My Dilemma. Having a friend of dh for spontaneous, casual dinner tomorrow. We have not seen him

I think the problem with tequila is more having overindulged in

youthful shenanigans and never being able to even stand the smell after that. I was sick on tequila one too many times. It makes me cringe now to even think about tasting it.

 
Barb, for what it's worth...

The word "chef" is very overused these days. And while you may be thinking "gourmet"...imagination running wild, maybe even Michellin rated, in my experience, I've heard people refer to everyone who cooks at any kind of restaurant, "chef." The bacon boy at the greasy spoon around the corner is now dubbed, "chef."

And I agree with others, if she is a bonnafied chef, they appreciate having anyone cook for them, especially food that's not fussy. Tony Bourdain says, "I travel 250 days a year, when I get a chance to eat at home? I want a Tat's ruben, not some four star white linen spot."

In other words, do your thing. You're a great cook. Stick with your favorite recipes so you at least know what to expect, relax and enjoy the night.

Here's my favorite quote from Roger Ebert, " If the conversation at a dinner party isn't more interesting than the food, you're at the wrong table."

 
But it can't be totally genetic. I hated it as a kid, but love it now!!

And I know a bunch of people who were the same. I always thought my tastebuds grew more sophisticated smileys/smile.gif

But I can sympathize with the haters - it can really take over a dish.

Oh well, more for me.

Just kidding, just kidding!

 
Oprah just interviewed Martha Stewart. Martha said people get intimidated by her....

But she just loves getting invited.

So don't worry about it, and enjoy their company!

 
Same here, hated it early on...thought it tasted nasty nasty. Grew to love it as

an adult and I'm *now* so glad I was encouraged to keep an open mind and continue to try it from time to time (all the while of course snidely wishing people would stop trying to push things on me that they loved but I hated...lol).

Now!, that said!....I'll prolly never ever ever ever ever ever ever like goat cheese. Ewwwy Pewwy. smileys/wink.gif

 
Me too. I got plastered at 19 on tequila shots and it took years to recover to the point

where I could even stand the smell. (My reputation never did recover.) Then in my 40's I sipped some good (100% agave) stuff and loved it. The same with Scotch--couldn't stand it until a few years ago. I think it was the quality.

Cilantro, I loved from the first bite.

 
I'm sure not Martha but I rarely get invited out for dinner

When you have a reputation for cooking people are afraid to cook for you. I know for myself I enjoy whatever someone puts out in front of me. A good hot dog off the grill with friends is so much better than a fussy big dinner out.

So true all this advice- just go for it, Barb. Make something you are comfortable cooking and your guest chef will enjoy it no end.

 
I used to pick mushrooms out of everything. now, I like them cooked(in butter) but not raw.no way.

I won't invite you to dinner tonight. We're making Emeril"s mushroom lasagna. sorry.

 
Thanks so much everyone for your ideas, suggestions, inspiration and encouragement. It was a lovely

evening. His wife, as it turns out was professionally trained, spent time in Europe, Taught at CIA, blah, blah, blah... (It was very intimidating to hear)... BUT, he made me feel that my dinner was the best he had ever tasted. He was very kind and appreciative to get together.

Fun, special evening!

Thanks again!

 
Cheez, I had to redo the menu, I had another last minute engagement, which kept me out of the house

until 4:00....SO, as a result, I pulled the dinner together, last minute, cooking while we were nibbling.

Fancy olives in long olive boat platter
Cherry Tom / Mozz / balsamic in another olive boat platter
cheese / crackers
Grapes
Fig Jam

Orzo with Shrimp, Feta and White Wine Sauce (Epi)

Caesar Salad with homemade croutons (epi)

Gays Mocha cheesecake cups

It went really well together, I was able to do quite alot of Friday, (dessert, croutons, prep, clean, etc), then make the dinner while we were talking. All in all, it worked! I think it was a nice balance of using store bought ingredients and cooking.

Thanks for asking!

 
Isn't that always the way it is?! I worry and worry about something, then go off in a completely

different direction and simplify smileys/smile.gif

 
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