It would make it a lot easier if the FA announced the start of the meal service on the intercom and described both dishes up front (doesn't need to be a Michelin star description, just something with a bit more detail e.g. tonight your choices are either chicken and rice with mixed vegetables or a cheese lasagna). Then a valid question would be 'chicken or pasta' to each individual person.
AA are giving me a choice about what to eat - just give me more information about my choices, that's all I ask.