[pooh]

I've not read all the posts, but here's my "solution" to this problem...and I've learned it from our son, who is a chef.

When a group gets together for dinner, order appetizers and enough for all to enjoy. Order a variety. Once people start talking, they naturally grab food and munch. We don't generally order appetizers, but when dining at our son's restaurant, he always orders a few so we can try something we might not generally order.

Order, then the next time, maybe someone else will do the same.