Some headlines seem ripped from the pages of The Onion, yet show up in the New York Times. Take At Vegans’ Weddings, Beef or Tofu?
Tofu, of course, you think. Or Harvest Lasagna. Or asparagus quiche. Or a selection of many delicious and festive options, plus cake.
But I was surprised both to read that Chelsea Clinton is a vegetarian and that she served short ribs at her wedding. Short RIBS, such a vividly meaty-meat with all those bones and with echoes back to Eve. Why not pork barbeque? Her groom is Jewish, but evidently the morality of dining choices was not on the menu.
For years, I've had holiday dinner parties, with 50 or so guests, that had all vegetarian food. Many guests never noticed, exclaiming with surprise years into our acquaintance when they realize I don't buy or cook meat. Most people focus on the good food that's there, not what's missing.
I've been spared boorish guests like the article's Mr. Moore, who not only snuck out for chicken parm but brought it back to the wedding! He says, "I know it’s your day, but it’s not all about you. Why have a wedding if you’re going to be like that? Just print a bumper sticker.” By "be like that," does he mean honor the bridal couple's sense of morality? Isn't that what a wedding is about? Of course they should consider the comforts and pleasures of their guests, including not sneering at Aunt Ida's lizard pumps, but wedding guests will not go into meat withdrawal or get kwashiorkor in an afternoon.
What do you think? Should vegans serve honey and dairy? Vegetarians serve meat? Baptists and tea-totalers serve champagne? Various religious serve their versions of unclean food, be it meat, seafood, pork, or something not kosher or halal? Should anyone serve veal or foie gras? Bring your mistress up the aisle too, lest you hurt her feelings?
Where do you draw the line, if there is one?
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This article is sure catching the eye of all my webby favorites! To me, the mistake here is not in what was served, but who was invited. In a perfect world, weddings would be about commitment, unity, and support. Seems that people who are more interested in the food than the couple shouldn't be invited in the first place.
ReplyDeleteJust found you blog/site via Cheap Healthy Good & it is fantastic! I can't wait to try the persian pasta sauce!
"I know it’s your day, but it’s not all about you."
ReplyDeleteThis isn't about some trifle or excessive self-indulgence by the bridal couple. This is about their morals and convictions. Their wedding absolutely should reflect their highest principles. And of course they will want to put their best foot forward and make their guests comfortable and happy while keeping true to their own beliefs. If they do a good job, they might even win a few converts.
(I'll bet Chelsea's dad requested the short ribs, though. ;-).