Chow Down XXXIII

The Denver Broncos vs. the Atlanta Falcons: Let’s eat! Super Bowl XXXIII kickoff is at 3:18 p.m. Jan. 31, and for anybody out there hosting a party, it’s a good idea to start thinking about preparation.

Let’s say you’ll be too busy watching the hours-long pregame broadcast to slave in the kitchen preparing the noshes.

If that’s the case, maybe you’ll want to opt for a football field-length sub from the likes of sandwich giants Togo’s or Subway to feed your guests.

There are options aplenty with the sandwich shops: assorted meat and cheese trays, antipasto trays, fresh fruit and vegetable trays, and such as that. Depending on how many mouths you have invited over for the big game, you can expect to pay about $30 for a small assorted meat and cheese tray (serves 10-14) and $50 for a large tray (serves 22-30).

Most of the sandwich joints ask that you place your order 24 hours in advance. But give a call before that to be sure.

Area catering businesses are also called into action on Super Bowl Sunday.

“What we find is the client doesn’t want anything extravagant,” said Valerie Vollmer, who operates the catering service at Plug Nickel Restaurant in Westlake Village.

Depending on the size of the guest list and budget, Vollmer said, the host may choose individual dishes or a complete buffet.

Curious about the buffet option? Vollmer suggests a full Mexican buffet ($10 to $15 a person). The food is delivered and set up; there is no wait staff unless requested. Included are enchiladas, build your own fajitas, a soft taco bar and salsas (pico de gallo, tomatillo, etc).

Concentrate on the “easy-to-eat stuff that can stand sitting in the dish and won’t stain the carpet too bad,” said Sybil Coyner, who owns Buenaventura Catering in Ventura.

Some of the specialty dishes Coyner suggested are chili-lime chicken wings; red chili and cheese meatballs; hot shrimp chipotle salsa dip; and quesadillas with corned beef cabbage and mustard.

Place your catered orders by Wednesday or call ahead to discuss your options.

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Leeward Winery in Ventura will host its annual Winter Barrel Tasting event today and Sunday, offering a firsthand look at the intricacies of the winemaking process.

In the wine cellar, illuminated by candlelight only, visitors will compare actual barrel samples side by side with the current bottled release of the same varietal.

The aim is to give “your palate a picture of the development of the wine” and its varied stages of maturation, said Leeward owner Chuck Brigham.

Also served with the wines will be gourmet foods prepared by Nona’s Courtyard Cafe.

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today and Sunday. The event is free. Leeward Winery is at 2784 Johnson Drive. Call 656-5054.

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A fund-raiser for the County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held Friday at the Bella Maggiore Inn in Ventura.

Billed as the “Green Pig Party & Wee Taste of Ventura,” the event will offer food samples from about 15 area restaurants and caterers. Participating businesses include Franky’s, Busy Bee Cafe, Shakey’s, Tipp’s Thai, Sportsman Restaurant, Rosarito Beach Cafe, Nona’s Courtyard Cafe, Smith and Smith Catering and Buenaventura Catering.

During the event, which includes live entertainment, the organizing committee will announce the theme for the March 13-14 parade and festival, along with the grand marshal.

The party will commence at 5 p.m. and is expected to continue till 9-ish or beyond.

“It’ll go on as long as people are standing and still having fun,” said party chairman Tim O’Neil.

Tickets are $15; $5-off coupons are available at downtown area merchants and participating restaurants. The inn is at 67 S. California St. Call 652-0887 or 653-5541.

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Rodney Bosch writes about the restaurant scene in Ventura County and outlying points. He can be reached at 653-7572, fax 653-7576 or by e-mail at: rodney.bosch@latimes.com.