that several of his classmates keep Kosher, and others are vegetarian, but the vegans among them eat seafood. To quote Joan Cusack in In and Out, "WAS THERE ANOTHER TIME YOU COULD HAVE TOLD ME?!"

It looks like I'll be doing a vegan (veggie stock) version of the coconut cilantro rice, and I think I'll do the jerk chicken with thighs and drumsticks--it's a bit redundant with my spicy chicken breast/mango/avocado salad and I would normally choose the pork, but it will please the most people. Also, I can buy whole chickens, divide the dark meat from the white, and have the carcasses and wings to freeze for future chicken stock. (I hate paying more for less. It's my own religious thing.)

I didn't mention that the hors d'oeuvres, besides the coconut shrimp, include scallops wrapped in prosciutto and crab quiche. Not too Kosher. Maybe one of them will be replaced with fish skewers. Or perhaps more vegetarian options.

We haven't gotten to the desserts yet, but I'll hold my own, NO MARGARINE! I have my religious restrictions too. Actually, here is the the full extent of my religion: NO MARGARINE, and buy whole chickens so you have the bones for stock.

I've made stewed oxtail with beans and allspice years ago a la The Frugal Goumet and it is heavenly--thanks for the reminder! It won't work here for a summer pool party but I'll have to revive it again sometime--it was like a Caribbean cassoulet.

I love the curried meat patties recipe--THANKS! I will keep it for another occasion, since the dairy in the pasty and the beef could be deceptively un-Kosher, and because they would be a lot of work for 70 people.

Despite my grumbling this is a really nice family who always appreciate what I come up with. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks for the help!