RATZ - a dinner invitation

[Polly]

Hi Gang!

I am debating what to do. A new neighbor invited us to dinner tonite, along with some other neighbors. I accepted without really thinking it thru. When we go to good friends' homes, I take my own food or they accomodate me. Buffets are easy because no one has to know that you are not eating, but this is a sit-down dinner for 7. Tonite is a pot luck, and I'm bringing the appetizer. No problem there - I'll make something I can eat. But I would bet that there will not be one other dish that I can eat.

I HATE making a big deal - no way I would call all of these folks I don't even know and explain ahead. I guess I'll have to call the hostess and at least explain to her, but then I know she'll probably offer to make something especially for me. I don't want her to go to the trouble, plus as we all know, there's no way she would be able to avoid all of my triggers. She sure doesn't need a crash course in caveman eating!

I don't know what else to do. Any suggestions?

Love,

Polly

[Alice]

Hi Polly,

I think that what you've described is the best way and, really, the only way to go. Tell her that with all your intolerances, you really need to bring your own food this time. I hope she's gracious enough to let you do it without a fuss.

It's a bummer to be in this situation, I know! Even without all your intolerances, I've had to deal with similar invitations. Just last year, I was
invited to a big family (not my family) Thanksgiving dinner which would have been lovely; but I knew that with everyone bringing something, there was no way I would eat safely. I explained to the hostess and declined. I would have felt too awkward with a bunch of strangers.

Hope it works out and you have fun anyway! P.S. Aren't we the early birds - and on a Saturday, too!

Love,
Alice

[annie oakley]

I agree with Alice. Explain to her . I'm sure she would rather know than to never have you accept another Invitation. I bet she will understand. Love Oma

[Polly]

Thanks, Alice and Oma, for the support. I did call my neighbor, and she was extremely understanding and gracious. Turns out she is a vegetarian, so she understands what it is like to be in a situation where you risk offending the host/hotess because you can't eat their food. She also knows the feeling of not wanting to put someone out by having them make special food for you. So, she did not offer to make any acommodations for me, other than to leave the butter off of the veggies and put the salad dressing on the side. (I won't be able to eat the main course, which is a casserole made with flour and butter.) Sounds like I'll do just fine, though. Although, I'm sure whoever is bringing dessert will bring some incredibly delectable goodie, and I'll just have to sit there drooling! LOL!

Thanks again. I feel much better about this now.

Love,

Polly

[Jean]

Polly,

I tried to respond to this Saturday, but Dave cut the phone line while I was typing. Seems when you are doing the destruction part of home improvement, men take it literally! LOL

How did things turn out at the dinner?

Love, Jean

[Polly]

Hi Jean!

It went well....... thanks for asking. The hostess had prepared a veggie tray, and sat out some nuts, and served fresh cooked asparagus. I had taken some fruit. So, there were some things I could pile up on my plate. No one noticed that I didn't take any of the crab/shrimp casserole.

But dessert was a killer. It was a a "cake" made with 2 large round chewy brownies with creme de menthe filling in between. It looked and smelled heavenly and everyone was raving about it. Sigh. I did politely tell the guest who brought it that I was "allergic to chocolate" unfortunately. And I just sat there drooling. Sigh.

However, the next day I had some looser BMs. I think the nuts were dry-roasted, probably with one of my no-nos. RATZ. It's just impossible to eat out, isn't it? The best laid plans, etc..................

Love,

Polly

P.S. How are the birdies?