Some comments about some topics here...
 

Guests that inquire as to what will be served when invited for dinner.

Perhaps I am old fashioned or maybe some (seems like most) people were
not raised with manners. My parents raised me to never ask what's
being offered. Just feel good that you were liked enough to be
invited.

You are being invited. They are providing the food, working hard to
make the meal as best they can. They are taking allot of trouble. You
do NOT IMPOSE on your host by asking what is being served and then
setting conditions. I know that isn't always why ALL people ask that
question. But more often than not...I think it is.

Close friends who delite in my cooking ask me what is for dinner when
I invite them. Sometimes I suprise them, Sometimes I tell them if I
know I am preparing a fav. of theirs.

Most often I reply with......."Your good company".


People that are invited and take over the grill.

At the least, they will never be asked back. At worst, they will be
beated with sticks.



Well done steaks.


I assume no responsiblity for well done steaks. Yes, I buy the bet I
can find. Prime or the top choice my butcher can obtain. Yes it is
expensive. But you want to eat it burnt? I can do that. Your
friendship is worth more to me than the cost of the steak.

I will give you a fair amount of good natured hell for your request :)


Guests that can't eat this or that.

If they can't eat it, I won't serve it to them. If they can't eat pork
and I am making ribs, I provide something of the same quality just for
them. It is NOT too much trouble. I must like them enought to make a
small adjustment if I invited them in the 1st place. I make great,
slow smoked ribbs. My special rub and sauce. My best friend is on
Atkins. I make a special rub and sauce just for him when we have a
family cook out at my place. Same for my dad who has Type 2 AOSD.


Picky eaters.

My wife is the pickiest eater in the world. I cook as I do. Picky
eaters can just PICK OFF what they don't like. You will not offend me
by picking out the onions, peas, garlic, etc.. Drive me nuts? Yep.
Offend me? Nope.


That is a plate. That is a napkin. My floor is not for crumbs. My
plates are not ash trays. Crawl out of the cave, this is 2006.


Red wine/white wine.


What ever you like. Yes, you may have red wine with fish.



High heat/low heat for a roast (beef)?


Heat onion in olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet to soft and
translucent and season it with what ever you are seasoning the roast
with. Add a head of corse chopped garlic for about 1 min. over med.
heat. Remove and place in your roasting pan.

Rinse and pat dry your roast. Season. For a chuck roast I use kosher
salt, corse black pepper, garlic and onion powder, basil, oregano, Old
Bay. Be generous. In the same cast iron skillet that you did the
onions and garlic in, brown well all sides of the roast.

Place the roast on top of the onions/garlic.

Deglaze the skillet with equal amounts of red wine and beef broth
(about 2 cups total). Reduce by half. Add wostershire sauce (1/8 cup
of so) and heat for 3-5 min. more. Pour over roast.

Add 1 cup beef broth to roasting pan and cover with foil twice. TWICE.
Crimp foil to form the best seal you can.

Set oven to desired doneness. Like 150f.

Cook till fork goes in with some resistance but will rip the meat if
twisted.

Raise temp to 400f. Cook till meat almost wants to fall apart.

Pan juices can be used to make a gravy.


The answer? Both low and high heat.

Just IMHO of course :)


Ethnic food.

Make it ETHNIC. No Tex/hex, Oriental fussion, German/Alaskin.

I you are gonna make it Tex/Mex, fine. Say so. Don't call it Mexican
food.


If you want fast food, go to Mickey D's. If you want my food, please
allow me the time to prepare it the way it is intended to be served.


Late guests.

Eat late. I will reheat, but don't expect me to ignore my other
guests while I do so.


Early guests.

Get the dirty jobs.


Drinks.


I owned a Resturant/Bar and can make 1M of them. No, I do not have all
the booze to do so. Don't ask for a "Purple Hooter" enless you brought
the stuff for me to make it. (Vodka, Razzmatazz, Cranberry juice)


Smoking.


I smoke. But not while people are eating. If I invited you over for
dinner, I already know if you smoke. If you invite me, you know that I
do.

I will not smoke in your house enless you let me know that is is OK. I
live just outside of Chicago. If you ask me over for a dinner party in
Jan. and it is -60 outside I will not smoke outside, and no, I can not
just "not smoke" for the next 4 hours. I have an addiction that is
legal in all states. If you can't provide indoor shelter for me while
I get my "fix", I will gracefully decline your invitation. No hard
feelings.

If you invite me and say smoking will be OK and then change it to NO
SMOKING when I get there, I will leave. I will never come back for a
dinner party again. You lied to me plain and simple. You wanted my
company enough to decieve me? I may be a nasty smoker with a filthy
habbit. But you my friend put your guest in a very uncomfortable
position when your job as host is to put your guest a ease.


BBQ sauce.

Red, Mustard, Vinagar based.

What ever you like!


The people of this group.

I been around on usenet a Looooooogggg time. I post here once in a
great while. I read most of what is posted every day.

Great bunch of people. And also some strange people too here and
there. You got some great cooks, weirdos, a guy who thinks he knows it
all, a guy who likes to post himself nude in other groups, someone who
calls Slop to task (funny and true stuff), in short, a cross section
of life.

I like it here.


All of the above is just my opinion. I do not claim to know it all,
have the answer to the meaning of life, or know the location of the
ark of the covenant.


I do know know to cook, like to eat, find humor in the small things,
love to read, and enjoy your good company.


Cheers!


Vega

Some comments about some topics here...
 

"VegA" > wrote

> I do know know to cook, like to eat, find humor in the small things,
> love to read, and enjoy your good company.
>
>
> Cheers!

Such a fun read for first thing in the morning, and you actually have
me thinking of making roast beef for dinner! I never make roast beef,
leaving aside pot roast. Thanks!

nancy

Some comments about some topics here...
 

VegA > wrote in message
...
> Guests that inquire as to what will be served when invited for
> dinner.
>
> Perhaps I am old fashioned or maybe some (seems like most)
> people were not raised with manners. My parents raised me
> to never ask what's being offered. Just feel good that you were
> liked enough to be invited.
[snip]

I was raised with this expectation and practiced a similar
provincial 'Tude for most of my adult life. Recently, unfortunately,
my body's decided to become allergic to a minor list of foods. I
feel, as a result of this new set of experiences, that dropping over
dead on the dinner table, tongue swollen to balloon proportions
inside, and protruding from, my mouth would simply provide the wrong
commentary to the original meal's intent, though. It also prevents
the host(ess) from spending a fortune on certain items.

Fer example... I love crab. If crab juice (not even the main source)
touches my tongue, it's a pretty dramatic reaction. I immediately
bloat, wheeze, and get all blotchy. (And yes, I now get the pleasure
of carrying that little Pen about on my person. It sucks to be me.)

I find that this new feature I'm experiencing is something that a
host(ess) wants to know prior to their event. I know I ask invitees
so as not to witness that sort of commentary about my cooking.

The Ranger

Some comments about some topics here...
 

The Ranger wrote:

> Fer example... I love crab. If crab juice (not even the main source)
> touches my tongue, it's a pretty dramatic reaction. I immediately
> bloat, wheeze, and get all blotchy. (And yes, I now get the pleasure
> of carrying that little Pen about on my person. It sucks to be me.)
>
> I find that this new feature I'm experiencing is something that a
> host(ess) wants to know prior to their event. I know I ask invitees
> so as not to witness that sort of commentary about my cooking.
>
> The Ranger

If I'm invited, I take care of my allergy to tree nuts by saying,
generally, "I don't know if you've decided on your menu or not, but you
might want to know that I'm severely allergic to tree nuts. I don't
want you to change your menu, but if you do have a dish that includes
them, I'd appreciate knowing. Actually, I can eat cashews and almonds,
and of course, peanuts."

Like you, if I am inviting, then I ask if there are any allergies or
other issues I need to know about before planning my menu. (Like, if
you see a piece of celery, you'll gag.)

N.

Some comments about some topics here...
 

