Some headlines seem ripped from the pages of The Onion, yet show up in the New York Times. For example, take At Vegans’ Weddings, Beef or Tofu?
Tofu, of course, you think. Or 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. Read below for more & to say where you'd draw the line.
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.
Where do you draw the line, if there is one?
[cross posted at on cookforgood.blogspot.com]