Dinner party menu ideas?

InsideInsurance

If we ignore the vegetarian, are these people allergic to things like mushrooms or do they claim to just not like them?

We used to have friends where he, she and their kid all had a list of things they "wouldnt eat" but each were different. Ive no idea what they did at home, he did mention beans on toast a lot, but we just ignored it and cooked what we had intended to anyway. Never once did they not have totally empty plates by the end of the night, in deed a few times they asked to take what was left home with them. I myself dont like seafood but if someone gives me a paella with prawns in it etc I just eat around them.

Obviously if people are allergic to food or its a more moralistic choice like vegetarian then its different.

lilmissreading

My first thought was something like butternut squash risotto but the disadvantage is the amount of cooking required while guests are there.

On a related note arancini (risotto balls dipped in egg and flour, fried) can look classy. You can make them in advance - I found them a bit time consuming and messy so would suggest this - and then reheated in the oven. With a nice side - salad, new potatoes, or roasted med veg and a potato dauphinoise it can look quite classy.

missbiggles1

Buzzybee90 wrote: »

She said twice, "one doesn't eat meat"

If she eats shellfish (or fish for that matter) she isn't a vegetarian.

ETA

I see others have made the same point.

missbiggles1

Buzzybee90 wrote: »

Hardly relevant to this discussion on what fits the needs of her guests. She stated their requirements, no need to nit pick.

Since when did guests "state their requirements"?

sooty&sweep

Aubergine Parmiagano is delicious

Its vegetarian and you can make it in advance.

Jen

Person_one

missbiggles1 wrote: »

Since when did guests "state their requirements"?

Depends if you ask or not, which the OP seems to have done.

Is it particularly helpful to try and turn the thread into a debate about whether its ok to be fussy/veggie/dislike something? The OP wants to try and make something they'll all enjoy, better to help her with that, no?

Pollycat

BigAunty wrote: »

For the main,

Baked orzo with mozzarella and oregano

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/sep/06/welcome-to-the-feast-11-yotam-ottolenghi-best-recipes

BigAunty
I'd like to thank you a dozen times for this link. :T

I've got some orzo I brought back from Greece, I usually use it in Giouvetsi (beef or lamb stew) but I'll try this recipe.

The book looks pretty interesting.

sooty&sweep wrote: »

Aubergine Parmiagano is delicious

Its vegetarian and you can make it in advance.

Jen

I love Aubergine Parmigiana too.

No advice for the OP's dilemma but I think I'd be inclined to go down this route. :rotfl:

Izadora wrote: »

Have two separate dinner parties?

Buzzybee90

missbiggles1 wrote: »

If she eats shellfish (or fish for that matter) she isn't a vegetarian.

ETA

I see others have made the same point.

I don't know why you're picking about the definition of vegetarian, she said from the offset about the lack of meat eating.

peachyprice

Buzzybee90 wrote: »

I don't know why you're picking about the definition of vegetarian, she said from the offset about the lack of meat eating.

Because there are no vegetarians invited?

Lots of people are coming up with vegetarian ideas when there won't be any there. Seems strange to cater for a group that isn't present.

Buzzybee90

peachyprice wrote: »

Because there are no vegetarians invited?

Lots of people are coming up with vegetarian ideas when there won't be any there. Seems strange to cater for a group that isn't present.

It's clearly stated in the first post though, anyone reading the initial post can see they don't eat meat. It says they eat shellfish but not fish, it's fairly hard to be confused by that.

Then you throw in all the others!

I'd personally cook meat for the meat eaters and make something different for the non meat eater, I'd not sacrifice my meat for anybody! Haha