In article >,
VegA > wrote:

> Guests that inquire as to what will be served when invited for dinner.
>
> Perhaps I am old fashioned or maybe some (seems like most) people were
> not raised with manners. My parents raised me to never ask what's
> being offered. Just feel good that you were liked enough to be
> invited.
>

and

> If they can't eat it, I won't serve it to them. I provide something of the same quality just for
> them. It is NOT too much trouble. I must like them enought to make a
> small adjustment if I invited them in the 1st place.

These two statements just contradicted each other...

There is not a damned thing wrong with special "please don't serve"
requests!

If they are not good enough friends to feel comfortable making said
request, they would not have been invited in the first place!

His wife apologized for not helping me clean up. She had a badly injured
foot and was on crutches......
--
Peace, Om

Remove _ to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

Some comments about some topics here...
 

On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:29:08 GMT, jay > wrote:

>On Tue, 14 Nov 2006 23:29:25 -0600, VegA wrote:
>
>> The people of this group.
>
>
>
>> Great bunch of people. And also some strange people too here and
>> there. You got some great cooks, weirdos, a guy who thinks he knows it
>> all, a guy who likes to post himself nude in other groups, someone who
>> calls Slop to task (funny and true stuff), in short, a cross section
>> of life.
>
>
>Some of this is well known.. I mean except for *ole nuggets*..??


Ya, but true.

Some comments about some topics here...
 

On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 08:46:47 -0500, "Nancy Young" >
wrote:

>
>"VegA" > wrote
>
>> I do know know to cook, like to eat, find humor in the small things,
>> love to read, and enjoy your good company.
>>
>>
>> Cheers!
>
>Such a fun read for first thing in the morning, and you actually have
>me thinking of making roast beef for dinner! I never make roast beef,
>leaving aside pot roast. Thanks!
>
>nancy
>


Your welcome. And thanks for your kind comments.

Love beef!

Love all food!

Some comments about some topics here...
 

On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 06:57:50 -0800, "The Ranger"
> wrote:

>VegA > wrote in message
.. .
>> Guests that inquire as to what will be served when invited for
>> dinner.
>>
>> Perhaps I am old fashioned or maybe some (seems like most)
>> people were not raised with manners. My parents raised me
>> to never ask what's being offered. Just feel good that you were
>> liked enough to be invited.
>[snip]
>
>I was raised with this expectation and practiced a similar
>provincial 'Tude for most of my adult life. Recently, unfortunately,
>my body's decided to become allergic to a minor list of foods. I
>feel, as a result of this new set of experiences, that dropping over
>dead on the dinner table, tongue swollen to balloon proportions
>inside, and protruding from, my mouth would simply provide the wrong
>commentary to the original meal's intent, though. It also prevents
>the host(ess) from spending a fortune on certain items.
>
>Fer example... I love crab. If crab juice (not even the main source)
>touches my tongue, it's a pretty dramatic reaction. I immediately
>bloat, wheeze, and get all blotchy. (And yes, I now get the pleasure
>of carrying that little Pen about on my person. It sucks to be me.)
>
>I find that this new feature I'm experiencing is something that a
>host(ess) wants to know prior to their event. I know I ask invitees
>so as not to witness that sort of commentary about my cooking.
>
>The Ranger
>

I always ask if they are allergic to anything.

I'm allergic to rag weed. One of my kids came home from school with
head lice and of course the entire household got it.

R.I.D. (over the counter lice treatment) has rag weed in it! Read the
lable. Damn near killed myself! Had to get some $50 prescription
stuff!

Some comments about some topics here...
 

On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 09:49:11 -0600, Omelet >
wrote:

>In article >,
> VegA > wrote:
>
>> Guests that inquire as to what will be served when invited for dinner.
>>
>> Perhaps I am old fashioned or maybe some (seems like most) people were
>> not raised with manners. My parents raised me to never ask what's
>> being offered. Just feel good that you were liked enough to be
>> invited.
>>
>
>and
>
>> If they can't eat it, I won't serve it to them. I provide something of the same quality just for
>> them. It is NOT too much trouble. I must like them enought to make a
>> small adjustment if I invited them in the 1st place.
>
>These two statements just contradicted each other...
>
>There is not a damned thing wrong with special "please don't serve"
>requests!
>
>If they are not good enough friends to feel comfortable making said
>request, they would not have been invited in the first place!
>
>His wife apologized for not helping me clean up. She had a badly injured
>foot and was on crutches......


Sorry I tend to disagree.

When I am invited I wouldn't think of imposing on my host to the
degree that they have to rearrange the menu for me. I'm not THAT
special.

What if they already purchased the food? If I don't like what they are
serving, would that make me decline the invation? No.

I say, "Please don't serve chicken". You say "Please no pork". My wife
says "No beef please". See where this can lead?

Perhaps The host should print a menu and allow their guests to oder
their food from it!

Some comments about some topics here...
 

VegA wrote:
> Guests that inquire as to what will be served when invited for dinner.

Are rude.

>
> Perhaps I am old fashioned or maybe some (seems like most) people were
> not raised with manners. My parents raised me to never ask what's
> being offered. Just feel good that you were liked enough to be
> invited.

Agreed. However, if asked, I offer preferences. A good host always
asks for preferences (usually among different choices) and allergies.

<snip>

> Well done steaks.
>
>
> I assume no responsiblity for well done steaks. Yes, I buy the bet I
> can find. Prime or the top choice my butcher can obtain. Yes it is
> expensive. But you want to eat it burnt? I can do that. Your
> friendship is worth more to me than the cost of the steak.
>
> I will give you a fair amount of good natured hell for your request :)

Why do you care how someone likes their steak?

>
>
> Guests that can't eat this or that.
>
> If they can't eat it, I won't serve it to them. If they can't eat pork
> and I am making ribs, I provide something of the same quality just for
> them. It is NOT too much trouble. I must like them enought to make a
> small adjustment if I invited them in the 1st place. I make great,
> slow smoked ribbs. My special rub and sauce. My best friend is on
> Atkins. I make a special rub and sauce just for him when we have a
> family cook out at my place. Same for my dad who has Type 2 AOSD.

I do the same.

>
>
> Picky eaters.
>
> My wife is the pickiest eater in the world. I cook as I do. Picky
> eaters can just PICK OFF what they don't like. You will not offend me
> by picking out the onions, peas, garlic, etc.. Drive me nuts? Yep.
> Offend me? Nope.
>

I omit that which my DH doesn't like. It really is a small list
(celery) and I can add it to my own food on the side. No skin off my
nose!

>
> That is a plate. That is a napkin. My floor is not for crumbs. My
> plates are not ash trays. Crawl out of the cave, this is 2006.
>

I have never had that problem.

>
> Red wine/white wine.
>
>
> What ever you like. Yes, you may have red wine with fish.

Agreed. I offer a selection and they can schoose from that selection.

>
>
>
> High heat/low heat for a roast (beef)?
>
>
<snip>

> The answer? Both low and high heat.
>
> Just IMHO of course :)

I used to sear and then just crock it.

>
>
> Ethnic food.
>
> Make it ETHNIC. No Tex/hex, Oriental fussion, German/Alaskin.

I like them all. What is German/Alaskan? Or was that a joke?

>
> I you are gonna make it Tex/Mex, fine. Say so. Don't call it Mexican
> food.
>
>
> If you want fast food, go to Mickey D's. If you want my food, please
> allow me the time to prepare it the way it is intended to be served.
>

Agreed.

>
> Late guests.
>
> Eat late. I will reheat, but don't expect me to ignore my other
> guests while I do so.
>
>
> Early guests.
>
> Get the dirty jobs.
>

LOL...

>
> Drinks.
>
>
> I owned a Resturant/Bar and can make 1M of them. No, I do not have all
> the booze to do so. Don't ask for a "Purple Hooter" enless you brought
> the stuff for me to make it. (Vodka, Razzmatazz, Cranberry juice)
>
>
> Smoking.
>
>
> I smoke. But not while people are eating. If I invited you over for
> dinner, I already know if you smoke. If you invite me, you know that I
> do.
>
> I will not smoke in your house enless you let me know that is is OK. I
> live just outside of Chicago. If you ask me over for a dinner party in
> Jan. and it is -60 outside I will not smoke outside, and no, I can not
> just "not smoke" for the next 4 hours. I have an addiction that is
> legal in all states. If you can't provide indoor shelter for me while
> I get my "fix", I will gracefully decline your invitation. No hard
> feelings.

