Starter ideas for a fussy eater?

[bookmarket]

I was going to do smoked salmon but one of the guests doesn't like vinegar or anything like beetroot, mustard, horseradish. What starters, smoked salmon or not, could I make to suit this person which is still a bit interesting flavour wise? This is for NYE.

Toast and pate with a bit of salad?

Melon with a glacé cherry-of course that’s boring as hell, but if they’re fussy…

Smoked salmon mousse made with cream cheese lemon dill etc. others can have horseradish on the side if they like. Cream cheese will make the pate mild/accessible in flavour.

Can’t you still do the smoked salmon (if the fussy guest likes that)? Do what you were going to do with the salmon starter, but just serve his plain with a lemon wedge or something?

Whats the rest of the menu?

Depending what else you're serving.

I'm fussy but love garlic mushrooms on toast or a good soup.

As a fussy eater I think a soup is a good starter, then you can serve the smoked salmon to the other guests! Everyone is happy!

Do the salmon with cream cheese or crème fraiche and no horseradish etc

Ask the fussy eater what they might like?

Glass of orange juice?

Personally - I won’t single put the fussy eater with a different dish. i’d make a small selection of starters people can dish out from and put sauces on the side.
Not having beetroot, vinegar, horseradish or mustard leaves plenty of starter options.
Starters can be smoked salmon (sauce on the side) salad (dressed or not); other seafood; any of Xmas like starters; asparagus, etc.
I am sure the fussy eater will figure it out - as they must somehow navigate other social eating situations

Duck is the main course.

The fussy eater is a close relative and I'd rather do one same starter for all. I'll have a look at some more recipes online. I'm just decision fatigued. 😩

Just do a wooden board with lots of nibbles. Pate, smoked salmon, shrimp, cheese, cold meats, grapes etc. Then people can help themselves. Some wont want to eat a big starter, some will. You can also make the board before and put it in the fridge, ready to serve

Pear, blue cheese and walnut salad or crostini

Oh yum - that's a good idea. They do like blue cheese.