Dear Debra,

I am hosting a dinner party next month for 4 couples.  One of the women attending is a vegetarian. How should I handle the menu? Do I plan a meatless meal? Prepare something separate just for her? Or serve a meat entrée as I normally would, and she can just eat side dishes? Pam, Boston, MA

Dear Pam,

A guest with dietary restrictions, whether for medical reasons or by choice should not tell the hostess ahead of time unless they are the only guest or one of few.

For larger events, a guest with dietary restrictions due to medical reasons or food allergies should select foods that fit within their parameters and feel free to ask the hostess questions about specific dishes.

Pam, I have spoken with a number of vegetarians and vegans. All have shared they don’t want it to be an issue and would prefer the hostess plan the menu they want.

Having said that, I am always concerned about the welfare of my guests’ and want them to leave with a full and happy stomach!

Many vegetarians eat fish. So for smaller gatherings l select fish for the main course or a hearty roasted vegetable pasta dish. For larger get-togethers my main dish is usually meat, however I make sure to have a great salad and side dishes for my vegetarian guest to enjoy and still leave the table satisfied.

Debra

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