Tuesday 12 May 2009

Come Dine With Me

IN ONE of Bill Granger's wonderful cookbooks he says that he gets real pleasure from being invited to someone else's for dinner.
Whether it's beans on toast, a takeaway pizza or a gourmet feast, he remarks that there is no bigger compliment than having someone else cater for you.
However, he goes on to say that he rarely gets a dinner invite - suggesting that, because he is a chef, people worry about impressing him.
Now I don't have any delusions of grandeur, but I have noticed that the more I cook, the more dinner parties we throw, the less likely the favour is to be returned.
Maybe I am just bad company. Or smell slightly.
If I see my friends, I either cook for them, or we eat out.
But tonight I have been asked over to my pal's for supper. And I can't wait.
She tells me she's nervous, but I have told her that I'm just joyful of being cooked for and what is on the menu is irrelevant.
Maybe my friend fears I might share my thoughts with the readers of this blog... Now would I do a thing like that?
What is the best thing that someone else has cooked for you?

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Well I always feel special when my dad cooks for me. He makes wonderful pita bread from scratch. Also Hubby's mother makes special things for me. When I go over she always asks me what I want for dinner. She makes awesome Spaghetti Bolognese, which always tastes so good and comforting. I wish I could have some right now!

Emily said...

Aaah that sounds lovely! My pal has read my blog and now she is worried! She should be...! Just kidding

Nora said...

Heavenly Housewife reminded me of how nice it is when someone cooks something specific because they know you like it. My grandmother makes a delicious crab tart whenever I go and visit - I don't even need to ask for it these days. Last time I was there I copied out the recipe and it was about four pages of A4, so I'm going to appreciate it even more now!

Thinspired said...

I love being a guest in someone's house for a meal! I never appreciated before I moved away when I started college. I'm not picky at all when I'm at someone's home...I eat up! Hope you have a nice meal :)

Emily said...

Thanks for reading you lot! It is so lovely when someone cooks you tea. I really enjoyed mine last night!

Unknown said...

Have you heard that Bill Granger is moving to London to open a restaurant? Exciting news

Emily said...

Really? Fantastic! I am hoping to go to Oz next year and we are hoping to make the pilgrimage!

Anonymous said...

While on holiday in Portugal, I subtly mentioned the fact I missed Portuguese seafood rice to my step-mum!
Now, she's a funny one in the kitchen.
Family menus are planned one month in advanceand she never ever strays from her plans.
Yet that night I was surprised by a wonderful seafood rice, instead of the pork she had planned to cook!
I don't know if it was the thought or the gesture that did it, but it was the best seafood rice I have ever tasted!