Creating place cards with food icons for weddings

[KT50]

I have created an excel spreadsheet to do a data merge with InDesign. All works just fine. Can add an image (icon of beef, fish or chicken) by inserting @Image column and copying path to the icon. However, I would like to take it a step further. The client sends me the spreadsheet with columns filled with guest names, food choices etc. I am trying to work out how to link the food words to the food images. ie if she has noted beef, it will automatically link with the beef icon image. I just cannot work it out. I am ok with this stuff but not a tech-head so simple is best for me! Thanks in advance!