1. The card count came up a few times but I don't see/understand why having 363 could be a bad idea (other than production cost, which I don't even know how much it would be).
Well, to approach it differently, the game you're describing is much more focused on the ability of the players to describe their dish out loud. It's a creative game, not a card game per se (q.v. Dixit). Given that, why do you need so many cards? Are there really 121 distinct adjectives that you need to start with in your verbal descriptions? Or would 54 get you to the same basic space of descriptions?
I'd suggest researching the manufacturing side of things. Start with PrintNinja. You can get lower prices, but they probably win on simplicity of interface, ease of getting a basic card game quote, and educational resources on their site.
The Game Crafter is very active here, but I'm not sure that's a great choice for a game with a ton of cards and not much else. They can contradict me if they like :)
Personally I searched alibaba for the pieces I wanted to make, found companies that make them, and then emailed them asking about getting a quote. And also PrintNinja :). After a few contacts, I had a pretty good idea of how to talk about the components I need, and what cost more than what.
Also figure out how heavy your thing is. 7 decks of cards (without box or packing) weighs about a pound and a half..
Make yourself a Facebook page and start populating it. Right now.
Then google "Jamey Stegmaier Kickstarter" and read about 200 articles, assuming you'd be thinking about taking this to Kickstarter.
Then play your game a few more times.
