateJon

Shadowfire wrote: »

I want to do something better than cold cuts,

This is PERFECT. Set out quality meats, cheeses and fixins buffet style and let people make their own subs. Puttering around in the kitchen is a great ice breaker.

GrimmyTOA

Nogs wrote: »

Ask your fiancee what her parents like/don't like and go from there.

This is the best advice I can think of. Find out about dietary restrictions (allergies, religious restrictions & whatnot) and get lots of input from your fiancee. If you've got time, put together a bunch of different things. Don't try something new & complicated on short notice.

Don't forget about drinks. Check about alcohol & whatnot if you don't know already, and try to have a few different drinks available (alcoholic & non, obviously) so that people can pick and choose.

Malkor

I say if its nice out take it outside. Anything's better outside. Anything that can be made inside can be made outside and will taste better with the smog and dirt and sun and bugs all mixed in.

Shadowfire

Malkor wrote: »

I say if its nice out take it outside. Anything's better outside. Anything that can be made inside can be made outside and will taste better with the smog and dirt and sun and bugs all mixed in.

Hah we live in practically the middle of the woods... smog is not an issue, but dirt, and bugs are. Sun won't be... rain all weekend.

Now that it's mentioned though, I'm almost liking the cold cuts idea even more. We're still discussing, but thanks for the ideas so far.

JPArbiter

pan sear tuna on a bed of couscous, side of asparagus and a small hearts of romaine salad with an asian vinigarette dressing.

the tunay should be served with a choice of wasabi or teriyaki. make sure they do not mind rare fish.

crake

Grill up some veggies to go with the cold cuts, perhaps? Or maybe some macaroni salad (or coleslaw, or potato salad) Very summery, even if it's rainy. Also, make deviled eggs! mmm. Hey, can I come too?

solsovly

JPArbiter wrote: »

pan sear tuna on a bed of couscous, side of asparagus and a small hearts of romaine salad with an asian vinigarette dressing.

the tunay should be served with a choice of wasabi or teriyaki. make sure they do not mind rare fish.

Man what? I'd go with something a little simpler if you are just meeting. Go with asking your fiance first.

Nima

The easiest thing would be sausage, mash and gravy. Its impressive, but takes almost no culinary expertise.
Other than that, would a barbecue be okay? Thats always good because you can easily grill up corn and peppers/ mushrooms as a veggie option if needed.