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Would it be rude to bring a selection of appetizers, including some meat ones, to a vegetarian's house?
I am going to a little gathering at a friend's house and want to bring a variety of stuffed mushrooms. I'm tempted to bring the sausage stuffed ones (though I have some vegetarian versions) because about half the people there aren't vegetarians and always go hungry at these affairs. Since the host is a vegetarian should I scrap this idea? Would it be too insulting?
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September 27, 2009 03:38 AM
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I'm a vegetarian, and I know plenty of people who are vegetarians for a variety of reasons.
Do not take meat into their homes without discussing it with them first. They may be ok with it, or they may not. If they are not ok with it, they could be deeply offended. Even if they are ok with it, they may wonder why you presumed to do that without even asking.
I find the premise that meat-eaters go hungry at a dinner in a vegetarian home extremely implausible. If that's really happening it's because there just isn't enough food, or enough good, appealing food. If it really is an issue, I'd discius it with your friends. Maybe you can figure out a different veggie menu that would go down well with your meat-eating friends, or even decide it's better you all go for a meal together someplace else.
Believe me, vegetarians are well aware of the problems of going someplace and finding that there is insufficient good food for them to eat, so they'll certainly sympathise if that is the case for the meat-eaters among you.
Do not take meat into their homes without discussing it with them first. They may be ok with it, or they may not. If they are not ok with it, they could be deeply offended. Even if they are ok with it, they may wonder why you presumed to do that without even asking.
I find the premise that meat-eaters go hungry at a dinner in a vegetarian home extremely implausible. If that's really happening it's because there just isn't enough food, or enough good, appealing food. If it really is an issue, I'd discius it with your friends. Maybe you can figure out a different veggie menu that would go down well with your meat-eating friends, or even decide it's better you all go for a meal together someplace else.
Believe me, vegetarians are well aware of the problems of going someplace and finding that there is insufficient good food for them to eat, so they'll certainly sympathise if that is the case for the meat-eaters among you.
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September 26, 2009 06:13 PM
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In theory... unless you were advised only to bring vegetarian food then it should be fine... but theory and real life often differ in things like this.
If it was me I'd ask your friend if it was ok. I'm guessing it would be but its still best to ask. If I was too afraid to ask this particular vegetarian then I'd take that as a sign to stuff my mushrooms with lentils instead....
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If it was me I'd ask your friend if it was ok. I'm guessing it would be but its still best to ask. If I was too afraid to ask this particular vegetarian then I'd take that as a sign to stuff my mushrooms with lentils instead....
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September 26, 2009 06:20 PM
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I don't think that's rude at all. If this is a friend that you can call ahead of time, just let her know your intent and that you wanted to help her out with the carnivorous confections.
One thing I do know is that vegetarians don't like handling meat. Period!
As long as you separate the two stuffed mushrooms and bring them on two different plates, there should be no complaints.
Just to make sure that everything is 'kosher' with her, it might be nice to give her a heads up before hand.
I have only met one vegetarian who did not allow meat in her house, and I wouldn't want you to have a repeat of my experiences that day!
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One thing I do know is that vegetarians don't like handling meat. Period!
As long as you separate the two stuffed mushrooms and bring them on two different plates, there should be no complaints.
Just to make sure that everything is 'kosher' with her, it might be nice to give her a heads up before hand.
I have only met one vegetarian who did not allow meat in her house, and I wouldn't want you to have a repeat of my experiences that day!
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September 26, 2009 06:28 PM
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I would ask your friend or let her know in advance. Most vegetarians that I know don't really care if other people eat meat, they just choose not to.
Unless it's a moral issue, in that they don't eat anything that was once living. Then they're more likely to become offended or upset if you bring meat into their home or to their party.
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Unless it's a moral issue, in that they don't eat anything that was once living. Then they're more likely to become offended or upset if you bring meat into their home or to their party.
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September 26, 2009 11:27 PM
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I would only bring vegetarian food UNLESS the hosts specifically asked you to bring non -vegetarian food, or you are sure they will not be offended. Some vegetarians would be very uncomfortable having animal products served in their house.
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September 26, 2009 11:53 PM
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The fact you ask the question hints at the correct answer for you. It is not clear-cut that you can bring a meat dish to a vegetarian's house. However, there is nothing preventing you asking your friend how s/he feels about it. When you do ask, it would be advisable not to say "about half the people there aren't vegetarians and always go hungry at these affairs." That may well offend your friend. If s/he says it's ok, you're good to go, but should make sure to separate the meat dish from the vegetarian food and label each clearly.
One last point to consider is that if your friend is not only vegetarian, but also keeps a kosher or halal home, bringing in vegetarian food may be fine, but bringing in non-kosher or non-halal meat would be a big no-no. However, in this case your friend would probably have mentioned to you what foods not to bring.
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One last point to consider is that if your friend is not only vegetarian, but also keeps a kosher or halal home, bringing in vegetarian food may be fine, but bringing in non-kosher or non-halal meat would be a big no-no. However, in this case your friend would probably have mentioned to you what foods not to bring.
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September 27, 2009 12:49 AM
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I don't think there is much harm in asking your friend. You could also ask some of the other guests what they think in advance, and if they've ever considered doing the same thing. Keep in mind that if your host feels being a "carnivore" is a moral issue though, not asking in ahead of time could actually cause quite a bit of trouble.
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September 29, 2009 06:00 PM
My personal years of vegetarianism. Helpful Answer? (0)
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I'm a vegetarian, but I never impose it on others. If I was the hostess I would be very appreciative that a guest was providing something with meat since I don't really like to prepare it myself. But you never know... some vegetarians are very particular about all of this, so definitely ask first. Maybe present it as an offer, like "hey Sally, I am planning on bringing a few varieties of my famous stuffed mushrooms!!! The sausage-stuffed is always a crowd fave, would you like me to bring that? Or would you prefer vegetarian only?" Perfect! Now you are known as the "thoughtful" friend.
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