ttbp

So, that time of year is approaching - Christmas

We are having to choose our Christmas work meal today and I know I have to be careful with what's in the food, alcohol wise but I can't tell anyone at work that.

How do I get around this? Any ideas? xx

Dee74

I'm not sure what US xmas parties are like - ours are basically finger food so I'm not sure how much alcohol would be involved.

If you're really worried then you could always not eat anything...or stick to obviously non alcoholic fare - chips, dips etc?

D

ttbp

Thanks but we have to pre-select a three course meal.

As I don't know how the dishes/sauces for the dishes are made, that's my worry. It's in a restaurant, would it be totally out of order if I called the restaurant beforehand to check there is no alcohol in the food? I just don't want anyone at work to find out about my recovery

MrAverage

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it. I'm pretty sure most of the actual alcohol in recipes is cooked off to just leave the liquor's hint of flavor. If you reeealy don't wanna take that chance, I don't think it would be out of line at all to call the restaurant before making your decision.

soberred

I am not a cook but if I am not mistaken, all of the alcohol cooks out.

Anna

Alcohol is not 'cooked off' during preparation, though it's a common misconception:


Preparation Method Percent of Alcohol Retained alcohol added to boiling liquid & removed from heat 85%

alcohol flamed 75%
no heat, stored overnight 70%

baked, 25 minutes, alcohol not stirred into mixture 45%


baked/simmered, alcohol stirred into mixture:


15 minutes 40%
30 minutes 35%
1 hour 25%
1.5 hours 20%
2 hours 10%
2.5 hours 5%

Tiggy

you could just say that you are allergic to alcohol, some people are, calling the restaurant ahead is OK and you could pre order your food

Threshold

Allergy. Some people seem to have one with alcohol. calling ahead makes perfect sense

Aegian

Call the restaurant and make a general inquiry about the offered dishes and salad dressings. Tell them that these are the offerings for an upcoming event and you need their assistance in choosing.

This is way more common that you would think given food allergies and other issues.

That, and the fact that it is October isn't going to raise any flags like you might think. If your company has selected the menu and secured the private dining room this far in advance, they are in a VERY long line of patrons who will be using this venue during the Nov/Dec holiday season and expect these kinds of calls.

30Sober

Call the restaurant. Some people can't drink alcohol due to religious reasons so it's a perfectly valid question to ask the restaurant if they are using alcohol in the food prep. Obviously you can stay away from items like tipsy tart or brandy pudding lol

ttbp

LOL thanks

Thanks to everyone else too x