Ethnic Theme Dinners: Ideas for Great Cuisine from Across the World

A friend of mine and I have been creating theme dinners for a couple months now. I thought it might be fun to compile (in advance, instead of scrambling for recipes at the last minute) a list of possible themes to use.

The obvious place to start is different ethnicities such as Italian, French, Irish, All-American etc. Below are the tried and true dishes we have created to celebrate these cultures.

In addition to the food, you could also decorate in the particular style for the evening, dress in that particular style and play music from the culture you are honoring. Another aspect to explore would be movies made by (Italian, French, etc) directors, try the subtitled ones for a feeling of authenticity!

Italian Theme Night: For the main dish we had Domino's pizza, but that was by default because we both failed to pick up the ingredients for a lasagna dinner. You could of course have nearly anything in the pasta family such as Ravioli, Spaghetti and meatballs, Baked Ziti. To accompany the main dish, offer salads, Italian breads, Bruschetta, Italian wines (we also added a small touch of Amaretto liqueur), and for dessert (my favorite) tiramisu.

French Theme Night: For the main dish we had Chicken Cordon Bleu, Baked Brie (Brie cut in half and filled with almonds and apricot preserves then baked in pastry) made a delicious appetizer. We served croissants with authentic French butter (absolutely delicious) and also French Wines, one red and one white - if you like a little bit of sweetness to your wine (this actually might serve best as a dessert wine), I recommend B&G Vouvray - For dessert we had éclairs!

Mexican Theme Night: This one was fun because it seemed everything was wrapped in a pita. For the main course we had chicken enchiladas, to drink we had (what else) but margaritas, and for dessert I attempted (and was completely successful) Bananas Foster Chimichangas. If you choose this dessert, make sure you have the right pan to fry the chimichangas. It should be about 3'' deep and only about 6-8'' in diameter so the oil that fries the chimichangas sits in the pan like a little pool to cover them.

All-American Night: This one was, decidedly and strangely, more difficult than some of the others. We made real chicken tenders and provided a bunch of sauces (BBQ, Ranch dressing, Honey Mustard), twice-baked potatoes, corn on the cob. To drink we had whiskey sours and for dessert we had make-your-own sundaes with Neapolitan ice cream, hot fudge sauce, sprinkles, nuts, maraschino cherries and whipped cream.

Irish Theme Night: We have yet to do this one, but when we do (and perhaps March would be the best time) a good start would be: Irish Stew, potatoes of course, Irish soda bread, Bailey's Irish Cream to drink sounds like a good idea, and for dessert, perhaps Irish Coffee Puddings or a Bailey's Cheesecake.

Chinese Theme Night: Beef and Broccoli stir fry or any number of stir fry, or lo mein options would apply here. Simple enough to find a suitable recipe on RecipeZaar or the like, but don't forget the dried noodles and dipping sauce (try making it on your own!) and of course, fortune cookies. It would be fun to create your own fortunes bent toward your guest list. Children? Offer fortunes like: "I see ripped pants in your future!" (ala Spongebob), or "Sources say you'll be living the suite life" (ala The Suite Life of Zack and Cody). Drinkers on your guest list? Offer fortunes like: "I see much Exedrin in your future" or "Do not look into the mirror tomorrow, for you shall see dog fur on your face." You get the idea. The possibilities are endless and fun. In addition to your stir fry or main dish, there are many Chinese soups like Egg Drop or Hot and Sour to serve as well. Try a bottle of Plum Wine for a feeling of authenticity, though plum wine is thick and sweet, it adds to the celebration.

Russian Theme Night: Serve Pelmeni as the main course, which are Siberian dumplings filled with a meat and onion mixture, or possibly Chicken Kiev, marinated mushrooms, Russian black bread and walnut strudel. Find a good vegetable recipe like cumin carrots, and of course, offer Russian Vodka in some degree for the night! If it appeals to the masses, why not break out the caviar? And for dessert, Kissel sounds good, which is a Russian fruit dessert.

Hawaiian Luau Theme Night: A yummy dinner would be Teriyaki beef and pineapple skewers (yes, it's Japanese but Japanese food is popular in Hawaii). White rice and Macaroni Salad make good sides, as well as a tropical fruit salad (papaya, mango, pineapple, etc.). Macadamia nuts would be a delicious and fitting snack, and if you're looking for an alcohol beverage to serve, why not a Blue Hawaiian? If children are involved, they could be served Hawaiian Punch. And for dessert, offer Haupia, a coconut pudding.

Of course, this list is nearly endless and I couldn't possibly include all ethnicities in this article. I've highlighted some of the most obvious cultures and recipes to accompany the themes, but there are hundreds if not thousands of variations to be found. A tremendous number of internet resources are available to help guide you in your search for just the right dish for your theme night.

Reference Links:
Chowhound.com (http://www.chowhound.com)
RecipeZaar (http://www.recipezaar.com/)