Can this be done? Cooking scheduling advice needed

[Saxguy]

Ok, so I'm having a jamfest at my house next year. Lots of guys I know are musicians who have headlined the NYC scene and we're planning a day of music with different band performances and group jams. I will be one of the musicians playing - of course, I also need to cook everything for between 100-200 people, depending on the response I get. I'm looking for a headlining act but Phish is way too expensive

First question - can it be done (manging the cooking while performing throughout the day)? If so, how would I schedule it so I could be done with everything by around noon-1 and keep things in a holding pattern until being served? Do I have to suck it up, give up some control, and find a pitmaster in NJ (no easy task) to do it for me?

BP, any chance you want to do some jamming?

 

[NorCal Smoker]

Hey Saxguy,
I have to preface this with I have no experience in the matter! I play guitar, but am a beg-int at best, but if I had a chance to jam with my friends and other professionals, I would get the event catered. Cooking for 100-200 people requires much attention, and I don't believe you will get to enjoy the cooking or the jamming. If I were you, I would want to show what the 4-star can do, but this is probably not the event for that. Enjoy the event and show what the 4 star can do at a later event. I struggle on cooks for 30-40, but that may just me my lack of skills!

 

[Big Poppa]

it comes down to sleep...how important is it....

But my first rule is KEEP IT SIMPLE. Pork Butt....Easy to cook, great to hold. Find a bbq place to make you cole slaw, beans and salad....all you need to take credit for is the protein.

 

[Mayn]

Ok, I guess I'll come help. Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Patrick_CT]

I am in in CT..I will come down to help as well

 

[TentHunter]

it comes down to sleep...how important is it....

But my first rule is KEEP IT SIMPLE.

BINGO!!! and the second rule is PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!

I do a few large cookouts/BBQ's every year, like the annual Marching Band cookout coming next Friday (around 140 kids & staff). I already know I will NOT get a lot of sleep. Instead I plan it out in detail (including sleep schedule) and allow PLENTY of extra time for every step.

I know I'll be tired, but at least that way stress is reduced so I can enjoy the experience!

Oh, and did I mention, Plan, Plan, Plan?

 

[scooter]

I'm with Tent. Plan it from start to finish. I use a spreadsheet to log every step and at what time they have to happen. I'm never behind the 8 ball when I have a spreadsheet and I stick to the spreadsheet. Stress is relieved and enjoyment increases.