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Plan A Stress-Free Holiday Party With Mexican Catering On Balboa Island

Holiday season on Balboa Island sneaks up fast. One minute you are planning a small get-together, and the next you are hosting 40 for a Friendsgiving or a corporate mixer. Good news: you can make the food simple, festive, and memorable with bespoke Mexican catering from El Mercado. This guide walks you through menu picks, portions, budgets, timelines, and how pickup or delivery works so you can relax and enjoy your guests.

Why Mexican catering is perfect for November and December

  • Crowd-pleasing flavors. Tacos, guacamole, and warm soups fit every mood and mix well with holiday beverages.
  • Easy to scale. You can feed 10, 50, or 100 with a build-your-own setup and a few smart sides.
  • Flexible for dietary needs. You can cover meat lovers, pescatarians, vegetarians, and gluten-sensitive guests in one spread. Whether you are planning a Friendsgiving potluck, an HOA block party, a family reunion, or a corporate holiday mixer, a taco bar brings everyone together.

Your holiday menu, made simple and festive

Start with a base menu that keeps guests nibbling and mingling, then add a warm element for cozy, cold-weather vibes.

  • Starters to spark the appetite
    • Fresh guacamole with warm chips. Creamy, bright, and always the first bowl to empty.
    • Crispy chicharrón with salsas. Salty crunch that pairs with margaritas and beer.
  • The taco bar that wins every party
    • Carnitas, tender and juicy.
    • Shrimp, a fan favorite with citrus and spice.
    • Cauliflower, flavorful and satisfying for vegetarians.
    • Tortillas, salsas, pico, lime, black beans, and white rice to complete the bar.
  • A cozy sip for sweater weather
    • Chicken tortilla soup shooters. Easy to carry, warming, and fun. Offer a tray pass during arrivals or set them near the bar.

Want to go bigger? Add carne asada or grilled fish, a tray of Brussels sprouts, or ceviche for a bright counterpoint. If your event leans corporate, label proteins and allergens, and keep the line moving with separate salsa and toppings stations.

Portion planning made easy

Here is a practical guide to help you order the right amount.

  • Tacos per person
    • Adults usually eat 2 to 3 street-style tacos when there are appetizers and sides.
    • For a light mixer with lots of nibbles, plan 2 per person.
    • For a full meal or hungry crowd, plan 3 per person.
  • Proteins and mix
    • Offer at least 3 protein choices for groups of 20 or more. Carnitas, shrimp, and cauliflower cover the most preferences.
    • Expect about 4 to 5 ounces of combined cooked proteins per guest across all choices.
  • Sides and starters
    • Chips and guacamole: 1 pound of chips and 2 to 3 ounces of guacamole per 5 guests.
    • Rice and beans: 3 to 4 ounces of each per guest.
    • Soup shooters: 1 per guest for a welcome; 2 per guest if it doubles as an appetizer course.
  • What about 50 people?
    • How many tacos to feed 50 people: plan 120 to 150 tacos depending on the rest of your menu.
    • For proteins, plan roughly 12 to 15 pounds total cooked meat and veggies combined, divided across your selections.
    • For chips, 10 pounds with plenty of salsa and guacamole.

These numbers are a starting point. When you share your guest count and event style, we will fine-tune portions so you have enough without overbuying.

What kind of Mexican food is best for catering?

Choose items that travel well, hold heat, and allow easy self-serve.

  • Tacos with carnitas, shrimp, and cauliflower, plus tortillas and toppings.
  • Guacamole, pico de gallo, and salsas that stay bright and fresh.
  • Black beans and white rice, reliable crowd-pleasers.
  • Chicken tortilla soup shooters for a warm, seasonal touch.
  • Optional add-ons: ceviche and Brussels sprouts. For pescatarians and veggie lovers, include grilled fish and cauliflower tacos.

Everything above works for corporate mixers, Friendsgiving spreads, HOA holiday strolls, and family reunions. You get color, aroma, and a festive look that photographs beautifully.

Dietary accommodations without stress

You want everyone to feel welcome at your table. Here is how we make that easy.

