We had a luau at my Dad’s house on Sunday – I love nothing more than a themed dinner. Honestly – I’ll be planning one of those Knights of the Round Table type of dinners, complete with jousters if I can convince anyone that it’s a good idea.
Of course I neglected to take any pictures. The one above is from this morning – I need one of my tall people to hop up on the picnic table and take down the lanterns. But trust me when I say it was quite festive and the food was fabulous.
I have a box of Luau themed decorations that I keep handy and insist on throwing at least one Luau a year. I have coconut candle holders, tablecloths, hats, leis, platters, kitschy salt and pepper shakers – If I see something during the year I think will go I buy it and throw it into the box. I’m at the point now where I don’t have to do much prep work – just plan the menu.
We didn’t roast a pig or serve poi and, in fact, took a few liberties with the traditional menu – but it tasted and looked tropical so that’s all that matters.
We had Spareribs & Juice from Susan Branch’s Vineyard Seasons (this is one of those dishes where the entire table goes silent when the ribs are served – no one has the time or inclination to talk because they are so good), Benihana style fried rice made by my sister Trish, sunomo (Japanese style marinated cucumbers), a fruit salad made by my sister Nicki and a beautiful pineapple upside down cake made by my niece Sara.
Before dinner I fried up panko crusted prawns that we dipped in sweet and sour sauce and my sister Kate brought crudites (how do you say that in Hawaiian?) and Maui style potato chips.
Everyone wore their fat guy from Miami shirts and sipped on Bahama Mama’s (the kids got the unrummed version). It was such fun.
I wonder if I could talk everyone into a Moulin Rouge themed dinner – we could serve Absinthe and eat Coquilles St. Jacques…
Nicole says
I’m in on the Moulin Rouge dinner! I have a great recipe for coquilles St. Jacques, but it is going to be tricky to make it for 24 people!
Kim says
Your dinner sounds wonderfully yummy and fun! I need to try that rib recipe–I’ve heard about it a couple times now. You’ve also reminded me that it’s been a long time since I made won tons!
Beata says
Yum, yum…I love the shot!
Tracy says
Themed dinner are so fun…love the Moulin Rouge idea! But this Luau sounds super & tasty! :o)
kathleen says
Sounds like a lot of fun. Great food choices
Jill says
Oh! That sounds like such fun! Jousters!!!! Turkey legs?? Maidens??? Sounds delightful!
cindy says
I’ve been wanting to try that spareribs and juice recipe for years…now that I know it’s good, I think I will! Sounds like you all had so much fun. You are so lucky to have such a wonderful extended family!
sara, the house of charm says
We had such a fun time! Ryan LOVED the fried cocnut shrimp best of all!
Tola says
appetizers are called pupus in hawaiian