528020 Wed Jun 11 09:18:54 -0700 2008 7 32 Chains 0 3770206 I am catering a wedding later this summer and haven't done the costco thing for awhile. I usually just make things for scratch and do TJs, but this time I am doing it in another state without TJs and without my own kitchen - So...I have a couple of specific question for you Costco lovers out there. I went to check out what they had and didn't see the spanikopita - do they not carry it anymore? Also are the meatballs any good, or are they too Italian to be doctored up for a greek theme? Any other fantastic bite sized hor d'oeuvres at Costco? I have read the favorite food at Costco threads, but want things that are good enough for a wedding - and sayign there isn't anything is OK too. Evening, light appetizer, outside but classy wedding... Wed Jun 11 09:18:58 -0700 2008 15001 jsaimd 1 3770330 I personally know a food purchaser who works for Costco. The Costco inventory changes every 14 days...they pay their bills every 30 days; this is why things are inexpensive compared to other places. Later this summer, the inventory will be different than it is today. Things come back near Thanksgiving and Christmas only. The spanikopita may be back by the time it is late summer. Something that is there today might not be there in late summer. I know the fresh made items are made within each store. Bakery stuff- breads, rolls are made locally. Frozen stuff is pretty much nationwide. Your question can't accurately be answered now, but in general, the food items have been test marketed in a few stores and then if they sell, are then purchased as a brand for nationwide distribution. You may have to buy items and taste test them for yourself and then go back the next day to buy more for the wedding. Wed Jun 11 09:51:55 -0700 2008 3770206 12123 Cathy 2 3773674 Well yes, some things change, but they have things they carry steadily for long periods of time and are fairly consistent at least one coast to the other. If something hasn't been there in years, then it is less likely to make a reappearance later. I just haven't had a Costco membership for several years, as we just don't get out there and save too much money with it. But I will have access to a membership when I cater the wedding, which is why I was hoping to gleen some wisdom from Chowhounds that frequent the stores. Thu Jun 12 07:59:47 -0700 2008 3770330 15001 jsaimd 3 3774778 The meatballs are ok, I keep them in the freezer to make quick meals. It might be difficult to do something with them that's not Italian. I love the Tzatziki and the Hummus ( the big tub, not the one with three small ones) in the refrigerated section, they are great with the pita chips. The fresh mozzarella is excellent. You can build a nice Caprese with some roasted peppers and fresh tomatoes (the safe ones). In the freezer section, the mini-quiches and crab cakes are also good. The spanakopita is very good (but not available right now). The tortilla crusted tilapia is excellent. We often do an "hors d'oevres" dinner just for us with mostly Costco products. Thu Jun 12 12:28:44 -0700 2008 3773674 11634 saeyedoc 4 3775596 Amen on the hummus. Their cheeses are fantastic as well. Thu Jun 12 16:30:01 -0700 2008 3774778 12296 steakman55 4 3777981 Seconding the mini quiches! Fri Jun 13 10:59:15 -0700 2008 3774778 83462 Lixer 1 3775514 In the refrigerated section, they have bite-sized Aidell's ginger teriyaki pineapple chicken meatballs which are packed with lots of flavor and as hors d'oeuvres would not need a dipping sauce. You can check them out at the Aidell's site. Thu Jun 12 16:06:57 -0700 2008 3770206 159317 greygarious 1 3780225 The meatballs have a mealy consistancy. I used them once for a big party (made them sweet and sour in the crock pot) and they went, but I was embarassed because I usually make my own meatballs and I cheated and hated the results! The brand I bought was not at all Italian-y. I really love the Hummus from Costco- with a huge bag of Stacy's Pita chips unless I make my own. The edamame I get is sold in small microwavable boxes and it is always good. Although, I may get that from Sam's. Now I can't remember. One year we got the bacon wrapped filet mignon on toothpicks. I was recovering from surgery and not up to full-force cooking, so we broiled them and I made several dipping sauces. Either they were being nice, or they did love them-they had a good flavor and were not at all tough or stringy. Also made the bacon wrapped scallops but I didn't care for those. Those tubs of marinated mozz with tomatoes are really good, and if you can find them, the stuffed italian peppers (stuffed with proscuitto and a wedge of hard parm-lolling about in a bath of olive oil). The peppers are not actually bite sized (in polite company!), you'd have to cut them in half. Check the cracker aisle for a red box of flat bread crackers- only $6 and they taste amazing. I wish I could remember the name. We have had the rotisserie chicken salad they make there and it's got a great flavor. (I'm thinking you can stuff cherry tomatoes with the chicken salad, serve nice cheeses with assorted crackers, cut veggies, dips etc- and I just re-read and you need a greek theme? Sorry! Sat Jun 14 09:31:03 -0700 2008 3770206 110426 Boccone Dolce 1 3780882 They also almost always have shrimp appies. I like the ones wrapped in shredded potatoes the best. The flatbread spread with the asiago dip and broiled until brown is very good. Also they often have a crab dip that would be nice. There is often a brie in puffed pastry but it seems to disappear over the summer. Sat Jun 14 15:21:21 -0700 2008 3770206 169994 pengcast