"-L." > wrote
>
> Ok, for you and your friends it's ok, then, but it's not proper
> etiquette in contemporary society and never will be. You don't ask
> about or dictate a host's menu - it is just something that shouldn't be
> done because it's rude. Your role as a guest is to accept or decline
> the invitation politely.
>
> For example, I was recenly served filet mignon eventhough I do not eat
> beef. I ate what I could because I'm a polite guest. Had I been asked
> before hand I would have stated that we eat no beef. But I wasn't
> asked, so I had to suck it up and eat it, or not, as was my choice. I
> ate some to be polite. Conversely I am hosting guests for
> Thanksgiving that eat no meat. I know this and will accomodate them.
> I asked for preferences and one guest doesn't like mushrooms. That's
> fine - there are plenty of things I can make without using 'shrooms.
> Had i not asked and people inquired about the menu, it would have been
> rude. But as a host I am willing to accomodate preferences, so I
> always ask or offer a menu.
>

I have to agree. When I have people over I generally let them know
what I am making, and ask if that is okay, no allergies, etc. I think that
is considerate. But if I am invited, you bet I have nothing to say about
the menu unless I am asked. In my experience most people will say, "I'm
fixing _____, does so and so like that?"

I feel sorry for people who have to cook for kids who all eat different
things
at home.

I have nephews like that. Their mother thinks she has pampered them by
catering to their whims from infancy, but she has really ruined them. Only
one out of four of these kids will eat PEANUT butter, and no, they are
not allergic. Only one will eat eggs--a different one. All of them will not
eat any pizza that has any topping but exactly what they want, and I mean,
they will go hungry rather than eat it. Each drinks a different type of soda
and
each eats a different type of breakfast cereal.