Holiday Blog

By zippy

November 13, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

I prefer not to participate in potlucks. I have fatal food allergies. Yet co workers insist I participate. I usually bring a dish for co workers and a seperate meal for myself. That works but I still have to put up with snide comments.

By Cool Mama

November 13, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

I personally don’t care for potlucks and rarely participate in those types of dinners. If I have’t been to your house and seen how you live, I prefer not to eat your cooking. I have family members whose houses I won’t eat at because of the filth. And I’ve witnessed “dirty cooks” in action sharing food with their kids classmates. The worst was when I was at a clients house and her son came from the bathroom with super dry hands, dipped his hands in the sprinkles for cupcakes for his class, sprinkled them on top and then took them to school. Ew!! No thanks!

By Not Hungry

November 13, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

I would not eat at a Potluck if you paid me. My employer is cutting back, yet again. This year a Christmas party for about 200 people will be held in a church basement and though they will pay for the ham and turkey, the employees have been asked to bring side dishes and desserts. You have got to be kidding. Though I only work with about 20 people on a day-to-day basis, you must think I am crazy if you think I am going to eat who knows what from 200 people I barely know and who cannot be held accountable if they make me sick. Pot lucks are not meant for a large scale crowd.

By RealityKing

November 13, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Never travel expended distances after eating a potluck dinner..

By I'Joni

November 13, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

This article is such a coincidence because we just had our Thanksgiving potluck yesterday. I prefer not to participate in potlucks because you never know how clean people are. Plus, I use MARTA to get to work. So if I bring something in, I have to drag it on the bus and train. Thats so inconvenient! The person that organized ours yesterday drives to work everyday so they don’t understand that (which tends to be the case no matter where I’ve worked!). But one person decides they want to have a potluck and everyone else is pressured into participating. I don’t like having to sacrifice my personal lunchtime to sit and eat with people I see ALL FREAKING DAY!!! Not only that, I find when you have a potluck, your lunch tends to be shorter. Normally I get an hour lunch, but during yesterday’s potluck, my lunch ended up being only about 30-45 minutes! Its just more trouble than its worth.

By cjd

November 13, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

And then there are the ‘food police’ who tend to watch how much others eat. They make the Holidays grand….

By Josh

November 13, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

I would never eat at my company potluck. I see too many people go to the bathroom and do a number two and walk right past the sink! I also see people come from outside after touching the door knobs and elevator buttoms and sit down and eat without washing their hands! Disgusting! I wouldn’t eat from any of them!

By peter

November 13, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

I’v been called anti social, all because I refude to participate in potluck dinners, I personally believe, especially if there is a cat in the house. You can not always trust your co-workers.

By Casual AJC Reader

November 13, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

From UrbanDictionary.com: The term pot luck comes from a time when the first potluck was used to poison the king. Each person who brought in a dish to put on the kings table, one which was poisonous. Hence the word pot “luck”. The luck of the draw….does the king live or die….he died. The dinner was potluck…every body died…errrr mmmm potatoe saaaaalaaaadddd! That says it all! Just plain nasty!

By With Ya!

November 13, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

I agree with the common thread: no mystery meals for me either. Although I work in a professional office with decent folks, I see how nasty the breakroom is left and if that is how some co-workers keep their home, I will pass. Like I’Joni, I don’t care to spend my lunch hour with folks I see all day (lunch is my “me” time each day)and the cost is more than a lunch out. Try to make a dish for $5-6? An alternative is a dessert bar so everyone has to bring in store bought goodies or baked goods. Less risk with this. The pot lucks also get dumped on the Admins and that is not fair. You will see a few nice gestures to help clean, but most have an ego too big to help clean up. Bottom line, holiday bonuses, even if a small amount, get a big smile and makes everyone happy - cut to the chase employers and do what motivates…money and a thank you!

By jg

November 13, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Bless and eat!

I feel bad for the people who bring that dish that nobody seems to touch…

By Pass the Rolls

November 13, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

My company is having a Thanksgiving Potluck next week. There are about 500 of us. The company will provide turkey and ham, and the employees will provide the sides, bread and dessert. Everyone here really looks forward to it and we all enjoy sampling everyone’s dishes. I have never heard a single person mention anything about not trusting where the food came from. You guys need to lighten up and enjoy life!

