"Official Business & Food"

I hosted the "City of McMinnville" for dinner and a meeting.
The Steiger Haus is a very good venue for business retreats, I think people feel more relaxed in a homelike environment.
The menu I created for this party I called "Latinesque"
Avocado & chipotle shrimp tostaditos
Roasted red pepper and potato soup w/ chili infused crema
Wine braised pork & wild mushroom tamales
Spiced yam puree, roasted asparagus
Chocolate spice cake, Mexican wedding cookies, Flan

Music on random: classical guitar instrumentals and Cesaria Evora
Decor: I wrapped juice glasses in some of the leftover cornhusks from the tamales & tied with a wine colored ribbon for candles, I used wine colored linens and covered the table in brown craft paper, followed by a wine runner.
I scattered assorted dried chilis on the dinner table and dessert/app table.

I did all the cooking and serving without staff, I would not recommend this unless you have background in the restaurant business. A family style party would be an easier option.
Most of this menu can be done ahead, and for sanities sake should be.

This particular party opted to bring their own wine.
If I hosted a similar party for pleasure I would have on hand: A bucket of icy cold Negro Modelo's with lime & a south of the equator syrah, (Errazuriz is pretty consistent) Or, if they were really good friends: Tyrus Evan, a Ken Wright label, makes a great "Claret" blend of Merlot, Cab, Cab Franc, & Malbec with some fun spice, try Del Rio "03. Or, Herradura Silver for some scratch margaritas.

This party can be yours!
For Sale, Latinesque Party:
Recipes, Shopping list, Timeline, 5 cd's worth of theme music, Cocktail ideas.