Looking for a simple, but new, appetizer to serve my mentor who is coming over for dinner, any ideas? Trying to avoid the cheese and crackers

Some good quality prosciutto, olives, cheese, and crostini sound like the ticket.

here are two more appetizer ideas, straight from italy...and they both use puff pastry...which is sure to impress.

olive tapenade spirals and sun-dried tomato/parmesan bites

http://dolcevitadiaries.com/2010/02/05/snacking-allitaliana/

A couple simple recipes using crostini and making spreads.
1- ricotta with lemon zest salt pepper to taste
2- whizz up dried figs and anchovies on a food processor

I've been making these for years, http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pancetta-Crisps-with-Goat-Cheese-and-Pear-231265 or
http://www.food52.com/recipes/5277_chevre_devils

hmm, with the exception of the gougeres, it seems to be leaning towards an italian menu. you could always make crostinis:

with thyme pesto and lemon cream http://food52.com/recipes/5014_grilled_bread_with_thyme_pesto_and_preserved_lemon_cream

with roasted carrot and creme fraiche
http://www.food52.com/recipes/9826_roasted_carrot_harissa_and_crme_fraiche_crostini

OR

you could embrace the french aspect of the gougeres and balance it would with tapenade somehow....i have seen tapenade scooped with endive leaves that might be nice.

OR

i also think with the italian theme, if you know they eat meat...this would be a great chance to get some prosciutto in there....like some melon or asparagus or figs or dates wrapped in it and then roasted until nice and crispy. god...i could go for some of that right now. I personally am leaning towards this the most since it would be a nice light start to your meal and make sure people still have room to enjoy the work you put into those homemade raviolis!

hope this helps...best wishes for a successful and memorable dinner party!