Claire
Master Chef
No wonder people don't socialize all that much any more. I think if you have a deathly allergy, then it is your own responsibility to say something when you get an invitation. We are talking grown-ups here, aren't we? A professional should ask these questions up front, then take the answers at face value (maybe in your contract?). I'm rather tired of being told by society that I shouldn't eat or cook this or that because there's a possibility someone may be allergic to it. I am not a professional, I'm saying that up front. I did once have a guest who arrived THEN let me know he was very allergic to nuts. He was a relative of a regular guest, and I was peeved that someone should have let me know that BEFORE I started cooking. As it was, it went well, I just had to stop and really think ... did I even have any peanut oil in the kitchen (no). Had I added nuts to the desert (no). Had his sibling told me he was allergic, I'd have this done in advance. I have a freind who I only see every year or two, and I can never remember if her allergy is to nuts or shellfish. But I know it is one or the other, so I ask her every time I cook. But SHE is a big girl, and takes responsibility for her own health. I think professionals should consider putting it in their contract ... a simple question: Do any of the people attending this party have any food restrictions I should know about?