What? no condiments !

Primrose

How do you politely get over the problem of eating regularly at somebody's house when they never put any condiments on the table? One of the married partners has blood pressure problems so understandably they never ever put any salt in their food but the meals are so dull without any seasoning I find them really difficult to eat. Would it be terribly rude to take my own condiments? Could you ever do it without offending ?

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HappyMJ

Primrose wrote: »

How do you politely get over the problem of eating regularly at somebody's house when they never put any condiments on the table? One of the married partners has blood pressure problems so understandably they never ever out any salt in their food but the meals are so dull without any seasoning I find rhem really difficult to eat. Would it be terribly rude to take my own condiments? Could you ever do it without offending ?

How would you offend someone by asking too pass the salt? Although they don't add salt to their own food surely they've got some salt in the house. I'd take my own if they really didn't have any and I wouldn't be offended if my dinner guests brought their own favourite condiments with them.

windup

Depends on your host, wouldn't bother me or offend me in the slightest.

However, if you pulled out a bag of condiments on every visit, I'd think that a little weird when you could just ask. It's quite reasonable and normal for a host to put some salt and pepper on the table for guests whether they themselves use it or not. The range of possible condiments is wide nowadays, so I just ask, does anyone want anything.

The issue is dealt with in comedic fashion in this episode, the cook is a psycho.

https://www.itv.com/itvplayer/plebs/series-2/episode-5-the-new-slave

thorsoak

Primrose wrote: »

How do you politely get over the problem of eating regularly at somebody's house when they never put any condiments on the table? One of the married partners has blood pressure problems so understandably they never ever put any salt in their food but the meals are so dull without any seasoning I find them really difficult to eat. Would it be terribly rude to take my own condiments? Could you ever do it without offending ?

Personally I would feel extremely offended; I carefully season the food that I cook and serve up with love to family and friends - and one of the things that really irritate me is people who liberally shake salt and pepper over everything before even tasting.

If its bacon sarnies, or fish & chips, then ketchup. brown sauce, vinegar, salt and pepper are available - but for "proper meals" - no, no, no - if you were to ask, then I'd get it for you - but you wouldn't get a second invitation.

LittleVoice

Primrose wrote: »

How do you politely get over the problem of eating regularly at somebody's house when they never put any condiments on the table? One of the married partners has blood pressure problems so understandably they never ever put any salt in their food but the meals are so dull without any seasoning I find them really difficult to eat. Would it be terribly rude to take my own condiments? Could you ever do it without offending ?

Is it just salt that is missing?
I never use salt in cooking and haven't for 50 years.
Once you get used to not having salt in home cooked food you learn to taste the ingredients.

sillyvixen

i used to take a jar of marmite whenever i stayed with friends or relatives as many of them were in the 'hate it' camp - no one was ever offended with me getting up for breakfast and bringing my jar to the table.

maybe if they don't use salt they don't have any in, you could 'acquire' a few of the sachets next time and pop them in your handbag to put on your food.

thorsoak

sillyvixen wrote: »

i used to take a jar of marmite whenever i stayed with friends or relatives as many of them were in the 'hate it' camp - no one was ever offended with me getting up for breakfast and bringing my jar to the table.

maybe if they don't use salt they don't have any in, you could 'acquire' a few of the sachets next time and pop them in your handbag to put on your food.

Marmite ....that's different - I'm with you there :-D

But anyone staying for breakfast is offered honey, home-made strawberry or blackcurrant jam, marmalade or marmite!

Hermia

I would just ask. You would think they would have some condiments in the house, although I suppose they may not have salt if neither of them use it in cooking.

thorsoak wrote: »

Personally I would feel extremely offended; I carefully season the food that I cook and serve up with love to family and friends - and one of the things that really irritate me is people who liberally shake salt and pepper over everything before even tasting.

Same here! I have cooked meals before that have used expensive ingredients and where the dish is all about the delicate balance of flavours. I have then served it up and a guest has just dumped a ton of salt on it without even tasting it first. I have stood there and thought that I might as well have just heated up a frozen pizza!

Peter333

thorsoak wrote: »

Personally I would feel extremely offended; I carefully season the food that I cook and serve up with love to family and friends - and one of the things that really irritate me is people who liberally shake salt and pepper over everything before even tasting.

If its bacon sarnies, or fish & chips, then ketchup. brown sauce, vinegar, salt and pepper are available - but for "proper meals" - no, no, no - if you were to ask, then I'd get it for you - but you wouldn't get a second invitation.

Hermia wrote: »

Same here! I have cooked meals before that have used expensive ingredients and where the dish is all about the delicate balance of flavours. I have then served it up and a guest has just dumped a ton of salt on it without even tasting it first. I have stood there and thought that I might as well have just heated up a frozen pizza!

Personally I think that is a strange thing to get offended over...People simply asking for salt or pepper or extra seasoning.

People have different preferences and different tastes, and they may want just a touch more seasoning...

My wife doesn't like salty tasting things, but I do, and sprinkle it over my food fairly liberally. Not always, and not every meal, (as it depends what it is,) but sometimes yes. My wife certainly doesn't ever get offended in the slightest. She doesn't even mention it.

If I went to someone's house for a meal, and they looked cheesed off and acted huffy because I had the nerve to ask for some salt, I wouldn't go back ever again, so them not asking me back would not matter, because I would never go again anyway, not if they were so discourteous to their guests.

In restaurants, and eateries, and cafes, there are condiments available! They are usually on the table for people to pick up and use at will. So it seems strange (to me) that someone would invite people for dinner and not offer condiments. And this 'No, you will have it exactly how I cooked it whether you like it or not, and will not have any condiments or sauces ' attitude, seems a little harsh and controlling, and like I said, somewhat discourteous.

Re the OP, just ask for condiments!

Primrose

No I don't think they even own a condiment set !

DaftyDuck

Primrose wrote: »

No I don't think they even own a condiment set !

Well, that's Christmas presents sorted, innit?