Good Party Food

So I am going to a party this weekend where everyone is expected to bring a dish. Given that I don't have the time to prepare anything, I was thinking about bringing something delicious from an interesting Chicago area establishment. Does anyone have recommendations?

Dinner will be a potluck buffet style with about 15-20 or so people. Everyone will be bringing food, so this dish will not necessarily need to feed that many. Still, it should be a somewhat substantial portion. Not so concerned with type of dish (ie entree, side, dessert, etc). Also not concerned about style/ethnicity. Really just want something that is interesting and good. Geographically, North, Center, or West sides of the city or western suburbs are preferred.

Maybe this has been discussed previously, but I don't recall. Any ideas?

How about an assortment of sweets (baklava, semolina cake, cookies etc) from one of the Middle Eastern places on Kedzie, such as Nazareth or Jaafar Sweets?

My app of choice when I'm short on time is a side of smoked salmon from Costco, $15 for a pound and a half. I make a mustard dill sauce to serve along side. Very simple, very quick, very popular.

I'm always bringing food to gatherings. Here are some go-to's: Tray of sausage "bakery pizza" from D'Amato's; couple of pounds of carnitas, fresh tortillas, and guac from any number of carnicerias; tray of tips and links from H1, Lem's, BA, etc.; couple of chopped up BBQ ducks, pork from a Chinese BBQ; couple of large biryanis; mofongo.

I recently wrote about this place on another thread, so it's on my mind: how about tamales from Tamales de Guerrero (7024 N. Clark, just north of Lunt, 773 338-6450.) I'd only do this if you can pick them up on the way to the party, so they'll be nice and hot. For $10 a dozen it will be an inexpensive but impressive offering. Bring along some sort of serving pan or tray to spread them out in once you get there.

JeffB wrote:Tray of sausage "bakery pizza" from D'Amato's; couple of pounds of carnitas, fresh tortillas, and guac from any number of carnicerias; tray of tips and links from H1, Lem's, BA, etc.; couple of chopped up BBQ ducks, pork from a Chinese BBQ; couple of large biryanis; mofongo.

Jeff,

I think you just created the ultimate menu for a perfect Chicago-food party.

Best,
Michael

JeffB wrote:I'm always bringing food to gatherings. Here are some go-to's: Tray of sausage "bakery pizza" from D'Amato's; couple of pounds of carnitas, fresh tortillas, and guac from any number of carnicerias; tray of tips and links from H1, Lem's, BA, etc.; couple of chopped up BBQ ducks, pork from a Chinese BBQ; couple of large biryanis; mofongo.

Jeff,

When can you gather up the lot and have it over to my house? This sounds like LTH Nirvana.

Don't forget Freddy's ! A lot of great stuff, including lasagna.

I love making a good caramelized onion tart, but it's time consuming and hard to make better than the one served as an appetizer at Le Bouchon. Pressed for time and headed to a party last year, I called to see if they'd make me a whole tart for takeout. They obliged happily, and charged me 40 bucks for it. The tart will serve 8-10 good sized portions.

Irazu (1865 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-252-5687) sells a variety of empanadas, along with their terrific chimchurri sauce, to go. Goes over well at parties.