BBQ for reception

Nifftiffniffer

We are planning to do BBQ for our reception.  We want to keep it fairly low-key, so we were thinking a BBQ specific place.  But, we also want to do appetizers and most BBQ places don't have them.  Do you think it's more worthwhile to get "genuine" BBQ or to get it from a general caterer (makes me wonder if it's not that good) so we have options for appetizers?  Any thoughts...  Thanks!

mbcdefg

Can you get the appetizers from one source, and the good BBQ from the other caterer?

Lasairiona

If you don't have good genuine bbq, then there is no reason to serve it. Get the appetizers elsewhere. Most bbq restaurants have appetizers and sides that go great with their main meals. If that isn't an option, which is really strange, then get appetizers that you can heat and serve from the frozen section of Costco or call up a different caterer/restaurant and have them provide the appetizers.

kiery weiry

There are a bunch of really good appetizer type foods at the BBQ restraurants in my area- things like bite sized corn fritters (YUM!); potatoe skins filled with pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and cheese; jalopeno poppers...other than that, I'd do grilled veggies for apps too. You could get ideas from big chain BBQ places for apps too (like Sticky Fingers) by just checking out the menu, and then just ask the caterer you choose if they could make something similar.
HTH!

MilleRsBest

yum

gottahavashorti

Can you DIY the appetizers or get them from another place?

aerinpegadrak

If you can't go somewhere else for the appetizers, I'd just DIY them.  Costco and Sam's Club have a lot of bulk frozen options that would be good with BBQ, and all you'd have to do is bake them and plate them.

emilyrhogan

We would like to have BBQ for our reception as well and are having similar issues.  I would say that it is better to get the food from a real BBQ place over a caterer who could maybe pull of something similar, but it depends a little on how BBQ-savvy your guests are.  For our reception we have to work off a list of approved caterers so we could end up with a caterer who may or may not really be able to pull it off - but if we aren't happy with their BBQ upon tasting it we'll probably go for another type of cuisine because we think that's better than failing to serve genuine BBQ.  Lots of dedicated BBQ restaurants in my area cater so I would imagine that you would be able to find a good restaurant to cater as well.

For appetizers that stick with the BBQ theme, I was thinking of serving some of the foods that you would normally have as sides but that won't be available during the dinner.  Hush puppies, fried okra, potato skins as the PP mentioned, and deviled eggs come to my mind.

MyNameIsNot

Like PPs have said, I think it is better to get apps from another place and get the real BBQ from the good place. 

We ordered a bunch of apps last year from the grocery deli (Fresh Market) and were able to get a lot for a little.  That might be more cost effective than a traditional caterer.

pulga131

Do you have a Buddy's BBQ?  May only be a TN thing but they have really good BBQ and cater.  Ask your caterer if you can taste their BBQ too that way you'll know if its any good.  Make sure you have lots of wipes available, you dont want bbq on all your dressy clothes