OK...pasta or risotto for my dinner Friday?

[kwormann]

I am torn. WE are having an end of the year dinner with a Mediterranean theme, but I am torn over risotto or pasta. Pasta is safe, but risotto is so elegant. HOWEVER, risotto is more of a risk because not everyone likes it and 4 of these people are new to my cooking.....I would hate for them to think I cant cook because they didnt like the risotto (isnt that aweful of me?)

HELP!

[Marsha]

I'd vote for the dish that takes you away from your guests less and that doesn't heat up the kitchen as much (although it is supposed to be marginally cooler on Friday!).

[Jessica]

I second that. Risotto will keep you in the kitchen until you serve it--not as much fun. I once threw a waffle party and ended up waffling in the kitchen all night. Bleah.

[LGBurns]

I agree--pasta can be just as elegant as risotto if done well (which I'm sure you will!) and won't have you stirring over the stove instead of enjoying your guests. But I have to admit, I'm not a huge risotto fan myself.