Solar System Soiree

When I asked my friend Seth if he wanted a theme for his birthday dinner, I did not anticipate his response: the solar system. While at first stumped, a chat with my brilliantly nerdy friend David and a trip to the library revealed fun facts about each planet, as well as plenty of mythological references. These findings inspired a ten course menu with each course themed around the sun and nine planets. For appetizers--the introduction to the meal--I thought back to children's introduction to the solar system (e.g. Goodnight Moon and wishing upon stars) for inspiration. Along the way I remained mindful of Seth's favorite foods and flavors. Amy's decor started with a hanging mobile of the solar system and stayed in theme with plenty of star and planet motifs. With a blue and white color palette, Amy did graphic floral arrangements and iron-on napkins with an explanation of the planets. At each place setting, we gave guests their horoscope and astrological character description. And, of course, all guests went home with neapolitan astronaut ice cream; what would a space party be without it!?

The Menu

snacks

a child's introduction to space

"The Big Dipper"

always better with dip

herb salad rolls with peanut hoison dip & spicy vietnamese dip

"When You Wish Upon A Star"

wish-bone...shapes

open faced thanksgiving sandwiches

"The Big Bear"

inspired by what a bear eats...

smoked salmon & berry caviar on potato chip

"Falling Stars"

1/5 star anise

chinese five spiced nuts

"Good Night Moon...Cow Jumping Over The Moon"

a cow becomes...

air cured beef wrapped around asian pear, manchego, fig jam & mint

dinner

a meal inspired by 9 planets & the sun

"PLUTO: The God of the Underworld"

technically a dwarf planet...potatoes grow underground...amuse bouche

mini baked potato with melted cheddar, rosemary & creme fraiche

"MARS: The God of War"

the red planet...hot versus cold

duo of tomato sorbet & tomato soup

"VENUS: The Goddess of Love & Beauty"

earth's evil sister...because the birthday boy has two least favorite foods

pan roasted asparagus with caramelized diver scallops

"NEPTUNE: God of Water & Sea"

fish swim in liquid

black cod with miso broth and shitake mushrooms

"EARTH: Mother of Mountains, Valleys & Streams"

life...mother and child...vegetation

cold smoked chicken, slow poached egg, steamed rice & pickled cucumbers

"THE SUN: Light, Heat & Energy"

colors of the sunset...too hot to handle

inedibly spicy yellow curry with red peppers, carrots & corn

"URANUS: Lord of the Skies"

flying

pomegranate glazed quail on a bed of wild arugula & pomegranate seeds

"MERCURY: Messenger of the Gods"

made of iron...full of craters

grilled rib-eyes with crater lake blue cheese

"JUPITER: King of the Gods"

the largest planet...90% hydrogen...carbohydrates are mainly hydrogen...stormy

giant chocolate-chocolate chip cookie with clouds of whipped cream

"SATURN: God of Agriculture"

seven rings

seven flavors of cake doughnuts: cinnamon spice, citrus, maple, milk chocolate, old fashioned, sugar with rainbow sprinkles, dark chocolate with chocolate jimmies