First catering event

On Saturday I had my first catering event.  My dad and I catered his office party which was held at one of his co-workers house.  It went great, everyone loved the bbq, our homemade bbq sauce, and beans. It was preceded by a day of shopping for all of the ingredients that took us to Restaurant Depot, Schnucks, Sam's Club, and Lowe's.  Once all of the meat was bought and every ingredient was secured, we began a night of smoking the meat and making the bbq sauce.  Starting at 10:30 pm and throughout the course of the night for the next 12 hours, we had to check the meat and fire every 3 1/2 to 4 hours.  Once the morning came around we made the beans and checked to make sure we were set to go for my first catering experience.  We delivered the food around 11:15 and by 11:30 we were in full swing.  By 1pm we had served everyone that had shown up, which was about 40 people.  Nothing but gracious compliments came our way, which not trying to sound too cocky, was fully expected.  I believe, as many others now do, that we have the best bbq in St. Louis.  After cleaning up and packing the left over meat and beans away we set off back to our house where we needed to get ready for a bbq dinner for twelve family friends.  We even had a couple drive from Kansas City solely to have our bbq.
The dinner went great, although I may have left the beans in the oven a little long.  I made Au gratin potatoes for the first time ever.  I was worried that they wouldn't come out OK, but they did and everyone loved them.

After a long day of smoking meat, cooking sauce and a couple different sides, I was exhausted.  I got my first taste of what it will be like to cater and work with food all day. It was fun but tiring.  I know I will adapt over time to how much preparation goes into each meal.  On Saturday night, after a nice warm shower to get the smell of smoke off of me, I fell asleep the fastest I think I have ever fallen asleep. Sunday I made leftovers for lunch and we had more family friends over for dinner so I had bbq once again, four times in two days, YUM!  I love bbq so I don't mind eating it so much but my belly could use a break, or at least a workout.  Next Friday I have another event, my mom's office party this time.  Although these first two events are not paid, it is great experience to see exactly what I am getting myself into.  I know that this is something I will love for the rest of my life, let's just hope everyone else does as well.