By charlie

November 13, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Sarah Palin is a hack and a liar. She needs to go back to Alaska.

By dontlikepotluck

November 13, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

My new company if having a potluck Christmas party this year. Not sure if it’s a sign of the times or they’re just generally cheap. I’m used to the company Christmas party being a nice, catered event. I’m young and don’t like to cook. The men in the office can get away with not bringing anything to a potluck, but women are expected to provide all the food???

By Phyllis

November 13, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

I refuse to participate in office potluck dinners. Many coworkers do not wash their hands and many run their hands through their hair too much. I will only eat what it bought from a restaurant or a bakery.

By jct

November 13, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

I’m with zippy… I too have fatal food allergies. I bring my own food and then end up being grilled the entire meal about what I can and what I can’t eat and oh poor you. Guess what, I eat just fine. I know what I can and can’t eat. I am not missing out on life. I could spend my lunch hour in so many more fun ways.

By Agree with Pass The Rolls

November 13, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

You said it all, friend! No matter how clean a person keeps their home, there are all kinds of miniscule germs floating around. I try to enjoy life too much to focus on prissy, picky little things. Then again, I’m lucky enough to work in an office where everyone has good hygene habits & are great cooks. Gee, I have a long-haired cat & you’d NEVER see cat hair on anything I fix. Eeewww!

By amy

November 13, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

I’ve worked 2 different places where the company provided the meats and employees brought in sides. The last time, I got really sick to the stomach and was in the bathroom for 3 days straight, and lost 5 pounds in the process. You can imagine. So after that last experience, I will never participate. I will take a dish but not eat anything.Could just be that I had a stomach bug, but I would guess it had to do with the latter. Plus, there was this one Cat lady-she had 12 indoor cats and about 20 outdoor cats, so nobody ever trusted what she brought. While we were all aware of that, you just don’t know about other people’s dishes and what type of environment they were cooking their stuff in. As it is, I have 2 dogs that I don’t really let hang out in the kitchen, but I know their hair is inevitably always on my shirt, so I guess I don’t always cook in the most sanitary ways, either, I attempt to though.

By The Strongman

November 13, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

I worked in corp america for years and my wife is currently an corp. attorney. We both decided long ago that potlucks are out of the question. People get mad, but who cares. Team Regtin!

By Nasty Pot-Lucks

November 13, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

My ex-roommate was preparing a potluck for work and she has 2 cats, the cats were not only in the kitchen with her when she was cooking but they were on the counters!!!!!!!! I seen her go from picking up her kitten and right back to cooking without washing her hands! I’d NEVER eat at a potluck.

THE KITCHEN IS NO PLACE FOR PETS

By Sharon

November 13, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Yeah, lighten up, people, what’s the big deal? I’;m a clean person, but intelligent enough to know that if you coccoon yourself in a bubble in an attempt to avoid germs (& they are all around, no matter what) you’re actually weakening your immune system. Can’t believe how squeamish so many are over routine little things. Gee, I’ve participated in many potlucks & haven’t gotten sick but I suspect, from what I see here in the ATL area, that many of you might because you are gluttons with no restraint or willpower who insist on stuffing yourselves to bursting. I do agree with the poster who suggested accompanying each dish with an ingredient list in case there are co-workers who are vegetarian, Kosher, allergic..

By Lolo

November 13, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

My company is providing the meat for our Thanksgiving potluck so what me and my friends normally do is one person brings a dessert, another brings a salad, and another brings a side. Preferably store bought so that others won’t be skeptical. If I chose to cook, I make a tent sign with the ingredients and my name on it. Most people know me and trust me.

By joey

November 13, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Usually, I take all the whiners that cry about our company pot luck T’giving to Chef Fung She It’s Chinese eaterie. I buy them his world famous sweet and sour “fragrant meat” surprise. He cooks it fresh and has a sort of “partnership” with some guy that works for animal control. Funny, they never want to go back and see Chef the next year and are OK with pot lucks for their free lunch.

