Ambush at the Athenaeum (Alexandria, VA)!

With the Dragon Scroll in hand, there appeared to be a respite - a time for celebration...

However, there was news from Elenja that the performers and supporters of the DeviatedTheatre Clan (www.deviatedtheatre.org) were in need of food supplies ("light refreshments" in non-ninja talk) after their performance at the Athenaeum, a prelude before their epic battle of "siGHt" in Washington D.C. at the Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage.

Mission: Get light refreshments to the DeviatedTheatre Clan!



Time: Elenja's message arrives on Monday night (the performance is less than 6 days away... plan the menu, shop for ingredients, prep, cook, and plate)!

Parameters:
1 - CLASSY: Due to sophisticated locales and venue, the food must not look peasant-like or like "rubbish!"  Hey, a cooking ninja's food must appropriately blend in so as to not arouse suspicion!
2 - COST EFFECTIVE: Cooking ninjas are not like haughty cooking samurais... we get it done efficiently!
3 - NO WEAPONS: In keeping with "cost effective," there will be no utensils!  Finger foods (true hand-to-hand combat) only!
4 - NO CHAIRS: Chairs can be weapons too!  All guests will be standing... emphasizes the finger food theme!
5 - NO MESS: Given no weapons, no chairs, and finger food theme, it is important that the food is not messy!  No problem as cooking ninjas can get the job done and vanish without a trace!
6 - LIMITED EQUIPMENT: With limited kitchen facilities at the Athenaeum, heat, water, etc may not be available.  The food must be tasty without much prep before plating!
7 - TRANSPORT:  The Athenaeum is about 35 miles away (1 hr) from the QuinJa's Cooking Hideout.  The food must not perish along the journey!
8 - NUMBERS: Intelligence says that there will be anywhere from 50-100 guests!

Gameplan:
Given the above...
1 - Roast Beef Au Jus - Roast beef can be prepared a day in advance as it can be eaten as a cold cut.  While it would taste amazing with brioche, given limited oven capability, the decision was to go the slider route and Hawaiian rolls!  Hey, "ohana" means family and family means no ninjas get left behind!  [Note: Lilo & Stitch happens in Hawaii.]



2. Lemongrass Beef Stuffed in Grape Leaves - My take on Greek Dolmades.  The ambush is happening in the ATHENAeum, after all!  Yes, a classier and more unique version of pigs-in-a-blanket!
3 - Karma Sutra Shrimp - DeviatedTheatre is a very "passionate" group... I wanted to honor them with equal passion.  Note - the cost of shrimp per pound made this dish unfeasible!  CANCEL!
4 - Madeleines with Rum Royal Icing (rum-infused) - I thought about miniature cupcakes but I needed a good quantity and icing can be messy during transport!
5 - Mini Cupcake Brownies (store bought) - To make anything with gourmet chocolate... I just did not have the budget for it.
6 - Caprese (Vegetarian) - Sometimes you got to keep it simple... Tomatoes, Basil, and Mozzarella.  Reduce balsamic vinegar (reduced to make it more thick and saucy = less messy!)
7 - Fruit N Cheese Tray (Vegetarian)
8 - Party Punch - Juice + 7-UP = Happyness!

What will happen to the Quinja and the DeviatedTheatre Clan???

TO BE CONTINUED....