My boss is taking us to lunch to celebrate Chinese New Year (1 employee is Chinese). I cannot eat meat tomorrow due to Lent and I have a seafood allergy. I dislike most Chinese food. I am not sure how to get out of this. They told me to eat California rolls or Tofu-both which I greatly dislike. I just started this job a few months ago. They could tell from my reaction that I was not thrilled to go, but didn't offer to let me out of going. Should I eat before I go and just socialize with them. I feel like I'm going to just end up eating a bowl of rice. Also, I have a heart condition which doesnt allow me to eat spicy foods. Please help! Lunch is tomorrow (Friday)!
2007-02-22 01:57:14 · 12 answers · asked by srb 1 in Food & Drink ➔ Other - Food & Drink
My husband also has a sea food allergy so he will not eat at a Chinese restaurant because he doesn't feel safe. It isn't just what's in a certain dish, but the fact that all the food may be cross contaminated. Eat lunch before you go and offer to meet up with them after lunch to socialize. Nobody should give you a hard time when it comes to health issues or religious practises, that is not fair.
2007-02-22 02:03:32 · answer #1 · answered by JonEmBethErin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Order steamed rice or noodles & vegetables. Ask for nothing spicy. Pick at it if you must, but don't make a big deal out of it. Doesn't hurt to try new things and there should be plenty to choose from that won't interfer with you diet choices. I'm vegetarian, allergic to tofu & hate spicy but enjoy eating Chinese food. If you haven't tried Bean Curd (tofu) you should try it. It has the flavor of the sauce and not tofu - I used to love it before I realized I was allergic to it. There are also little "pancake" type things that are great with veggies and a mild sauce - sorry, I forget what they are called, I usually have someone more versed in what the Chinese meals are called order for me. Hmm, why don't you do that, too? It's rather fun to tell someone what you like and have them order it and be pleased with the outcome than having to guess what's a good choice for you. Ask if they serve family style and then everyone gets to try new things...that's how I was introduced to Chinese food.
MAKE it fun. Be sociable. It'll go a long way in creating a happy work environment for you.
2007-02-22 06:29:17 · answer #2 · answered by V 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the restaurant ahead of time and tell them what foods you are not able to eat- ask them if they have anything on the menu that does not contain those items. Or even go there and check out the menu urself. I think it would be a diservice to yourself to just get out of the lunch. I think you miss the point if you hide yourself away and do not eat meat where there is no meat... Nobody will be upset by you not ordering a meat dish.. thats your choice- I could see if they were going to an all you can eat ribs joint... but worry not! Go have fun and forget any problems you might have- You can eat first if you find it impossible to eat a full meal at the particular resturaunt they choose.. The good thing is its just lunch, not dinner and not a five course meal already planned for you! You can do this!!! Go have fun and dont sweat it!
2007-02-22 02:13:46 · answer #3 · answered by Christal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would approach your boos in private & tell him that you do not want to be anti-social, but, due to religious & health reasons, you will not be able to eat at the lunch. With haveing just started the job, if you totally back out, it may look bad, plus, this will be a good opportunity to get to know your co-workers more.
By you approaching your boss before hand, it will show that you are not trying to be rude, just that you have your reasons for not being able to eat.
2007-02-22 02:06:46 · answer #4 · answered by Maria Rose 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chinese cuisine is one of the world's greatest cuisines whether it is Beijing, Cantonese, Sichuan, Hokkien, Teochew or Hakka. Minds are like parachuites, they work best when they are open. Try some fried rice or noodles or spring rolls. It will not be politically correct not to go and you may not keep your job or get promoted if you follow this line of action. Enjoy!
2007-02-22 02:04:51 · answer #5 · answered by The Travelling Gourmet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have my sympathy. Lent or not, I 'd not be able to enjoy such food.
I suggest you eat earlier and go join them. Some will not expect you. And enjoy your not going too.
Just order some drink and sip through it and socialize. Best to tell your boss a sweet and polite thank you: adding, it is "Lent", that you cannot eat out. Be open.
But that you wanted to join the fun!
Enjoy.
2007-02-22 02:10:50 · answer #6 · answered by Mmmmm 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say eat before you go. Maybe you can order an appertizer or dessert instead of a while meal. You should socialize with your work if the whole office is going out. Its important for you to try and socialize with your new coworkers.
2007-02-22 02:30:57 · answer #7 · answered by foodie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just tell the boss you are allergic to certain food, he will understand that you are not being anti social. Communication is key in the work place. Go communicate with the boss. Good luck ;)
2007-02-22 06:34:51 · answer #8 · answered by C L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds to me like your whole work environment is pretty depressing. When I'm invited out by the people that I work with I'm thrilled. I like them and they are fun to be with. I rather be eating a bowl of rice with them than sitting at my desk have "whatever"!
2007-02-22 02:10:29 · answer #9 · answered by Ernie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My Dear, what is wrong to just eat a bowl of rice? Or a bowl of vegetable soup, or both.
Have some green tea with it.
It is an invitation, so just be gracious, and enjoy.
2007-02-22 11:36:50 · answer #10 · answered by Sabine5 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