6 things to bring to a Christmas potluck party
Don't be the party pooper who brought only chips. These takeaways will luxe up that Christmas potluck
I am attending a potluck party on Boxing Day with a bunch of food influencers, so the pressure is on to not be the one who turns up with just potato chips.
Contributing the perfect item for a gathering isn't easy.
You'll want it to be classy - that speaks volumes of your good taste and infinite budget (regardless of the reality) - and shows that you've put in an effort in the selection or cooking of the dish. Basically, it's something to make everyone jealous.
If you're not planning to slave over the stove, here are some items that should do just that.
SASHIMI HAMPER
For me, the party begins when the seafood arrives.
iChef (26, Tai Seng Street or The Cathay, Tel: 6436-4865) is a retail store where you can buy packaged meals, and it'll be launching an online shop soon.
Its Sashimi Hamper ($250) can feed about eight, and contains seafood items such as snow crabs, prawns from Argentina, salmon belly and oysters.
Here's a trick to serve it: Get a platter of ice and throw the defrosted items over it.
Give the dish a fancy French name - with the word "rustic" somewhere in it - and everyone will be impressed.
Then just sit back and bask in the adulation.
IMPRESSIVE ROAST
A roast is an impressive thing to bring to the table.
The Cote de Beouf ($169 for 1kg) from Shelter In The Woods (22, Greenwood Avenue, Tel: 6466-6225) should be a hit because the restaurant is known for its meats.
Another option is a package for 12 at $589. This comes with the beef, a whole turkey, a suckling pig and a log cake.
CAKES & MEATS
Mad About Sucre (27, Teo Hong Road, Tel: 6221-3969) is the cakery that has taken Singapore by storm.
Recently, it expanded its menu to include savoury dishes.
For Christmas, it's selling its much-loved sweets, but you can also add other items. Its gammon smoked ham ($60) and roasted beef eye ($98) will be safe, presentable choices.
TURKEY PIE
If you're on a budget, the Christmas Turkey Pie ($58) from Pies & Coffee should do fine.It has grilled garlic turkey, turkey ham, turkey bacon, figs, orange peel, chopped walnuts and spices, all harmoniously simmered in a pumpkin cream sauce.
Order this before Dec 22 at any of its four outlets - Alexandra Retail Centre, Robertson Walk, Rochester Mall or The Grandstand.
FESTIVE GELATO
I am a huge fan of the gelati at Alfero Gelato (81, MacPherson Lane and orchardgateway). For me, this place can do no wrong.
So it's natural to think of them if I want to buy gelato for the potluck party.
From Saturday, Alfero is introducing four festive flavours: Mascarpone Pistachio, Strawberry Cheese, Cookies & Cream and Salted Caramel.
The Mascarpone Pistachio is $39 for a 1kg tub, while the other flavours are $35 per 1kg tub.
ELEGANT CAKES
If it's a fancy party you're going to, the cakes from Pantler (198, Telok Ayer Street, Tel: 6221-6223) should be appropriate. They are always beautiful and taste as elegant as they look.
Head chef Tomoharu Morita has created a range of festive cakes including Buche de Noel Chocolate and Orange ($75, with Cacao Barry dark chocolate, French orange confit and Cointreau), Buche de Noel Mont Blanc ($68, with French chestnuts) and the always welcome Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake ($25).
You'll need to reserve the cakes, which are available till Dec 30.
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