By Ugh

November 13, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

I love the people that won’t eat food at a potluck, but yet will eat out at a restaurant. At a restaurant you don’t know who is making your food (and believe me that person making your food could probably not give a crap about you…unless they own the place), and chances are, a restaurant is much dirtier than your co-workers house. Ever seen Kitchen Nightmares? I’d rather have some dog hair in my food than eat rotten, spoiled, dropped on the floor food.

By cat

November 13, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

I once ate food from my company potluck and found a human hair. Needless to say, I sign up to bring napkins then go out for sushi during the lunch.

By momtoAlex&Max

November 13, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Don’t have anything against pot-lucks per se. But I don’t see the point in sacrificing my lunch hour (or worse a weekend night! ugh) to people I see every freakin day.

Just give us a bonus and a smile and thank you and send us home a couple of hours early! I guarantee that will get you waaaaaaaaaaaayyyyy more loyalty and employee productivity than some stupid party where I have to cook my own food and transport it. For that, I stay at home. I don’t need to spend more time with these people. I see them 40 to 50 hours a week as it it.

By karia

November 13, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

For me, it depends on how well I know the people who are cooking the food. Although, the only time I know for certain I’ve had food poisoning was when I was 12 and the entire extended family got sick from a turkey my aunt cooked.

Even when I know them well, I tend to stick to foods that are usually safe and well-cooked. Most food poisoning is actually traced to raw fruits and vegetables that haven’t been properly cleaned (which is why you should never buy those prepared fruit salads or vegetable trays at the grocery store…or anything pre-cut. My friend’s boyfriend was a produce manager when we were in college…he said they never washed anything before hacking it up. Ditto fast food salads. You don’t know whose fingers were in that stuff, and there’s no heat to kill any germs.)

By Gale

November 13, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

I just plain don’t like putlucks. It isn’t a sanitation thing, it is a convenience thing. What office has the facilities to keep cold things cold and reheat the things that need to be hot for serving? It is something that does not work in an office environment.

By LOL@Ugh

November 13, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Ugh, have fun eating your dog hair! If that’s your thing go for it and you say that as if you’ve never eaten from a restaurant, so now you’re eating rotten, spoiled, and dropped on the floor food and you eat a little potlucked dog hair! WHEW! You’re definitely a LADY :)

By val

November 13, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

I’ll participate, because of the team player thing. However I only eat the food that was purchased from restaurants, or people that I personally know and trust. I’ve seen with my own two eyes, the pepole do not wash their hands after going to the restroom or rinse their finger tips only. So, if they wash in public, you know the chances of them washing at home is slim to none.

By Paige

November 13, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Our company has pot luck once a month and everyone participates and has a great time. Each month has a theme that we all work with. Our lunch hour usually streatches in to 2 hours and we get a chance to talk to and see people that we don’t get to talk to much during the day. Its sad that so many of you work in places that you don’t like/trust the people that you work with. Our lunches are on of the best morale builder that we have right now with noone getting a raise, hiring freezes, no overtime ( yes I work for the state ). Trying to have a good attitude at you job helps so lighten up.

By S

November 13, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

ANY meal you don’t prepare for yourself, you are taking chances - INCLUDING restaurants. So, the lesson is, if you never want to be sick, stay home, be unsociable but safe.

By Troglodyke

November 13, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

While I certainly don’t want to get sick from eating potluck stuff, I agree that some people need to lighten up. The majority of the posts on this blog sound so grumpy and misanthropic. Do you even like your coworkers?

Personally, I hate most store-bought food that people get for potlucks. So yeah, I always try to find out who made what, I eat small portions, and I try to thank the cooks. I usually make something simple, and yes, it is possible to make a side dish for $5 or so.

I wouldn’t call myself an overt “people person,” but it certainly makes for a nicer work environment if you are friendly and try to participate in company functions. I like knowing just enough about my co-workers to ask politely about their personal lives over an occasional lunch, and if I need something from them, they are more likely to oblige me if I have been friendly to them…even if they do allow their pets in the kitchen.

Those of you with food allergies, why are you so grumpy-sounding? Smile and explain your situation, then let it go. No need to get defensive with most people. They don’t understand the severity of your situation. So educate them. You have food allergies…either act like a victim, or learn to deal with them.

