"Fancy" lunch for Middle Schoolers

[lovetoscrap]

I am doing a raffle at DD's middle school and the winner (one from each grade 6th, 7th and 8th) and about 5 friends will get a fancy lunch. The cafeteria table will be covered with a tablecloth, set with china and glassware and real silverware and the principal will be their waiter.

I need to come up with a menu that will entice them to buy the raffle tickets. It needs to have universal appeal and be "non cafetera food" (no lasagna or spaghetti) and not pizza--we want fancyish.

Also I am cooking and donating the meal, so it needs to be not too expensive and fairly easy (make ahead would be great) and easy to transport.

I make a really good Chicken Crepes so I am considering that but thought I would see if anyone has any better ideas.

I need Appetizer, Entree and 2 sides and Dessert.

 

[clarabelle]

I did a middle schoolers progressive dinner one time and they had salad and bread at my house (they loved the rolls) The salad was a little salad bar I had a few basic toppings set out in bowls and let them pick and choose

Lasagna at another

Then Make your own sundaes for dessert

They all seemed to like it.

 

[clarabelle]

Sorry I just reread your post about the no lasagna.

 

[clarabelle]

Chicken Cordon Blue??

 

[kaylajr]

Jessica says Chocolate Mousse

 

[PrincessParty]

My DD's love PF Chang's Mongolian beef. The recipe is on copy cat. PF Changs is about as fancy as we get when we aren't in Disney, and even then it's not often.

 

[MyManGoofy!]

How about "fancy-ing" up some teenage favs?

You know - like gourmet hamburgers? Ciabatta rolls instead of buns, an exotic cheese, peppered bacon etc... Maybe sweet potato fries instead of regular?

 

[kaylajr]

Erica suggests a Fruit Salad

 

[clarabelle]

Fizzy grape juice might be fun

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Chicken Picatta or Alfredo

Garlic Cheese Bread

Veggies

Chocolate Mousse or Cake

 

[lovetoscrap]

Sounds like we are all on the same wave length! I was also thinking Fettucini Alfredo and DD suggested Cheese Sticks.

I have to get soda and or fizzy Grape Juice approved by the admin, but I am hoping they will okay it.

I had also thought of Chocolate Mousse, but I have never made that before. I make a killer cheesecake so that is also a possibility.

 

[golfgal]

I think if you get too fancy the kids won't eat it. Alfredo is a good idea--all of my kids love that. The cheesecake will probably be a hit too. You could try making a fancy jello for desert. If you make it in layers (maybe in school colors?) and put it in fancy glasses it will go with the meal. GOOD ice cream with warm berries over the top is simple but served in a nice dish will look fancy.

 

[wendypooh]

What a fun idea!! Here are some ideas:

Appetizer:

Croissants, Pretzel Bread and Sourdough
Herbed butter (or flavored butter)

Salad (Romain & Iceburg - with cherry tomatos)
Raspberry Vinegrette


Entree:

Chicken Picatta
Brown Rice
Fresh LONG green beans

Dessert:
Double Chocolate Fudge Brownie Cake w/fresh Raspberrys on top.

Sparkling Cider & Iced Tea w/ real lemon wedges.




MENU 2

Appetizer:

Salsa & Chips

Entree:

Enchiladas - topped with black olives & LOTS of cheese
Yellow Rice
Black Beans w/corn (mexican corn)
Guacamole
Chopped Tomatos and Lettuce

Dessert:

Vanilla Ice Cream topped w/Cinnamon Crisp

Iced Tea w/ real lemon wedges - Soda


I'd make sure to use "Fancy Glass Dishes" - you can find a good variety for very cheap at the goodwill. AND I'd use real napkins, nice glass salt & pepper shakers, the drinking glasses could be "fancy" too. Have fun!!!

 

[Bluestars]

My 13 yr old said that his favorite fancy meal would be streak, chicken fried rice, dinner rolls, and napolean for dessert. He's a picky eater though and has very basic tastes in food. His favorite drink would be vanilla coke. LOL

 

[MerMom60_94]

Erica suggests a Fruit Salad

I made fruit salad for a pool party last summer with my daughter's friends who are all in this age range. I used the biggest bowl I have and it was the first thing to go. The kids couldn't get enough of it!

I also liked the idea of chocolate mousse for dessert - simple yet elegant.

How about chicken, brocolli, and ziti for a main course? Someone suggested gourmet burgers. While I personally would love it, be careful because a lot of kids at this age declare themselves to be vegetarians (even if it is a phase that lasts all of about a week).

 

[merekc]

For dessert, a chocolate trifle would look and sound fancy but be something they would enjoy. You could even layer them in individual clear cups instead of a trifle dish. Layer brownie, chocolate pudding, cool whip and toffee chips, preferably get at least two layers of each in for appearance.

 

[MeanLaureen]

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Chicken Picatta or Alfredo

Garlic Cheese Bread

Veggies

Chocolate Mousse or Cake

I'm coming to your dinner.

 

[java]

Ok not fancy but what my 11 year old daughter said she would like

REAL chicken cutlets- not tyson premade(which is what they get in the cafeteria)
Train wreck fries(cheese bacon and scallions)

dessert of Brownie sundaes

OR

Appetizer
Potato skins

Main
Roast chicken, Rice and corn

Dessert
Chocolate Cake

 

[TheZue]

I was going to suggest the potato skins too! I think that would be a great appy. A plate of good nachos to share might be good too.

For an entre steak would be good; but I'm not sure how easy it is to pull off well in a cafeteria and it's expensive. Could you do a nice fresh grilled sandwich of some sort? I also like the burger idea with good fixings.

And desert of the cheesecake would be perfect.

I think honestly getting the principal to be the waiter is probably going to be the biggest draw

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

My middle schooler says she would prefer "less fancy" food. At that age, not everyone cares for gourmet.

She recommends chicken parmesan (made from scratch) with garlic bread.

I like the trifle idea for dessert--it looks fancy, esp. if you throw in a layer of cherry pie filling, but it doesn't contain a whole lot of fancy ingredients. And you can't go wrong with chocolate, right?

You could consider assembling a couple fairly simple menu choices and let the winner choose--i.e., a Mexican theme (quesadillas, nachos, beans and rice), an Italian theme (fetuccini alfredo or chicken parm, Italian salad, garlic bread), all-American (chicken wings, burgers w/ fixing station, fries, apple pie). I would make sure you splurged on fresh flowers and garnishes to make it more "fancy".

I think the idea of the principal as waiter and non-cafeteria food is going to be a big hit.