No one smokes in my house. Not even in winter.

>
> If you invite me and say smoking will be OK and then change it to NO
> SMOKING when I get there, I will leave. I will never come back for a
> dinner party again. You lied to me plain and simple. You wanted my
> company enough to decieve me? I may be a nasty smoker with a filthy
> habbit. But you my friend put your guest in a very uncomfortable
> position when your job as host is to put your guest a ease.

That would be rude, to say the least.

>
>
> BBQ sauce.
>
> Red, Mustard, Vinagar based.
>
> What ever you like!
>
>
> The people of this group.
>
> I been around on usenet a Looooooogggg time. I post here once in a
> great while. I read most of what is posted every day.
>
> Great bunch of people. And also some strange people too here and
> there. You got some great cooks, weirdos, a guy who thinks he knows it
> all, a guy who likes to post himself nude in other groups, someone who
> calls Slop to task (funny and true stuff)

HUMM...who is the nudie? I must have been absent that day....

> in short, a cross section
> of life.

Usenet is the virtual street corner. :)

>
> I like it here.
>
>
> All of the above is just my opinion. I do not claim to know it all,
> have the answer to the meaning of life, or know the location of the
> ark of the covenant.
>
>
> I do know know to cook, like to eat, find humor in the small things,
> love to read, and enjoy your good company.
>
>
> Cheers!
>
>
> Vega

Come back and post more often.

Cheers!

-L.

Some comments about some topics here...
 

On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 09:49:11 -0600, Omelet >
wrote:

>In article >,
> VegA > wrote:
>
>> Guests that inquire as to what will be served when invited for dinner.
>>
>> Perhaps I am old fashioned or maybe some (seems like most) people were
>> not raised with manners. My parents raised me to never ask what's
>> being offered. Just feel good that you were liked enough to be
>> invited.
>>
>
>and
>
>> If they can't eat it, I won't serve it to them. I provide something of the same quality just for
>> them. It is NOT too much trouble. I must like them enought to make a
>> small adjustment if I invited them in the 1st place.
>
>These two statements just contradicted each other...
>
>There is not a damned thing wrong with special "please don't serve"
>requests!
>
>If they are not good enough friends to feel comfortable making said
>request, they would not have been invited in the first place!
>
>His wife apologized for not helping me clean up. She had a badly injured
>foot and was on crutches......

Just reread this.

I don't get the:>His wife apologized for not helping me clean up. She
had a badly injured foot and was on crutches......part.

I didn't read your orginal post so I wan't commenting on it. I was
just posting my general thoughts on the types of things I have read
here over time.

Peace.

I don't expect my guests to help clean up. It's nice if they offer,
but I didn't have them over to put them to work.

Enless they show up an hour early :)

Some comments about some topics here...
 

The Ranger wrote:

> Fer example... I love crab. If crab juice (not even the main source)
> touches my tongue, it's a pretty dramatic reaction. I immediately
> bloat, wheeze, and get all blotchy. (And yes, I now get the pleasure
> of carrying that little Pen about on my person. It sucks to be me.)
>
> I find that this new feature I'm experiencing is something that a
> host(ess) wants to know prior to their event. I know I ask invitees
> so as not to witness that sort of commentary about my cooking.
>
The difference being is that I'm sure you discretely mention your
allergies to the hostess long before the event and her cooking, and not
make a big public drama out of it while at the dinner. That is acceptable.
Demanding to know the menu because you're unsophisticated and don't want
to risk being served a piece of meat on the bone is not.

Some comments about some topics here...
 

Omelet wrote:

> There is not a damned thing wrong with special "please don't serve"
> requests!
>
Yes, there is. Read any etiquette book.
He was out of line. His issues weren't valid or even faux allergies. You
want to overlook it because you said yourself you don't do dinners
often, and perhaps were grateful to have him over.
It is not nice to tell the hostess how she may or may not prepare
something.

Some comments about some topics here...
 

VegA wrote:

> Guests that inquire as to what will be served when invited for dinner.
>
> Perhaps I am old fashioned or maybe some (seems like most) people were
> not raised with manners. My parents raised me to never ask what's
> being offered. Just feel good that you were liked enough to be
> invited.

I have a friend who often asks what is being served. I know that
he absolutely hates anything that is braised, so stews, short
ribs, chicken chausseur etc. are out of the question. Other than
that he is a very adventurous eater and will try anything. The
reason that he asks hat is being served is that he is really into
wine and has an extensive cellar. He will find something to go
with the meal.


> You are being invited. They are providing the food, working hard to
> make the meal as best they can. They are taking allot of trouble. You
> do NOT IMPOSE on your host by asking what is being served and then
> setting conditions. I know that isn't always why ALL people ask that
> question. But more often than not...I think it is.

It is just good manners. I just can't imagine asking someone what
is being served before accepting and invitation.


> Well done steaks.
>
> I assume no responsiblity for well done steaks. Yes, I buy the bet I
> can find. Prime or the top choice my butcher can obtain. Yes it is
> expensive. But you want to eat it burnt? I can do that. Your
> friendship is worth more to me than the cost of the steak.

If I know that someone wants a steak well done I don't bother
serving them good steaks. They obviously know shit about good
beef and might as well have the cheapest cut of beef I can find
because it is going to be as tough and flavourless once it has
been thoroughly over cooked and dried out.

> Guests that can't eat this or that.
>
> If they can't eat it, I won't serve it to them. If they can't eat pork
> and I am making ribs, I provide something of the same quality just for
> them. It is NOT too much trouble. I must like them enought to make a
> small adjustment if I invited them in the 1st place. I make great,
> slow smoked ribbs. My special rub and sauce. My best friend is on
> Atkins. I make a special rub and sauce just for him when we have a
> family cook out at my place. Same for my dad who has Type 2 AOSD.

Special provisions can always be made for people who simply can't
eat something. I plan an alternate dish or just cook something
else.

> Picky eaters.
>
> My wife is the pickiest eater in the world. I cook as I do. Picky
> eaters can just PICK OFF what they don't like. You will not offend me
> by picking out the onions, peas, garlic, etc.. Drive me nuts? Yep.
> Offend me? Nope.

I don't have a problem with people picking out the things they
don't like. The problem is that a lot of picky eaters react
inappropriately. I previously mentioned a 30+ nephew who pouted
that there was nothing he liked for dessert at Christmas. We had
put out Christmas pudding with caramel sauce, mince meat, dark
fruit cake, light fruitcake, brownies, Black Forest Squares,
short bread cookies, several other varieties of cookies, and
fruit salad. Screw him. If he can't find anything he likes with
that selection he is SOL, and his childish reaction didn't help.
I have also previously mentioned a coworker who came in for a
midnight shift all bent out of shape because his wife has served
him mushrooms, and he hates mushrooms. What made it really
bizarre was that he didn't know there were mushrooms in the Beef
Stroganoff until he went back for his fourth helping.


> That is a plate. That is a napkin. My floor is not for crumbs. My
> plates are not ash trays. Crawl out of the cave, this is 2006.
>
> Red wine/white wine.
>
> What ever you like. Yes, you may have red wine with fish.

Some reds go nicely with fish. I have problems with one sister
in law about wines. She hates red wine and drinks only whites.
She has very definite tastes, and she seems to prefer the white
wines that I don't like and she is very vocal about her dislike
of some of my favourites.


> Late guests.
>
> Eat late. I will reheat, but don't expect me to ignore my other
> guests while I do so.

Late guests don't get invited back. I extend an invitation and
plan to have drinks before. There is leeway, and there are
situation where there is a legitimate excuse, but not when
someone is hours late and have not called from the hospital or
the morgue. From my experience there are some people who are
late are always late. I just don't invite them for dinner.

