To what extent do you cater to adult picky eaters?
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Anonymous
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I’m not talking about allergies or restrictions. I’m talking straight-up adult picky eaters.
My parents are visiting soon, and my local brother and his husband are coming over as well for a few meals. Dad and my brother are picky: meat and potatoes, no fish, no “funny shaped pasta.” Feeding them for multiple meals is challenging, especially Dad who is an overnight guest. I’ve dealt with this for years. I’m starting to think screw it, I’ll make what I make and if they don’t like it they can help themselves to PB&J or order their own takeout… |
Anonymous
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I wouldn’t think a few days would be that hard. Do you have a grill?
Chicken Pork chops Steak Chicken salad 
Roast beef sandwiches Hamburgers Spaghetti and meatballs Roast chicken from the grocery |
Anonymous
| I accommodate old people and handicapped people. |
Anonymous
Men hate chicken salad unless you put grape nuts and celery in it. |
Anonymous
| I make them what they will eat. One of my kids is still picky and will forever be, so I'm used to it. |
Anonymous
| I spend my entire home cooking life accommodating adult picky eaters. What are you gonna go? |
Anonymous
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I don't. Picky adult eaters have 3 options:
- eat what I make/order/serve - pick around what I eat/order/serve - bring or make their own food, and clean up after themselves. |
Anonymous
OP here. I think I’m ready to go into this mode. And to another PP’s point, yes it really is a lot for a week of cooking for two houseguests (all meals and snacks) and at least 4 “bigger dinners” with the other visitors. My nuclear family alone is 5 people, so even the volume for 9 people is challenging, plus on top of that I do at least one meal where my local cousin and her family of 5 comes over as well. So even grilling is quite a volume game. I can’t even ask DCUM for advice because the typical “baked ziti” and “chicken shawarma” will not work for my Dad especially. |
Anonymous
And mayonnaise. Lots and lots of it. Like a good 1/3 or more of the chicken salad should be mayo. |
Anonymous
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Cater to their preference for one night (meat and potatoes). Then take out so they can choose what they want. Or, "I'm making xyz, if that doesn't work for you, I have extra burgers in the freezer if you'd like to make something else.
I understand a general "I don't care for fish" but funny shaped pasta? No. |
Anonymous
| I will make sure something in the meal is something they like and that there’s enough of it to feed them. But the adult picky eaters in my life are all kind thoughtful people who would rather quietly make a sandwich after dinner than complain about my cooking, so there’s no resentment, just mild bemusement. |
Anonymous
Aren't you worried that funny-shaped pasta would taste funny and possibly require a special funny-shaped fork? |
Anonymous
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I enjoy cooking, and part of what I enjoy is pleasing other people, so I would make sure there are things that people like. Now that might be grilling some hot dogs or burgers with the chicken shawarma, or serving relatively plain roast chicken with potatoes, carrots and a fantastic salad for the rest of us.
The funny shaped pasta thing is a bit weird but it’s not that hard to serve serious shaped pasta with a choice of some daring sauce or Rao’s. |
Anonymous
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Zero
Picky eaters are the worst of the worst people. Total joy killers how have infantile palates. I would in invite everyone except them. If they come, they can go pound white bread in the corner all by themselves. Picky eaters are totally annoying losers. |
Anonymous
| I make sure there is something on the table they can eat. So if that's beef, the sauce and veggies are on the side. If we are having fish, then I make a side of spaghetti with sauce on the side. Anyone is welcome to eat leftovers from the fridge or throw some beans/other protein on the salad. |