Most finicky eaters I know wouldn't touch coconut. I assume you know she likes it, but if you don't, serve a different dessert.

Are those things SHE likes?

Anonymous wrote:

I would do lobster tail with a side of lemon pasta/linguine or fettucine noodles, grilled asparagus with olive oil and pepper, mixed greens salad with vinaigrette, garlic bread and coconut cupcakes with a little optional raspberry coulis on the side.

OP’s menu sounds good, but this sounds even better. It really depends on MIL’s tastes and expectations. But it’s hard to criticize any meal with lobster and vegetables properly if simply prepared.

Op the menu is fine. I wish my DIL actually cooked and would be plenty happy to have her make the effort.

+1 on the heavy garlicky -- I also like a lighter salad with that meal.

Does she like coconut? I hate it, and would be unhappy with dessert. Maybe also have some lemon sorbet and berries available?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should have DH cook solo. It will get rave reviews!

🏆 You win!

Yes, that made me laugh.

OP, your menu sounds lovely. I do kind of agree that a plain green vegetable might be better than the Caesar salad, just because it's sounding kind of garlicky. But if she loves it, go for it.

In Italy, most people order an antipasto (salad, marinated veggie) AND primo (pasta) OR a secondo (meat, large piece of fish, etc.). I would simply first do a arugula salad with balsamic, some good pickles, capers, marinated veggies, maybe white anchovies. Then, I would do your pasta. Then, I would get some good pastry that could double as breakfast, or fresh fruit, chocolate truffles. I personally wouldn’t want dessert after a heavy meal like that, but I’m not a sweets person.

Pasta is not meant to be the main course. Serving in a bowl is irrelevant.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Add a steamed vegetable on the side. Broccoli, asparagus, green beans, etc.

Pasta is a complete dish. It doesn't need a side dish of steamed vegetables.

Many people cannot stomach a plate full of pasta only. Maybe it is not needed, but a side dish of a plain vegetable would likely be appreciated. It’s not going to help OP if her MIL is not feeling well for days after.

Nope. There is a reason pasta is served in a bowl at restaurants, not with a side veg like a chicken breast would be. The vegetables served with pasta (in addition to any IN the pasta) are in salad form.

Anonymous wrote:You should have DH cook solo. It will get rave reviews!

My evil twin would have DH cook, but only reveal the fact after MIL criticizes the meal to death.

Lighter salad choice and lighter dessert.

I would do lobster tail with a side of lemon pasta/linguine or fettucine noodles, grilled asparagus with olive oil and pepper, mixed greens salad with vinaigrette, garlic bread and coconut cupcakes with a little optional raspberry coulis on the side.

Anonymous wrote:You should have DH cook solo. It will get rave reviews!

🏆 You win!

Your husband should check with her. "We wanted to make sure to make something you like. We were thinking of making X, but are open to other ideas."

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Add a steamed vegetable on the side. Broccoli, asparagus, green beans, etc.

Pasta is a complete dish. It doesn't need a side dish of steamed vegetables.

Many people cannot stomach a plate full of pasta only. Maybe it is not needed, but a side dish of a plain vegetable would likely be appreciated. It’s not going to help OP if her MIL is not feeling well for days after.