My wife has a friend who has been invited a few times for dinner.
One time she had to go home and feed her cat, knowing dinner was
to be served soon, and was gone for several hours. Another time
she was invited in the afternoon and told to come for drinks at
five dinner at 6. My wife had spoken to her at 4 pm. and then
this woman went to a craft show in another town a half hour away
and arrives after dinner. She was not invited back.

Then there was my late brother in law's girlfriend who had been
invited for Thanksgiving. We had my mother and my wife's aunt and
uncle for dinner. Again, rinks at 5 dinner at 6. The woman, who
lives about 40 minutes away by car, called just before 6 top say
she is not feeling well and could someone come and pick her up.
Well sorry, we are just about to sit down to dinner. No we can't
come and get you because we are busy with last minute preparation
for the dinner we planned to eat 10 minutes after the time you
called and I am not going to make my other guests wait and hour
for you and a cold dinner.

Some comments about some topics here...
 

On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 11:51:24 -0500, Goomba38 >
wrote:

>The Ranger wrote:
>
>> Fer example... I love crab. If crab juice (not even the main source)
>> touches my tongue, it's a pretty dramatic reaction. I immediately
>> bloat, wheeze, and get all blotchy. (And yes, I now get the pleasure
>> of carrying that little Pen about on my person. It sucks to be me.)
>>
>> I find that this new feature I'm experiencing is something that a
>> host(ess) wants to know prior to their event. I know I ask invitees
>> so as not to witness that sort of commentary about my cooking.
>>
>The difference being is that I'm sure you discretely mention your
>allergies to the hostess long before the event and her cooking, and not
>make a big public drama out of it while at the dinner. That is acceptable.
>Demanding to know the menu because you're unsophisticated and don't want
>to risk being served a piece of meat on the bone is not.


Well said.

Some comments about some topics here...
 

On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 16:22:51 GMT, Steve Wertz
> wrote:

>On Tue, 14 Nov 2006 23:29:25 -0600, VegA wrote:
>
>> Great bunch of people. And also some strange people too here and
>> there. You got some great cooks, weirdos, a guy who thinks he knows it
>> all, a guy who likes to post himself nude in other groups, someone who
>> calls Slop to task ...
>
>And don't forget Charles Manson.
>
>Who's the guy who posts himself nude?
>
>Oh yeah, now I remember. Which one of those three old guys that
>was posted yesterday was Sheldon?
>
>-sw


I don't know if Sheldon posts himself nude or not. But he is NOT the
guy I was refering to.

I'm a nudist at heart so I'm not making a moral judgement. Altho what
this guy posts would not be considered "nudist" by any real nudist
that I know of.


I'd rather not say who he is. If you want to find out it would be very
easy. Writing style, nick name, references to this group from time to
time.

If he wants to out himself, it's his choice.

Some comments about some topics here...
 

The way I phrase the question is, "is there anything you can't eat?"
That way I know not to plan shrimp as the main course if my guest is
allergic to shellfish while not opening the door to my guests telling me
the exact menu they want as though I were a short order cook. I always
cook without added salt and try, within reason, to put dressings on the
side.


The Miss Manners advice is to make sure that there's something on the
table that everyone can eat and not worry about it after that. I do
follow that advice. If I get a vegetarian who can only eat the salad, I
make sure there's plenty of salad. If a friend comes over who is
lactose intolerant, I make sure there's something being served that's
not covered in cheese. For dessert, there might be something calorie
laden, but there's also plain fresh fruit. I've got my bases covered.


When I'm the guest, I don't ask what's being served, and I don't
volunteer my restrictions unless asked, BUT I am someone with few
restrictions and who is capable of eating little or nothing without
harm. If the only thing on the table that I can eat is the bread and
butter, then I'm happy eating just that. It would be unlikely that
someone came up with a menu that was made entirely of things I can't eat
(salmon, crab, eggplant, beets, pineapple, liver, popcorn, MSG, green
unprocessed oils), but if someone has adverse reactions to wheat, eggs
and peanuts, I see no problem with them mentioning that to the hosts.


I do have a problem with the general question "what are you serving?"
It makes everyone sound pickier than they have any right to be.


--Lia

Some comments about some topics here...
 

On 15 Nov 2006 08:38:17 -0800, "-L." > wrote:

>
>VegA wrote:
>> Guests that inquire as to what will be served when invited for dinner.
>
>Are rude.
>
>>
>> Perhaps I am old fashioned or maybe some (seems like most) people were
>> not raised with manners. My parents raised me to never ask what's
>> being offered. Just feel good that you were liked enough to be
>> invited.
>
>Agreed. However, if asked, I offer preferences. A good host always
>asks for preferences (usually among different choices) and allergies.
>
><snip>
>
>> Well done steaks.
>>
>>
>> I assume no responsiblity for well done steaks. Yes, I buy the bet I
>> can find. Prime or the top choice my butcher can obtain. Yes it is
>> expensive. But you want to eat it burnt? I can do that. Your
>> friendship is worth more to me than the cost of the steak.
>>
>> I will give you a fair amount of good natured hell for your request :)
>
>Why do you care how someone likes their steak?

I don't know. It really is no big deal.

Kinda like when we were kids. I knew the kid next door picked his nose
and eats it, but that dosn't mean I wanna watch him as he does it :)


>
>>
>>
>> Guests that can't eat this or that.
>>
>> If they can't eat it, I won't serve it to them. If they can't eat pork
>> and I am making ribs, I provide something of the same quality just for
>> them. It is NOT too much trouble. I must like them enought to make a
>> small adjustment if I invited them in the 1st place. I make great,
>> slow smoked ribbs. My special rub and sauce. My best friend is on
>> Atkins. I make a special rub and sauce just for him when we have a
>> family cook out at my place. Same for my dad who has Type 2 AOSD.
>
>I do the same.
>
>>
>>
>> Picky eaters.
>>
>> My wife is the pickiest eater in the world. I cook as I do. Picky
>> eaters can just PICK OFF what they don't like. You will not offend me
>> by picking out the onions, peas, garlic, etc.. Drive me nuts? Yep.
>> Offend me? Nope.
>>
>
>I omit that which my DH doesn't like. It really is a small list
>(celery) and I can add it to my own food on the side. No skin off my
>nose!

It would be easier to type out what my wife eats! The list of no's
would be way too long.

Umm, you said nose! (read my last response above :))
>
>>
>> That is a plate. That is a napkin. My floor is not for crumbs. My
>> plates are not ash trays. Crawl out of the cave, this is 2006.
>>
>
>I have never had that problem.

I only have that problem with one person. My DAD. He really ****es off
my Mom when he does it too!

>
>>
>> Red wine/white wine.
>>
>>
>> What ever you like. Yes, you may have red wine with fish.
>
>Agreed. I offer a selection and they can schoose from that selection.
>
>>
>>
>>
>> High heat/low heat for a roast (beef)?
>>
>>
><snip>
>
>> The answer? Both low and high heat.
>>
>> Just IMHO of course :)
>
>I used to sear and then just crock it.
>
>>
>>
>> Ethnic food.
>>
>> Make it ETHNIC. No Tex/hex, Oriental fussion, German/Alaskin.
>
>I like them all. What is German/Alaskan? Or was that a joke?

Joke.

Hmmm....now you got me thinking. Blubberworst!

>
>>
>> I you are gonna make it Tex/Mex, fine. Say so. Don't call it Mexican
>> food.
>>
>>
>> If you want fast food, go to Mickey D's. If you want my food, please
>> allow me the time to prepare it the way it is intended to be served.
>>
>
>Agreed.
>
>>
>> Late guests.
>>
>> Eat late. I will reheat, but don't expect me to ignore my other
>> guests while I do so.
>>
>>
>> Early guests.
>>
>> Get the dirty jobs.
>>
>
>LOL...
>
>>
>> Drinks.
>>
>>
>> I owned a Resturant/Bar and can make 1M of them. No, I do not have all
>> the booze to do so. Don't ask for a "Purple Hooter" enless you brought
>> the stuff for me to make it. (Vodka, Razzmatazz, Cranberry juice)
>>
>>
>> Smoking.
>>
>>
>> I smoke. But not while people are eating. If I invited you over for
>> dinner, I already know if you smoke. If you invite me, you know that I
>> do.
>>
>> I will not smoke in your house enless you let me know that is is OK. I
>> live just outside of Chicago. If you ask me over for a dinner party in
>> Jan. and it is -60 outside I will not smoke outside, and no, I can not
>> just "not smoke" for the next 4 hours. I have an addiction that is
>> legal in all states. If you can't provide indoor shelter for me while
>> I get my "fix", I will gracefully decline your invitation. No hard
>> feelings.
>
>No one smokes in my house. Not even in winter.