  • Vegetarian and vegan: cauliflower tacos, beans, rice, and salsa toppings. We can prepare vegan-friendly modifications on request.
  • Gluten sensitive: corn tortillas are naturally gluten free. We can package flour and corn separately. D- airy on the side: serve crema and cheese as toppings instead of mixing them in.
  • Shellfish labeling: if you serve shrimp, we will label trays clearly and separate utensils.

Tell us your guests' needs, and we will design a custom plan that keeps cross-contact low and options plentiful.

Budget ranges you can count on

Catering is bespoke, and pricing varies by proteins, sides, service level, and date. Use these ranges to plan.

  • A good budget for Mexican catering
    • Light appetizers and a taco bar for small gatherings often land around 18 to 28 dollars per person.
    • Add premium proteins, soup shooters, or extra sides, and you may see 25 to 40 dollars per person.
  • How much does it cost to feed 50 people at a party
    • For a balanced taco bar with chips, salsas, and two sides, plan roughly 1,000 to 1,800 dollars.
    • Add shrimp, soup shooters, and guacamole for everyone, and you may budget 1,500 to 2,500 dollars. Actual quotes depend on your selections and schedule. Share your headcount and must-haves, and we will price it clearly with no surprises.

Timeline: when to book and what to confirm

- 3 to 4 weeks out: reserve your date for mid November through December. Popular Fridays fill fast.

  • 2 weeks out: lock your menu and note dietary needs. Decide on pickup versus delivery.
  • 5 to 7 days out: confirm final headcount. We will adjust portions and invoice.
  • Event day: set up your taco bar 30 to 45 minutes before guests arrive. Keep hot trays covered until service.

Hosting on short notice? Call us. We will do our best to make it happen

Pickup or delivery, your choice

Here is how to place a catering order for pickup or delivery.

  • Call (949) 994-6515 or email info@mercadomodern.com with your date, time, location, guest count, and menu ideas.
  • We will suggest a custom menu, portion plan, and quote.
  • Choose pickup from our Balboa Island kitchen or local delivery with a scheduled drop window. We can provide labeled trays, reheating tips, and serving utensils.
  • After you confirm and pay the deposit, we handle the rest. On the day, you will get hot items packed for heat retention and cold items chilled and ready.

If you want to get the ball rolling online, you can also use request catering quote 320 marine ave ste b, newport beach, ca 92662 to share basics and we will follow up quickly.

Perfect for corporate mixers, Friendsgiving, HOA parties, and family reunions

  • Corporate mixers: small plates and soup shooters keep conversations flowing. Clear labels and neat stations keep lines short.
  • Friendsgiving: let guacamole and chicharrón start the party; a taco bar gives everyone something they love.
  • HOA gatherings: easy pickup or timed delivery, tidy trays, and simple cleanup.
  • Family reunions: build-your-own tacos turn into an activity for all ages. Add a tray of Brussels sprouts for a green side that disappears fast.

Helpful add-ons and party tips

  • Set a beverage table with lime wedges, aguas frescas, and chilled beer. Ask about margarita options and house mixes.
  • Keep proteins warm with chafers or warming trays. Rotate smaller batches to keep everything fresh.
  • Separate topping stations so guests can move quickly.
  • Place extra napkins near the salsa bar. Always.

For smaller groups, dine in and save

If your group is under 10 and you prefer a casual night out, swing by for Taco Tuesday. Enjoy the deals, try new flavors, and keep your kitchen spotless. It is also a great way to taste-test tacos before you pick a catering lineup.

Ready to plan your menu? Here is your next step

Call us at (949) 994-6515 or email info@mercadomodern.com. Tell us your date, headcount, and any must-have dishes. We will create a custom quote, portion plan, and schedule for pickup or delivery. If it fits your flow, you can also browse taco bar catering 320 marine ave ste b, newport beach, ca 92662 to get inspired before we talk.

Summary

A holiday party should feel joyful, not stressful. With a simple taco bar built around carnitas, shrimp, and cauliflower, plus guacamole, chicharrón, and chicken tortilla soup shooters, you will cover every taste and keep your budget in control. Plan 2 to 3 tacos per guest, scale sides smartly, and use the budget ranges above to set expectations. Order by phone or email, choose pickup or delivery, and enjoy the night. When you are ready, reach out for your custom quote, and we will bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your Balboa Island gathering.