BAR 'n GRILL

Introduction

Nothing assures a successful party as does the satisfaction of creature comforts.  Places to chat and to relax, enjoyable sustenance, and removal from harmful shars, can each contribute to a memorably wonderful experience.

Beverages

Maybe you have a good idea of what your guests expect... or maybe you don't.  Finding the right variety is often important.

Alcoholic Drinks - To be honest, I can't tell you much here.  Some like beer enough that an event is worth the admission price if there were free beer and nothing else.  I'm more the type who doesn't indulge much, and would prefer something smooth like wine or honey mead.  You can distinguish your selection however you want... maybe your guests are gluttons for punishment and would prefer a 'reactor coolant,' but in other cases you may be better off with the restaurant favorites of piña colada, margarita, rum runner, and daqueris.

A real licensed bar-tender would be ideal for the skilled service of alcoholic drinks.  Furthermore, events in which alcohol is being served can complicate the responsibilities of the hosting.  Age checks, security from minors, consumption limits, and designated drivers are but a few of the added responsibilities assumed when you choose to serve alcohol.
Non-alcoholic ("Virgin")Drinks - Most alcoholic drinks can be enjoyed in 'virgin' (nonalcoholic) form.  Mixers for these drinks can be found in bottles or cans, sometimes in the frozen juice department of the grocery store.  The raspberry of a Rum Runner can thus be enjoyed without the rum.
Kool-Aid(tm) makes an "Ice Blue Raspberry Lemonade" that has a delightfully clean and bright blue color, as well as a very appealing flavor.  It has become a staple at many of the events we hosts, be they conventions or private little parties... we even keep it stocked in our home.

Another important part of variety is sometimes the dietary needs of the attendees.  Many calorie conscious or diabetic individuals may require sugar-free choices.  Others, by choice or by weak kidneys, may need to avoid caffine.  (Even choices of sugar-free sodas may get hair-splitting, because some find that Aspertame/Nutrasweet gives them headaches, in which case a choice like Diet Rite should suffice.)

Here is a sample Menu from the Café at the End of the Universe :
Off-The-Beaten-Path: Sodas and booze are common to parties, but what of the uncommon?  Some successful ideas include flavored waters (in a "Bread and Water" party including home-baked breads), coffee varieties like a miniature "Starbuck's" or Klingon Raqda-Jina,

Foods

Water is not the only needed sustenance.  'Skinner' of the special interest group "Hell's Mensans," once told us that the magic four categories are these: Salts, Sweets, Veggies, and Meats.

Junk

Salts - Potato Chips and cookies are light and have their own direct appeal.  However, they are pretty insubstantial if anyone is seriously hungry.  Pretzels and Nuts provide a heftier treat.  

Sweets - Chocolate has a pleasant effect like endorphines.  Cake, cookies, and ice cream are richer sugar sources.

Hybrids - Some sweets can be too rich unless cut with something salty (even in cake frostings).  Pretzels covered in chocolate (milk, dark, or white chocolates) are a perfect example, and work well as comfort foods.

Nature

Natural foods provide more real sustenance.  Caution should be taken when perishable items are placed, as the freshness only lasts a limited time.
Veggies - Broccoli and califlower are nice dippable foods, but to some are a taste that may never be aquired.  Baby carrots are better in that regard, and various sliced bell peppers are a great way to add both flavor and color to the presentation.

Meats - Lunchmeats, potstickers, sliced sausage, mini-kabobs on toothpicks

Cheese - sliced or cubed, on toothpicks or crackers

Other

East & West  - Egg rolls, spring rolls, quesadillas, taco salad,

Soups - Beef & Veg, Chicken noodle,

Sandwiches - PB & J, Balognia,