Thanks maddielee - it's interesting that they don't have a vegetarian option on their menu. The salads can be had without protein so perhaps that is what they consider their option. I will check however.

How many guests will you be hosting? People have different appetites for adventure. While I'll always choose something I've never had before or don't cook at home, DH won't even taste something that his dear departed mother did not make-Italian. Tuna Tartare is my favorite appetizer, but you will know your crowd's tastes better than me. I would choose fun appetizers and more common entrees. That said, here are my choices:

Appetizers: 1,3,4

Entrees: 1,4,5 and maybe also 3 or 8

Can you share a bit of info regarding the structure of the dinner party? The appetizers look like things to share or put out for a group while the entrees seem to be best suited to table service (vs buffet).

I wouldn't worry about vegetarian options beyond the salad unless you know you have invited vegetarians or unless it's a large group with many who you don't know.

My recommendations would be the same as Maddielee's. When you have a large group with unknown tastes, you probably don't want to choose anything too challenging (tuna tartare is going to be challenging for a lot of folks). You want to accommodate as much dietary diversity as possible (vegetarian, low-cal, don't eat pork). The Caesar, salmon, and grilled beef kind of triangulate dietary preferences and maximized the number of bases you can cover with the available options.

Apps: 1,2,5. Entrées: 1,4 & 8.

Maybe choose the burger instead of the grilled beef, if there are many children in attendance. If each person will get their own appetizer, will the restaurant scale the serving to one person size rather than their usual size intended to be shared? If not small individual servings, then I would choose the appetizers that can be shared among guests (with their partners, kids, good friends, probably not with strangers) - like the charcuterie, hummus plate, etc.

I might ask the restaurant to replace one of the appetizer choices with a small dinner salad.

Thanks all - we are expecting 16 for dinner. Appetizers will be selected in advance and then guests will order one of the entree selections. It is also an early dinner at 5 due to the recital time. Hope that helps a bit.

Appetizers 1, 2 and 4. I would definitely include the hummus and vegetables because that's the one kids are most likely to eat, IME.

Entrees 1, 5 and 6. (Kind of off-topic, but I would not serve "wild Atlantic salmon" because it is almost certainly not accurately described--Atlantic salmon is on the endangered species list and may not be commercially caught. So they are probably serving farmed atlantic salmon). And I would do the burger because I think that has the widest appeal, especially for kids.

Have fun!

Appetizers 1, 4, 5

Entrees - I'd start with whatever is their star or signature dish.. and to that I'd add 1, 5 and 6. If you are where it is cold, I'd swap out the shrimp for one of the slow roasted options 3 or 7.

Sort of depends on your guests. Lots of guests in the 10-14 range? Maybe include the burger.

Agree that the safest appetizer choices are 2, 4, and 5. If you feel like at least some of your guests may be more adventurous, though, you could do the charcuterie. Since they are shared apps, everyone should find something they like.

For the dinners I'd do:

burger

whatever they tell you when you ask what the specialty is (shrimp and grits or short rib or pork shank, I suspect)

salmon

caesar salad w chicken

I have twice gotten Angus burgers where it's a preformed patty and there was something weird about the taste and texture, so check on that.

Some thoughts- I wouldn't do burgers because too much potential for mess and eating with your hands might put people off in that social setting.

Grilled beef shoulder, the teres minor, is a nice cut of beef- tasty but a bit tough and should be cooked mid rare. People who order well done are going to have a lot of chewing to do.

The short ribs are a much safer bet, being perfect for slow cooking. Same goes for the pork shank.

1,2,5 and 1,4,6,8. Yummy!!

If they were shared or your family and friends are folks that would order individually but share at the table, I would do appetizers 2,4 and 6 -- thinking two safe bets and one outside the box that most people would probably enjoy trying. If they are going to be ordered individually and not shared then either 1,2 and 4 or 2,4 and 5.

For the entree, I am going to be the one to disagree. While DH likes Ceasar salad, I find it over done -- as in too often and overpowering garlic. I would much rather have the arugala salad as an option. To that I would add the salmon, either the ribs or pork shank and the beef. My guess is most kids would like the burger or the ribs if they didn't love one of the others, so I'd probably not chose the burger -- but again, you know your crowd.

Depending on the ages, apps 2, 4, 5. I agree with lascatx and would rather go with entree 2 for the same reason, and then would pick a fish plus a beef or pork entree (3 & 4 or 4 & 8). My personal choice here would be for #6 because we do it well and get such good gulf shrimp, but you know your crowd and their food preferences best.

If there will be only 1-2 kids, could you have the restaurant prepare them a burger plate and then give the adults the 3 choices?

This has been very helpful - thanks everyone. I have much better direction now. I can add some wine and dessert and call it good! :)

Sounds like it's going to be a lovely time! Lucky guests!