What kind of food would you expect

[kpol]

for an 11:30 CoC reception? All of the Company level CoC's I've been to have only had a cake and punch reception but apparently that isn't the case for M's upcoming ceremony. Since we're overseas, options for catering are limited and pretty expensive. A subway party platter, chips, drinks and cake will be okay, right? Or will people be expecting meatballs and chicken wings?

I'd ask other spouses in the unit what the norm is, but I haven't moved down to that base yet and don't know anyone.

[iluvmytxrgr]

I would think sandwich trays are fine. I might include some fruit as well. In my husband's unit, there is always a coffee and pastry reception before a CoC and then there is a lunch at the DFAC after.

[amaristella]

Not sure how it may differ. I've been to exactly one and the outgoing Commander paid for the reception out of his own pocket. So there was a cake and hor d'oeuvres. Stuff like fruit kabobs, chicken kabobs and maybe two or three other things. This guy may have been above the norm. though. Especially as later that day they threw a huge party at a local restaurant. If people are expecting cake and punch then I would imagine that anything more than that would be more than sufficient. A lot of people simply went out to lunch after they were finished milling about at the reception. Also there were maybe 200-300 guests at the ceremony/reception. Tops.

[audette]

I've been to a few CoC ceremonies. Most were in the mid-afternoon, but the two that were held near lunch time had real food beyond punch and cake.

One had pizza and wings, along with some veggie and fruit trays. The pizza and wings were from Pizza Hut (I think, that or Domino's, whichever was on base.)

One had sandwich platters, along with veggie, fruit, and cookie/sweets trays. I think the sandwich platters were from Costco, and I see no problem with doing this with Subway sandwich trays. (hrm - there are costco's in country here, although I have yet to set foot inside any of them)

Both still had cake, soda, tea, etc.

Sandwiches make more sense to me, as there is no need to keep them warm. Chilling things is easier than heating them.


The only thing that I really noted about the food was that it _disappeared_. In a flash. I was helping out at one of them, as it was a buddy that was taking command, and I didn't get any food because I was more focused on making sure the food on the serving table was being replaced as it was finished, and that was a non-stop job. This was a for relatively small unit, and it all still just disappeared. No one seemed frustrated when it ran out, though. By that point, I think most everyone had a chance to get something (other than me).

[kpol]

iluvmytxrgr I really like the danish and coffee idea before the ceremony. It starts at 10:30 and having something to hold everyone over sounds excellent. I'll suggest that idea to M since it is his to plan.

amaristella I've been to a CoC like that, but I really don't think M wants to spend that much! M says he thinks there will be 50-60 people who will stick around after it's over.

audette Costco here is crazy! It's two floors of absolute chaos. If you're planning a trip, try to make it during the week. A lot of the stuff is more expensive than it is back in the states but their selection is also much better than the commissary. I don't remember if they have the sandwich trays...hmmmm. I know they have giant sushi trays for W10,000, though! They also have the same pizza in the food court. Yum! Our membership is expired, but that is one thing that is quite a bit cheaper here. I think W35,000? 

[audette]

Apr 16, 2013 19:52:16 GMT -5 kpol said:

I've heard that it's nuts!  I have a membership, so I just need to have a day with the car to go.  (I'm willing to admit that going to Costco pretty much means I need the car.)

Hrm.  I'm getting the car tomorrow... 

[sushi]

Costco over there is weird. Over priced shitty American brands. No,I don't want to pay that for tostitos. But,I went for the meats, produce, and kirkland brand stuff, even if it was 2 hours drive.

Can you get the giant pizzas unbalanced and then portion into small squares? That should be cost effective and tasty.

I've missed every c of c :-) I could tell you about various promotion parties, though. Everything from a small sheet cake to wine and cheese (that's just the office parties, not the buying it the bar celebrations)