Entertaining go-to dishes

I'm enjoying everyone's responses and getting some good ideas. Keep 'em coming!

Several entrants here: 2 or 3 Lemon and Onion Roast Chickens: http://www.food52.com/recipes/3307_lemon_and_onion_roasted_chicken

Nigella's Black and Blue Steak: http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/516219 I add a splash of wine to the marinade

Sheila Lukins famous Silver Palate Chicken Marbella: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/CHICKEN-MARBELLA-SILVER-PALATE-COOKBOOK-1277030 I use chicken breasts, thighs, etc.

Jacques Pepin"s Beef Burgundy

And a riff on Tyler Florence's Lasagna al Forno, or Ina's Mushroom Lasagna.

I make a braided cheese bread that gets raves every time. I've also had good luck with a side dish of haricots verts tossed in a lemon-shallot vinaigrette, topped with shaved parmesan and prosciutto roses.

Lasagna in all its varied forms. Easy to assemble, fun if you want people to pitch in or easy to do in advance, and it can be anything I need it to be -- vegetarian or with meat, rustic or a little more sophisticated, made entirely from scratch if I have time or assembled with good store-bought ingredients, and I love that it's one of those things that feel comfortable and relaxed. Although in the summer our go-to is anything on the grill.

Filet of Beef Roast - expensive but so easy and delicious!

My go-to-dish when I want to dazzle guests is Luciana's Porchetta by Aliwaks.

http://www.food52.com/recipes/3871_lucianas_porchetta

I have made it at least a half dozen times during the holidays. Most of the prep is done the day before...and all you have to do on the day of is bake it for several hours. Sautee some garlicky broccoli rabe, a nice crunchy baguette, and dinner is ready. Added bonus, if you are able to find a pork shoulder with the skin, you have perfectly seasoned cracklings!

Mine is boiled quail eggs with pink sauce or if you really want to impress with caviar on the side. Very decadent yet tasty.

mine is braised short ribs. i make them the day before, then shred and turn the dish into a ragu to serve over pasta (usually orecchiette). its the kind of thing not EVERYONE makes, so it seems special, plus you do all the work ahead of time so you're not a slave to the kitchen the night of the dinner party.
then its just fresh herbs on top, grated parm and something green (broccolini) and you're done!

My go to entree is Halibut with Crab Sauce En Papillote. And my 2 most requested appetizers are
http://www.food52.com/recipes/8908_roasted_fennel_white_bean_dip and
http://www.food52.com/recipes/10769_raw_basil_guacamole

I love David's Chang's steamed buns for a dinner party. Servied with his tea brined chicken and pork bellies. Its easy to serve and people go nuts for the flavors. http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/03/chinese-roast-chicken-buns-with-scallions-spicy-hoisin-sauce.html

My new favorite -- this plum-blueberry tart is beyond awesome.

http://www.food52.com/recipes/6116_plum_and_blueberry_custard_tart_with_a_hazelnut_crust