Help me rise to the challenge. I just received a wedding invite for a family member who lives in a semi-rural place, a handful of hours away. There was a slip of paper in the envelope indicating that the reception will be a... (101 replies, last updated by LJBTampa May 6, 2009)

on the westside. But to pick up for a potluck? If it is not a weekend, maybe Victor Jr’s on the north side of Washington across from the studio — one of their pizzas, an Italian chopped salad, or an order or two of... (13 replies, last updated by bromion July 10, 2007)

I second either getting a bowl box or picking your own nibbbles of cheese, wine, and deli Items at Gelson’s. Artisan Cheese gallery in Studio City has gread sandwiches and cheeses and chocolates. Good bread and crackers,... (15 replies, last updated by pamm5959 June 27, 2007)

if it were at someone’s home, it should be potluck, with everyone bringing something they think is special for others to taste. I don’t know any of you, but I’d consider offering my house since I am centrally... (20 replies, last updated by kevin August 15, 2001)

. I have one neighbor that is Persian/Jewish and his sisters and aunts make some really good dishes. We had a potluck around the time of the Persian Festival at William Mason Park in September, annually. See also, http (8 replies, last updated by Professor Salt September 1, 2003)

Another idea for food – my parents attended the wedding of one of my brother’s boyhood friends which was organized as a potluck for 100 people. In lieu of gifts, the guests were asked to make a dish from their own... (8 replies, last updated by Marilyn January 20, 2002)

that Giordanos' is probably one of the worst pizza places in Chicago, and most Chicagoans eat thin crust pizza. Friday we will take them down to Chicago to see the Michael Jordan statue, & Oprah’s studios at their request.... (18 replies, last updated by swsidejim July 7, 2008)

Siam, Taste of Asia, 3520 W First St., Santa Ana. This restaurant is CASH ONLY. Next door to Favori restaurant, it’s on First Street between Fairview and Harbor. They do a very good drunken noodle, btw. We ordered some for... (49 replies, last updated by OCAnn January 7, 2009)

Last year, on a vegan kick I made quite a few “Magic Loaf” recipes, using this site: http://www.veganlunchbox.com/loaf_studio.html One loaf involving Gimme Lean sausage and oatmeal, among other things, tasted okay to... (27 replies, last updated by MommaJ April 22, 2007)

I need to cook dinner for 30 people this coming weekend. It’s not a potluck...I’m cooking the entire dinner for the crowd. Would love ideas, recipes, hints for cooking for that large of a gathering. I don’t... (30 replies, last updated by wyf4lyf April 20, 2006)

-tip. Also having some sliced heirloom tomatoes that I picked up at Studio City F.M. yesterday, with some fleur de sel and basil and maybe a little olive oil. Very simple. I was pawing through my freezer this morning trying to... (45 replies, last updated by Will Owen October 26, 2006)

laughing out loud right now — this is a very good place (we had not been there before) but going to a restaurant that only uses ovens and is about the size of my studio apartment is not really the best choice on one of the... (8 replies, last updated by Melanie Wong September 25, 2003)

having only pre-1900 art. You could also consider the glass studios working in abstract forms in many cases to be modern art. Many contemporary artists live and exhibit their work in galleries that in residential neighborhoods.... (16 replies, last updated by adam November 12, 2002)

—in that case go for that item, from mr. papaya or hmong express. i like to sit at the long tables and nosh while watching the photo studio's digital display— it’s funny because it’s a bunch of formal,... (57 replies, last updated by Harmony414 August 30, 2009)

to know that they don’t have to put out matching plates or even have a sit-down dinner. One of the best was a Cuban brunch with our plates in our laps in tiny studio. It might make your friends more relaxed about hosting,... (76 replies, last updated by im_nomad May 2, 2008)