And that is fine and dandy. Your house, your rule.

I have a brother-in-law who will not allow smoking in his house.
Christmas every year was at his place. We would go outside to smoke.

One year it was something like -20 out. I declined the Christmas
invite.

His wife callled and said we just HAD to come, and she talked with
Jim, and we could smoke in the garage.

That lasted till after the 1st smoke my wife, my mother-in-law, and I
had.

Jim said "sorry, but the smoke is going to seep in through the dray
wall and he is allergic. We had to go OUTSIDE.

Wind chill was -60.

3 hours later he is in his family room smoking a joint and bumming a
cig. from me.

Next holiday, back top the same smoking ban.

Pardon me but, **** him.

It's cold out. You don't allow smoking. It's OK. I will just decline.
No hard feelings.
>
>>
>> If you invite me and say smoking will be OK and then change it to NO
>> SMOKING when I get there, I will leave. I will never come back for a
>> dinner party again. You lied to me plain and simple. You wanted my
>> company enough to decieve me? I may be a nasty smoker with a filthy
>> habbit. But you my friend put your guest in a very uncomfortable
>> position when your job as host is to put your guest a ease.
>
>That would be rude, to say the least.

Yea. And when it's family, its criminal.
>
>>
>>
>> BBQ sauce.
>>
>> Red, Mustard, Vinagar based.
>>
>> What ever you like!
>>
>>
>> The people of this group.
>>
>> I been around on usenet a Looooooogggg time. I post here once in a
>> great while. I read most of what is posted every day.
>>
>> Great bunch of people. And also some strange people too here and
>> there. You got some great cooks, weirdos, a guy who thinks he knows it
>> all, a guy who likes to post himself nude in other groups, someone who
>> calls Slop to task (funny and true stuff)
>
>HUMM...who is the nudie? I must have been absent that day....

I'm not outing anyone.
It's more like masterbation pictures, not just nude. Nude is not lude.
>
>> in short, a cross section
>> of life.
>
>Usenet is the virtual street corner. :)

Yep. One exception. In real life, people can get their ass kicked for
being an asshole. Her people can hide and say things they would never
say to someone in real life.

>>
>> I like it here.
>>
>>
>> All of the above is just my opinion. I do not claim to know it all,
>> have the answer to the meaning of life, or know the location of the
>> ark of the covenant.
>>
>>
>> I do know know to cook, like to eat, find humor in the small things,
>> love to read, and enjoy your good company.
>>
>>
>> Cheers!
>>
>>
>> Vega
>
>Come back and post more often.
>
>Cheers!
>
>-L.

Thanks, I think I will :)))

Some comments about some topics here...
 

-L. wrote:
> [snip]
> I like them all. What is German/Alaskan? Or was that a joke?
> [more snips]

Perhaps a schnitzel with a Caddy Ganty sauce...... -aem

Some comments about some topics here...
 

On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 12:15:39 -0500, Dave Smith
> wrote:

>VegA wrote:
>
>> Guests that inquire as to what will be served when invited for dinner.
>>
>> Perhaps I am old fashioned or maybe some (seems like most) people were
>> not raised with manners. My parents raised me to never ask what's
>> being offered. Just feel good that you were liked enough to be
>> invited.
>
>I have a friend who often asks what is being served. I know that
>he absolutely hates anything that is braised, so stews, short
>ribs, chicken chausseur etc. are out of the question. Other than
>that he is a very adventurous eater and will try anything. The
>reason that he asks hat is being served is that he is really into
>wine and has an extensive cellar. He will find something to go
>with the meal.

And there you have it. He is asking in order to be considerate of YOU.
He is being a good guest by offering the wine. Not because he isn't
coming if he dosn't like what you are having.
>
>
>> You are being invited. They are providing the food, working hard to
>> make the meal as best they can. They are taking allot of trouble. You
>> do NOT IMPOSE on your host by asking what is being served and then
>> setting conditions. I know that isn't always why ALL people ask that
>> question. But more often than not...I think it is.
>
>It is just good manners. I just can't imagine asking someone what
>is being served before accepting and invitation.

Me either. But boy do allot of people do just that.
>
>
>> Well done steaks.
>>
>> I assume no responsiblity for well done steaks. Yes, I buy the bet I
>> can find. Prime or the top choice my butcher can obtain. Yes it is
>> expensive. But you want to eat it burnt? I can do that. Your
>> friendship is worth more to me than the cost of the steak.
>
>If I know that someone wants a steak well done I don't bother
>serving them good steaks. They obviously know shit about good
>beef and might as well have the cheapest cut of beef I can find
>because it is going to be as tough and flavourless once it has
>been thoroughly over cooked and dried out.

That could be argued. I can make a shit steak tender. Also, the
tougher cuts generally have the most flavor. I guess the real sin is
to cook the meat to the point that all the moisture is gone from it.
Can you make a well done steak that is still moist? Yes. Can you do it
10 out of 10 times? I doubt anyone could do it 3 out of 10 times in a
row.


>
>> Guests that can't eat this or that.
>>
>> If they can't eat it, I won't serve it to them. If they can't eat pork
>> and I am making ribs, I provide something of the same quality just for
>> them. It is NOT too much trouble. I must like them enought to make a
>> small adjustment if I invited them in the 1st place. I make great,
>> slow smoked ribbs. My special rub and sauce. My best friend is on
>> Atkins. I make a special rub and sauce just for him when we have a
>> family cook out at my place. Same for my dad who has Type 2 AOSD.
>
>Special provisions can always be made for people who simply can't
>eat something. I plan an alternate dish or just cook something
>else.

Yep.

>
>> Picky eaters.
>>
>> My wife is the pickiest eater in the world. I cook as I do. Picky
>> eaters can just PICK OFF what they don't like. You will not offend me
>> by picking out the onions, peas, garlic, etc.. Drive me nuts? Yep.
>> Offend me? Nope.
>
>I don't have a problem with people picking out the things they
>don't like. The problem is that a lot of picky eaters react
>inappropriately. I previously mentioned a 30+ nephew who pouted
>that there was nothing he liked for dessert at Christmas. We had
>put out Christmas pudding with caramel sauce, mince meat, dark
>fruit cake, light fruitcake, brownies, Black Forest Squares,
>short bread cookies, several other varieties of cookies, and
>fruit salad. Screw him. If he can't find anything he likes with
>that selection he is SOL, and his childish reaction didn't help.
>I have also previously mentioned a coworker who came in for a
>midnight shift all bent out of shape because his wife has served
>him mushrooms, and he hates mushrooms. What made it really
>bizarre was that he didn't know there were mushrooms in the Beef
>Stroganoff until he went back for his fourth helping.
>

You hit the nail on the frikin head!


>
>> That is a plate. That is a napkin. My floor is not for crumbs. My
>> plates are not ash trays. Crawl out of the cave, this is 2006.
>>
>> Red wine/white wine.
>>
>> What ever you like. Yes, you may have red wine with fish.
>
>Some reds go nicely with fish. I have problems with one sister
>in law about wines. She hates red wine and drinks only whites.
>She has very definite tastes, and she seems to prefer the white
>wines that I don't like and she is very vocal about her dislike
>of some of my favourites.

Let her bring her own wine. If she also offers it to your other guests
that is.

Screw it, I'm goin for the BEER!

>
>
>> Late guests.
>>
>> Eat late. I will reheat, but don't expect me to ignore my other
>> guests while I do so.
>
>Late guests don't get invited back. I extend an invitation and
>plan to have drinks before. There is leeway, and there are
>situation where there is a legitimate excuse, but not when
>someone is hours late and have not called from the hospital or
>the morgue. From my experience there are some people who are
>late are always late. I just don't invite them for dinner.

