Potato Question

[jimfogarty]

Is it abosolutely positively necessary to have a potato with a luncheon?

I'm having a luncheon Saturday and I planned on serving grilled salmon with a cream dill sauce and grilled zucchini and yellow squash served on a bed of baby greens.

...and I've been asked "and what kind of potato"...my intial response was to say "the invisable kind"....but no, no.. be nice Jim...I said I hadn't planned on a potato...I was told or given that...."How declasse" look.

It's a luncheon... not an 8 course formal sit down with footman for Pete's sake.

Am I commiting a dining faux pas omitting the starch? I can easily grill up some purple bliss with the squash.

[CookMonster]

Personally I dont need a potato for a luncheon. One of my pet peeves is when people say that you "need" to have a starch, or, you "can't" eat this with that or that with this, etc...

You just have to make sure people get their fill without a starch. I would throw in some baby carrots or something with the zucchini

Too many rules!

[bbally]

I don't think it is necessary to have a starch, but I do think it is nice and does balance the offering.

I really disagree with the "Potato part" having to be the starch. Couscous or a real light rice pilaf might be cool and light enough to offer up for a lunch late summer.

But you know the client, so you would be best to judge what they will accept and what they will expect.

[Lorraine]

Ahh, Jim, if you're trying to get money out of them, and they want a potatoe, I say give them potatoe!! Of course, only if this is for the Restoration Society.

[moselle]

How about starting with vichyssoise.

[mark1]

Personally I wouldn't expect spuds with lunch or serve them unless it was fries with burgers.

[lockport]

how about a little julliened or potato string deep fried on top for a little bit of crunch, or a chip or three as a garnish?

[bohica]

Potato Gaufrettes
Anna Potatoes
Roasted Potato Wedges
Vesuvio Potatoes
Duchess
Gratin

These would all work with the Salmon, if they are dead set on some kind of potato. My first choice however would have been pilaf (rice that is)

[chefelle]

I am with Bob and Bohica--I would opt for the pilaf.

Personally I'd take a lovely salad over a potato any day. Just my opinion.

What's for dessert, Bro????

[bighead]

The salmon is on a bed of greens.
Call it a salad and forget the potato.

[Harborwitch]

I don't think I'd want a potato with that - perhaps orzo with fresh herbs, lemon, and butter or olive oil - with the olive oil it could even be cold.

Actually nice bread or rolls would be perfect.

[jimfogarty]

My exact thought too Sharon - I really didn't want a potato with it.

You may be on to something Bob & Bohica with the rice pilaf, I never even gave that a thought and it's much lighter to go with the fare.

Debbie - don't faint - I am actually making dessert - fear not I will not insult the baking industry. Champagne drenched with a raspberries and blackberries over vanilla gelato with a Milano cookie and a mint sprig.

Lorraine, I have pretty much resigned from begging....not the project, just the begging for money for it. People began to run and hide. I felt I should be on a corner with a tin cup...Alms for the poor!!!!!! I'll pm you the details.

Thanks everyone!!

[cjs]

damn computers - just knocked me off again...

how about a nice little red tato half topped with sour cream (or creme fraiche) and caviar???

or a timable of quinoa, coucous, or ? combined with flavors that go with salmon - bacon, capers, kalamatas, or spinach

[ChefSwag]

What about a paprika mashed potato, piped out into florets, then baked again until you get a crispy shell.

[Derek Cooks]

Personally, I think Mr. Potato Head center-pieces on each table would solve all the issues...