I agree that at 12 months plus,they should be eating pretty much what the other kids are having. With some exceptions for choking or allergy watch, of course. Sometimes it's not what to serve, but how to serve it. Just cut it up a little more or in a more "grab-able" way. If you worry about mess, leave the sauce off of things like pasta, meatballs, etc. You can add it on for older kids.
Scrambled eggs go over really well here, you can cook them so it's a finger food. Pancakes are a great match with eggs. We make either mini sized ones, or I cut them into strips to hang onto. Bite size pasta as well. LOVE frozen mixed veg, just need to warm it up, and it's good to go. Nutritious, too! Pizza is a winner, cut into small squares. And of course, chicken strips and french fries.
I freely admit that I don't "cater" to certain tastes, and parents are made aware. I make what I make, I serve what I serve. You can eat it or not, your choice. I do believe that if a child is hungry enough, they will eat. And it's not my job to cajole, beg or plead for them to eat either. I can't force a kid to try something. I will offer some encouragement. If they haven't even taken a bite, I will suggest they try "just one". If they had some, but I feel like they could do more, I will suggest "three more bites". But I won't make them.