Ya, my brother-in-law Tim and his wife Kelly. ALWAYS 1-2 hours late.
He walks in and declares he is HERE and where's the food.

Last time he did that we had all finished eating. I had saved him a
plate.

When I heard his car pull up I got out the plate.

My wife thought I was gonna heat it up in the micro.

Pricelees was the look on Tim's face when he asked where the food
was....and I smiled and pointed to the plate of food my dog was now
consuming.



>
>My wife has a friend who has been invited a few times for dinner.
>One time she had to go home and feed her cat, knowing dinner was
>to be served soon, and was gone for several hours. Another time
>she was invited in the afternoon and told to come for drinks at
>five dinner at 6. My wife had spoken to her at 4 pm. and then
>this woman went to a craft show in another town a half hour away
>and arrives after dinner. She was not invited back.

She is telling her husband/boyfriend/girlfriend that she is going to
your place for dinner. She is sneaking out and having an affair. You
guys are the alibi.

Hehehhehehe.


>
>Then there was my late brother in law's girlfriend who had been
>invited for Thanksgiving. We had my mother and my wife's aunt and
>uncle for dinner. Again, rinks at 5 dinner at 6. The woman, who
>lives about 40 minutes away by car, called just before 6 top say
>she is not feeling well and could someone come and pick her up.
>Well sorry, we are just about to sit down to dinner. No we can't
>come and get you because we are busy with last minute preparation
>for the dinner we planned to eat 10 minutes after the time you
>called and I am not going to make my other guests wait and hour
>for you and a cold dinner.


For real!

Just a few questions here.....

Your late brother in law? If so I am sorry for your loss.

You had your mother and your wife's aunt and uncle for dinner?

How did they taste? Braised? Poached? Inquiring minds want to know!

What are rinks? Do they require allot of preperation?

Just messin with you :)))

I would have sent her a cab and hoped she had the money to pay for it!

Not really. But it would kinda be funny in a crule kinda way.

Cheers.

Some comments about some topics here...
 

In article >,
VegA > wrote:

> On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 09:49:11 -0600, Omelet >
> wrote:
>
> >In article >,
> > VegA > wrote:
> >
> >> Guests that inquire as to what will be served when invited for dinner.
> >>
> >> Perhaps I am old fashioned or maybe some (seems like most) people were
> >> not raised with manners. My parents raised me to never ask what's
> >> being offered. Just feel good that you were liked enough to be
> >> invited.
> >>
> >
> >and
> >
> >> If they can't eat it, I won't serve it to them. I provide something of the
> >> same quality just for
> >> them. It is NOT too much trouble. I must like them enought to make a
> >> small adjustment if I invited them in the 1st place.
> >
> >These two statements just contradicted each other...
> >
> >There is not a damned thing wrong with special "please don't serve"
> >requests!
> >
> >If they are not good enough friends to feel comfortable making said
> >request, they would not have been invited in the first place!
> >
> >His wife apologized for not helping me clean up. She had a badly injured
> >foot and was on crutches......
>
>
> Sorry I tend to disagree.
>
> When I am invited I wouldn't think of imposing on my host to the
> degree that they have to rearrange the menu for me. I'm not THAT
> special.

I did not have to re-arrange the menu...
I would not even serve _myself_ the two single requests he made!
I don't eat crap like that, but he did not know that.

He knows now. <G> I think they were not expecting the level of meal
preparation that I love to do for guests!

> What if they already purchased the food? If I don't like what they are
> serving, would that make me decline the invation? No.

I would never, EVER serve mystery ground meat to guests, nor do I EVER
use lighter fluid. That stuff is pure poison and anyone that uses it is
an idiot.

>
> I say, "Please don't serve chicken". You say "Please no pork". My wife
> says "No beef please". See where this can lead?

Simple. I'd serve fish or get the guests together for a compromise.
Barring that, I'd prepare more than one entree. I do that all the time
anyway... Mine and dad's tastes don't always agree.

>
> Perhaps The host should print a menu and allow their guests to oder
> their food from it!

I've considered it!

I don't generally cook for myself. Honestly, if I lived alone, I'd
probably eat pre-prepared nuked TV dinners or eat out more. That's just
the way I am. I take joy in sharing.

Good food is no fun or pleasure for me if I don't get to share it with
someone. It's vital to me that someone else enjoys my efforts.

Sorry if that sounds weird, but that's just "me" and I am not ashamed of
that.
--
Peace, Om

Remove _ to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

Some comments about some topics here...
 

In article .com>,
"-L." > wrote:

> VegA wrote:
> > Guests that inquire as to what will be served when invited for dinner.
>
> Are rude.

Are close friends that know that I don't mind that sort of thing. :-)

Lighten up already!
--
Peace, Om

Remove _ to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

Some comments about some topics here...
 

In article >,
VegA > wrote:

> >His wife apologized for not helping me clean up. She had a badly injured
> >foot and was on crutches......
>
> Just reread this.
>
> I don't get the:>His wife apologized for not helping me clean up. She
> had a badly injured foot and was on crutches......part.
>
> I didn't read your orginal post so I wan't commenting on it. I was
> just posting my general thoughts on the types of things I have read
> here over time.
>
> Peace.
>
> I don't expect my guests to help clean up. It's nice if they offer,
> but I didn't have them over to put them to work.
>
> Enless they show up an hour early :)

I don't expect my guests to help me clean up either! It's just something
that she said to me out of the blue that I was impressed by...

It was no big deal anyway for me to do a quick cleanup as I clean as I
cook so the kitchen is clean when I serve. All I have to clean are the
plates, glasses and flatware we use which takes maybe 5 minutes.

The last party I attended, I DID help clean up! I helped to put the
buffet stuff away (it was a new years party with a table full of
appetizers) and I washed dishes.

I've known that couple for years. Paul and his husband Rodney are very
good friends. One of the most wonderful couples it's been my joy to
know. I felt perfectly comfortable helping clean up and we were also
spending the night so it made sense. <G>

One of my best female friends wedding receptions, I was a bit bored so I
found her mom and helped her finish setting up the buffet items too. <G>
I find doing stuff like that to be fun!
--
Peace, Om

Remove _ to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

Some comments about some topics here...
 

On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:36:55 -0600, Omelet >
wrote:

>In article >,
> VegA > wrote:
>
>> On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 09:49:11 -0600, Omelet >
>> wrote:
>>
>> >In article >,
>> > VegA > wrote:
>> >
>> >> Guests that inquire as to what will be served when invited for dinner.
>> >>
>> >> Perhaps I am old fashioned or maybe some (seems like most) people were
>> >> not raised with manners. My parents raised me to never ask what's
>> >> being offered. Just feel good that you were liked enough to be
>> >> invited.
>> >>
>> >
>> >and
>> >
>> >> If they can't eat it, I won't serve it to them. I provide something of the
>> >> same quality just for
>> >> them. It is NOT too much trouble. I must like them enought to make a
>> >> small adjustment if I invited them in the 1st place.
>> >
>> >These two statements just contradicted each other...
>> >
>> >There is not a damned thing wrong with special "please don't serve"
>> >requests!
>> >
>> >If they are not good enough friends to feel comfortable making said
>> >request, they would not have been invited in the first place!
>> >
>> >His wife apologized for not helping me clean up. She had a badly injured
>> >foot and was on crutches......
>>
>>
>> Sorry I tend to disagree.
>>
>> When I am invited I wouldn't think of imposing on my host to the
>> degree that they have to rearrange the menu for me. I'm not THAT
>> special.
>
>I did not have to re-arrange the menu...
>I would not even serve _myself_ the two single requests he made!
>I don't eat crap like that, but he did not know that.

Like I said, I didn't read your post.

>
>He knows now. <G> I think they were not expecting the level of meal
>preparation that I love to do for guests!
>
>> What if they already purchased the food? If I don't like what they are
>> serving, would that make me decline the invation? No.
>
>I would never, EVER serve mystery ground meat to guests, nor do I EVER
>use lighter fluid. That stuff is pure poison and anyone that uses it is
>an idiot.

