Could I Ask Some Advice On Being Invited To A New Friend's House For Dinner?

[BelleVie]

This one is totally out there, as it involves a language barrier, being in a foreign country, AND celiac. 

 

Last week, my boyfriend met a couple of really nice Korean guys and they've invited us over to one guy's home for dinner this weekend. It will be a full family affair, wives, kids, dogs, sounds like lots of fun and I'm really looking forward to making some new friends. But I'm wondering the best way to handle things, as it will be my first meal at someone else's house since being diagnosed. Before, I might have tasted a few side dishes that looked safe, but now I don't think I should take any chances. 

 

My plan is to make some Korean style vegetable pancakes that I can eat, and take enough to share with everyone, and then when I get there I will try my best to explain to the host/hostess why I won't be able to eat. I hope they aren't offended. I've found that Koreans have a really hard time "getting it" when it comes to this, I guess because wheat allergies are so rare in Korea, and celiac, as far as research can tell so far, doesn't occur here at all. It's just such a foreign idea to them, like someone being allergic to water. Haha. 

 

Has anyone had any experiences like this? I just want to have a good time and not upset anyone, and I really don't want to make it awkward for the hosts or for my boyfriend. Talking about gluten can be such a mood killer. 

[kareng]

I think I would just try to explain that some foods make you sick but you came because you really like them and enjoy their company.  You could even laugh it off as a stupid white person illness.  If they ask if you can have this or that, I would just say that your doctor told you not to eat food you haven't prepared.  You could blame it on the doctors.

[BelleVie]

Can I blame my PMS on doctors too? That would really help out my personal situation a lot. 

[kareng]

Can I blame my PMS on doctors too? That would really help out my personal situation a lot. 

 

Sure. 

 

But seriously...blaming it on the doctors takes it from being your personal quirk or an insult to their cooking and places it strictly into "following medical advice".

 

 

edited because it wasn't a complete sentence.  Now, it is more than complete

[BelleVie]

Haha, thank you for the advice! 

[0range]

This one is totally out there, as it involves a language barrier, being in a foreign country, AND celiac. 

 

Last week, my boyfriend met a couple of really nice Korean guys and they've invited us over to one guy's home for dinner this weekend. It will be a full family affair, wives, kids, dogs, sounds like lots of fun and I'm really looking forward to making some new friends. But I'm wondering the best way to handle things, as it will be my first meal at someone else's house since being diagnosed. Before, I might have tasted a few side dishes that looked safe, but now I don't think I should take any chances. 

 

My plan is to make some Korean style vegetable pancakes that I can eat, and take enough to share with everyone, and then when I get there I will try my best to explain to the host/hostess why I won't be able to eat. I hope they aren't offended. I've found that Koreans have a really hard time "getting it" when it comes to this, I guess because wheat allergies are so rare in Korea, and celiac, as far as research can tell so far, doesn't occur here at all. It's just such a foreign idea to them, like someone being allergic to water. Haha. 

 

Has anyone had any experiences like this? I just want to have a good time and not upset anyone, and I really don't want to make it awkward for the hosts or for my boyfriend. Talking about gluten can be such a mood killer. 

 

If you explain it as an allergy if they are unable to "get it" the first time, that helps! With an intolerance (or even the most appropriate definition of an "immune reaction") there is a bit of leeway meaning that you 'should' be able to taste at least a 'little bit'. Best of luck, relax and have fun! 

[nvsmom]

I would let them know ahead of time if you can. They might be able to accomodate you somewhat that way.