Please reread my first post. I clearly stated that I have had this conversation with him before. So I did not expect him to read my mind. And for this meal the meat was marinating most of the afternoon so it was a meal that was prepared ahead of time to make it the way we like it. Yes most meals do take about 2 hours max to make but not all can be made that quickly. Also some are portion made. So needing to know how many people are coming in advance is a must.