Nor would I. Just because they may have already purchased the food
does not make it ground turtle guts.

I agree 100% about the lighter fluid. Tastes like gasoline.

>
>>
>> I say, "Please don't serve chicken". You say "Please no pork". My wife
>> says "No beef please". See where this can lead?
>
>Simple. I'd serve fish or get the guests together for a compromise.
>Barring that, I'd prepare more than one entree. I do that all the time
>anyway... Mine and dad's tastes don't always agree.

I don't think you got my point. I could have also said, "Bub says no
fish". Want a compromise? Throw a pot luck!


>
>>
>> Perhaps The host should print a menu and allow their guests to oder
>> their food from it!
>
>I've considered it!

Kewl! Last time I did that I opened a resturant. I also charged for
it.

But it could be fun. A theme night!

Theme night...Strip club theme!!!!


>
>I don't generally cook for myself. Honestly, if I lived alone, I'd
>probably eat pre-prepared nuked TV dinners or eat out more. That's just
>the way I am. I take joy in sharing.

TV dinners have worse stuff in them than the lighter fluid you
mentioned.

I too enjoy cooking for others. But there is a point where it is NOT
fun anymore. Like, no this, that, the other...

>
>Good food is no fun or pleasure for me if I don't get to share it with
>someone. It's vital to me that someone else enjoys my efforts.

Agreed!
>

>Sorry if that sounds weird, but that's just "me" and I am not ashamed of
>that.

No reason to be. I like you just the way you are :)

Some comments about some topics here...
 

On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:45:27 -0600, Omelet >
wrote:

>In article >,
> VegA > wrote:
>
>> >His wife apologized for not helping me clean up. She had a badly injured
>> >foot and was on crutches......
>>
>> Just reread this.
>>
>> I don't get the:>His wife apologized for not helping me clean up. She
>> had a badly injured foot and was on crutches......part.
>>
>> I didn't read your orginal post so I wan't commenting on it. I was
>> just posting my general thoughts on the types of things I have read
>> here over time.
>>
>> Peace.
>>
>> I don't expect my guests to help clean up. It's nice if they offer,
>> but I didn't have them over to put them to work.
>>
>> Enless they show up an hour early :)
>
>I don't expect my guests to help me clean up either! It's just something
>that she said to me out of the blue that I was impressed by...
>
>It was no big deal anyway for me to do a quick cleanup as I clean as I
>cook so the kitchen is clean when I serve. All I have to clean are the
>plates, glasses and flatware we use which takes maybe 5 minutes.
>
>The last party I attended, I DID help clean up! I helped to put the
>buffet stuff away (it was a new years party with a table full of
>appetizers) and I washed dishes.
>
>I've known that couple for years. Paul and his husband Rodney are very
>good friends. One of the most wonderful couples it's been my joy to
>know. I felt perfectly comfortable helping clean up and we were also
>spending the night so it made sense. <G>
>
>One of my best female friends wedding receptions, I was a bit bored so I
>found her mom and helped her finish setting up the buffet items too. <G>
>I find doing stuff like that to be fun!

Wanna come over for dinner tonight? I need the housed cleaned!

jUST KIDDING!!!!

i COULDN'T RESIST :)

Some comments about some topics here...
 

On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:36:55 -0600, Omelet >
wrote:

>I would never, EVER serve mystery ground meat to guests, nor do I EVER
>use lighter fluid. That stuff is pure poison and anyone that uses it is
>an idiot.

Am I mistaken? Did you say you use kerosene instead? I wouldn't
like that, either, no offense.

nancy

Some comments about some topics here...
 

Nancy Young wrote:
> On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:36:55 -0600, Omelet >
> wrote:
>
>> I would never, EVER serve mystery ground meat to guests, nor do I EVER
>> use lighter fluid. That stuff is pure poison and anyone that uses it is
>> an idiot.
>
> Am I mistaken? Did you say you use kerosene instead? I wouldn't
> like that, either, no offense.

I actually know someone who refuses to eat meat cooked on a gas grill
instead of charcoal. I'm gobsmacked by that level of pickiness.

Some comments about some topics here...
 

In article >,
VegA > wrote:

> >> Perhaps The host should print a menu and allow their guests to oder
> >> their food from it!
> >
> >I've considered it!
>
> Kewl! Last time I did that I opened a resturant. I also charged for
> it.
>
> But it could be fun. A theme night!
>
> Theme night...Strip club theme!!!!

<lol> With or without the poker game???

> >
> >I don't generally cook for myself. Honestly, if I lived alone, I'd
> >probably eat pre-prepared nuked TV dinners or eat out more. That's just
> >the way I am. I take joy in sharing.
>
> TV dinners have worse stuff in them than the lighter fluid you
> mentioned.

True for the most part... Some are better/worse than others.

>
> I too enjoy cooking for others. But there is a point where it is NOT
> fun anymore. Like, no this, that, the other...

I see your point, it can get stressful. It's just that my guest made
only two simple, reasonable requests and everyone is coming unglued over
it. He and his wife do not purchase nor eat ground meat. Beef or
sausage, either one.

While it has nothing to do with allergies, there are some types of food
that I prefer not to eat either. I have several food sensitivities so I
guess that's why I tend to respect food preferences more?

He also asked that I not use lighter fluid.

I actually went as far as not using briquets since they are chemically
treated. I posted the pics of the wood and charcoal that I bought and
used. I'll be doing that from now on now that I know for sure the big
store carries that stuff! I'll also raid some country roads for mesquite
deadwood and stockpile it.

When I e-mailed him about veggie preference, he said any veggies would
be wonderful. That made it easy. I stuck with standby's that have worked
in the past.

>
> >
> >Good food is no fun or pleasure for me if I don't get to share it with
> >someone. It's vital to me that someone else enjoys my efforts.
>
> Agreed!
> >
>
> >Sorry if that sounds weird, but that's just "me" and I am not ashamed of
> >that.
>
> No reason to be. I like you just the way you are :)

Ditto here! It's okay to agree to disagree sometimes on some items...
Cheers!
--
Peace, Om

Remove _ to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

Some comments about some topics here...
 

In article >,
VegA > wrote:

> >One of my best female friends wedding receptions, I was a bit bored so I
> >found her mom and helped her finish setting up the buffet items too. <G>
> >I find doing stuff like that to be fun!
>
> Wanna come over for dinner tonight? I need the housed cleaned!
>
> jUST KIDDING!!!!
>
> i COULDN'T RESIST :)

<lol>!

If I'm bored enough, don't think I'd not do it........ ;-D
--
Peace, Om

Remove _ to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

Some comments about some topics here...
 

In article >,
"Nancy Young" > wrote:

> On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:36:55 -0600, Omelet >
> wrote:
>
> >I would never, EVER serve mystery ground meat to guests, nor do I EVER
> >use lighter fluid. That stuff is pure poison and anyone that uses it is
> >an idiot.
>
> Am I mistaken? Did you say you use kerosene instead? I wouldn't
> like that, either, no offense.
>
> nancy

Lamp oil is Kerosine, yes, but I've only used it if the wood was damp
and I had trouble getting it burning. It actually burns off totally
clean.

It would only be a problem if you tried to cook on the coals before it
had burned off and you'd used an excess of it. It burns off very quickly.

I suppose the cleanest burning "starter" would be Ethanol, but that's a
bit expensive. ;-)

By far the vast majority of BBQ fires I've started start just fine using
Newspaper at the base and doing a proper kindling stack.
I bought wood for this from inside the store so no "starter" was
necessary.
--
Peace, Om

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"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

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Omelet wrote:

> If I'm bored enough, don't think I'd not do it........ ;-D


I've never understood it, but I agree. Washing my own dishes day after
day is a chore. Going over to someone else's house, enjoying a good
meal and good company, then washing THEIR dishes, that's fun. Jim is
out of town so I'm spending the time by myself doing all the
organizational jobs that I'd never get to while he was here. And I'm
enjoying all of them-- clearing off the tops of bookshelves of
accumulated papers, gadgets, receipts, spare change, attractive tin
boxes, and plastic film canisters, deciding which magazines get stored
in order and which go to the next library booksale, separating the red
and white wines on the racks, putting away the dog's toys from all over
the house, dusting pottery from long-ago classes. I'm enjoying all of
it and running out of tasks like this to do.


