What does the cryptic crossword clue "Had a meal with friend, skipping starter (3)" mean?

The definition is "Had a meal". The wordplay uses a deletion. ATE (deletion) = ATE; definition: "Had a meal" The answer is ATE.

Had a meal with friend, skipping starter (3)

Times Cryptic #28705 | 23 Across | 2023-09-11 flower