--Lia

Some comments about some topics here...
 

In article >,
Goomba38 > wrote:

> Nancy Young wrote:
> > On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:36:55 -0600, Omelet >
> > wrote:
> >
> >> I would never, EVER serve mystery ground meat to guests, nor do I EVER
> >> use lighter fluid. That stuff is pure poison and anyone that uses it is
> >> an idiot.
> >
> > Am I mistaken? Did you say you use kerosene instead? I wouldn't
> > like that, either, no offense.
>
> I actually know someone who refuses to eat meat cooked on a gas grill
> instead of charcoal. I'm gobsmacked by that level of pickiness.

While I'd not refuse to eat it, I personally prefer a wood/charcoal
grill. I've never seen the point in a gas grill. The flavor is just not
the same.......
--
Peace, Om

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"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

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"Goomba38" > wrote

> Nancy Young wrote:

>> Am I mistaken? Did you say you use kerosene instead? I wouldn't
>> like that, either, no offense.
>
> I actually know someone who refuses to eat meat cooked on a gas grill
> instead of charcoal. I'm gobsmacked by that level of pickiness.

Wow. Well, that's fine unless they are embarrassing their hosts
about it when they show up at a backyard do. I have no idea why
I said do, or if that's how you spell it. Anyway, it would never occur
to me to grill (harr) someone about the food if they asked me over.
If I'm going, it's sure not for the food. Good food is an added bonus.

nancy

Some comments about some topics here...
 

In article >,
Julia Altshuler > wrote:

> Omelet wrote:
>
> > If I'm bored enough, don't think I'd not do it........ ;-D
>
>
> I've never understood it, but I agree. Washing my own dishes day after
> day is a chore. Going over to someone else's house, enjoying a good
> meal and good company, then washing THEIR dishes, that's fun.

Weird isn't it? I know exactly what you mean!

> Jim is
> out of town so I'm spending the time by myself doing all the
> organizational jobs that I'd never get to while he was here. And I'm
> enjoying all of them-- clearing off the tops of bookshelves of
> accumulated papers, gadgets, receipts, spare change, attractive tin
> boxes, and plastic film canisters, deciding which magazines get stored
> in order and which go to the next library booksale, separating the red
> and white wines on the racks, putting away the dog's toys from all over
> the house, dusting pottery from long-ago classes. I'm enjoying all of
> it and running out of tasks like this to do.
>
>
> --Lia

You are supposed to train the dogs to put their own toys away...... <G>
I'm actually only halfway kidding. My nightshift partner has a pair of
Boston Terriers. They are trained to do just that when told to do so!

Her dogs are a total scream. She shares videos of them with me on her
camera.
--
Peace, Om

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On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:14:05 -0500, Julia Altshuler
> wrote:

>I do have a problem with the general question "what are you serving?"
>It makes everyone sound pickier than they have any right to be.

I admit to asking that. Three reasons.
1) Crash is allergic to mushrooms
2) I'd like to offer to bring something to go with it, if they'd like
me to (we don't know anyone who is well off, so the offer of food is
generally appreciated very much)
3) This might sound weird, but I like getting all excited, knowing
I'm going to be enjoying a lasagna (or fill in the blank) dinner.

Some comments about some topics here...
 

Damsel in dis Dress wrote:
> On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:14:05 -0500, Julia Altshuler
> > wrote:
>
>> I do have a problem with the general question "what are you serving?"
>> It makes everyone sound pickier than they have any right to be.
>
> I admit to asking that. Three reasons.
> 1) Crash is allergic to mushrooms
> 2) I'd like to offer to bring something to go with it, if they'd like
> me to (we don't know anyone who is well off, so the offer of food is
> generally appreciated very much)
> 3) This might sound weird, but I like getting all excited, knowing
> I'm going to be enjoying a lasagna (or fill in the blank) dinner.

The proper response in the above is "We'd love to come, but I need to
mention that Crash is allergic to 'shrooms. I hope that isn't a problem?
And what can I bring!? We're so thrilled to be invited"
Leave it at that if they don't jump on the "what you can bring" idea as
they may have a menu (even a budget friendly one)in mind already. Or
they don't yet. Perhaps what you want to bring doesn't fit the meal?
Don't force the issue if there is any hesitation. Or you could offer a
broad "Can I bring dessert?" and leave it at that, so when you bring it
they have a surprise too.

Some comments about some topics here...
 

Damsel in dis Dress wrote:
> On Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:14:05 -0500, Julia Altshuler
> > wrote:
>
>
>>I do have a problem with the general question "what are you serving?"
>>It makes everyone sound pickier than they have any right to be.
>
>
> I admit to asking that. Three reasons.
> 1) Crash is allergic to mushrooms
> 2) I'd like to offer to bring something to go with it, if they'd like
> me to (we don't know anyone who is well off, so the offer of food is
> generally appreciated very much)
> 3) This might sound weird, but I like getting all excited, knowing
> I'm going to be enjoying a lasagna (or fill in the blank) dinner.


But you could accomplish all 3 of your goals by asking in a different
way. You could say, "I love to cook and would love to make something to
go with your main course if you like." Then your hostess could tell you
what she's making without your starting the conversation with "what are
you serving?" You could say nothing, and if one dish happens to have
mushrooms, Crash could refuse that one item. It's hard to imagine a
dinner with mushrooms in everything.


Of course, some people have more restricted diets than others. If
someone is diabetic or has a ton of allergies, they might say when
accepting the invitation, "I'd love to come. I'm diabetic and have a
ton of allergies that puts me on a restricted diet; shall I bring my own
meal?" Then the hostess can say what she's planning to make, and they
can talk about it together. It still sounds better than "what are you
serving?" out of the blue.


--Lia

Some comments about some topics here...
 

Goomba38 > wrote in message
. ..
> The Ranger wrote:
> > Fer example... I love crab. If crab juice (not even the main
> > source) touches my tongue, it's a pretty dramatic reaction. I
> > immediately bloat, wheeze, and get all blotchy. (And yes,
> > I now get the pleasure of carrying that little Pen about on
> > my person. It sucks to be me.)
> >
> > I find that this new feature I'm experiencing is something
> > that a host(ess) wants to know prior to their event. I
> > know I ask invitees so as not to witness that sort of
> > commentary about my cooking.
> >
> The difference being is that I'm sure you discretely mention
> your allergies to the hostess long before the event and her
> cooking, and not make a big public drama out of it while
> at the dinner. That is acceptable.

You're right; it's mostly my MO. There was the time I was served a
dessert with a raspberry puree that caught me completely by
surprise. I thought the stinging on my tongue was the booze (she
used that Greek Everclear as a base) but by the time we were ready
to head home for the evening, I was an angry-red and fully-mottled
hive. I stopped at the emergency clinic for some
prescription-strength Benadryl that night.

> Demanding to know the menu because you're unsophisticated
> and don't want to risk being served a piece of meat on the bone
> is not.

That is different; I've [luckily] only run these buffoons at
work-related luncheons and dinners.

If I'm playing host, I'll be first to ask the invitee about known
allergies and if the list gets too long, I'll ask which restaurant
they would like to meet at. None of my friends have such a lengthy
list but there was one at my previous place of employment that
pulled it (once.)

The Ranger

Some comments about some topics here...
 

VegA > wrote in message
...
[snip]
> I always ask if they are allergic to anything.
[snip]

I think we're in violent agreement just saying things differently.

The Ranger

Some comments about some topics here...
 

The Ranger wrote:
I was an angry-red and fully-mottled
> hive. I stopped at the emergency clinic for some
> prescription-strength Benadryl that night.
>
Just an FYI. There is no "prescription strength Benadryl".. just a
higher dose given sometimes and alternative routes (oral and IV).