As for the reheating and keeping things cold aspect, I agree with you there. It can get tricky. I also agree that I prefer to be away from the office and my coworkers during my lunch time, but every now and again, it’s fine. I even like most of them. :-)

Finally, those of you who gripe about the company not having lavish holiday parties, the economy is sucking, and your company doesn’t owe you anything more than a fair rate of pay for your work. You probably get great health insurance at a decent price, and other perks that you take for granted. Some people don’t even have a job. So, you’ll have to entertain yourselves this holiday.

By roque

November 13, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

it is not just the unknown kitchen sanitation, but also following others thru a buffet line.

I was at a corp cookout and in line behind one of the dept admins when i saw her spoon some cole slaw onto her plate. She then proceeded to lick the spoon, comment on how good the slaw was, and then place the spoon back into the slaw. I was almost speechless. I just looked at her and said “That was reaaly GROSS! Now you’ve ruined the cole slaw for everyone else”

She couldn’t grasp the disgust of everyone in line and just shrugged her shoulders and went on down the line.

By former metro atlantan

November 13, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Whats with all the cat comments. I know of many many more nasty dog infested homes that I wont go into much less eat ANYTHING produced or brought in/out of the place.

Also I refuse to get sick over eating other peoples food. Its gross and disgusting.

Billy Bobs drunken nose picking bbq sauce doesnt whet my appetite. Neither does Bobbie Sues mac and cheese with extra fingernail clippings in it.

Call me whatever you want, but dont call me a doctor afterwards.

I wont be needing one.

By La Luz

November 13, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

What do you think happens behind closed doors at restaurants? The same crap you see your co-workers doing at all those potluck dinners…and worse. And moreover, when you go out to eat, you’re paying for the priveledge of all those nasty germs. Look, germs and nasty stuff are everywhere…not just doorknobs…or people not washing their hands. Think about the handle on that grocery cart, your own car steering wheel, seats at the movie theatre. And how about you people who eat out of vending machines! Do you know how filthy the buttons are on those machines? Yet you reach right into your bag of potato chips and start eating with those same nasty fingers. Get over it! Germs are here to stay!

By shaggy

November 13, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Food whiners, like many of those found here, generally are scared little fraidy cats. Don’t eat this. Don’t go here. Don’t do that. Wah Wah Wah Wah! It must suck to be scared of everything, everyone, all of the time, except when you are parked in front of your TV watching gossip news and eating rice cakes. NOT ME. I am gonna live life, not hide from it.

By Southern Bella

November 13, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Why the all or nothing approach? Just eat from whose hands you trust!

By Jess

November 13, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

I’m glad to see that I am not the only anal one around here! Poeple think I am a neat freak but really I think most people are disgusting! Thanksfully we don’t have pot-lucks at work. There is no stove to heat anything up! It also doesn’t help that I have a Microbiology degree and I work with microbes for a living!

By Jess

November 13, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

whoops sorry about the typos, I didn’t re-read my post

By karia

November 13, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Jess, I don’t know why, but the thought of a bunch of microbiologists hosting a potluck made me burst out laughing!

By Stacey

November 13, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Ugh…You said a mouth full! While I’d rather do without the dog hair (LOL), I think if I can comfortably pay someone to do gawd-knows-what to my food, I can eat what my coworkers bring to share. I’ve been fortunate never to have a bad experience from potluck food (other than not liking the taste).

By momof1

November 13, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Most people with cats don’t seem to understand how unbelievably nasty it is to play with their animals and cook too. No pets in the kitchen!! Allowing a cat to climb, walk or jump on a table our countertop is so disgusting, I have no words for it. I only eat what I bring and what 1-2 of my close friends, whose homes I’ve been to, bring. Other than that, people are nasty, nasty, just dang nasty!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Katlady

November 13, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Cats happen to be very clean animals. Look, they’re always grooming themselves. Honestly, I think humans are way nastier. I keep a very clean house but I do let Fluffy “hang out” on my countertops as well as on my kitchen & dining room tables. Not only that, but on the very rare occasions when I give her a morsel of “people food”, I let her stick her face in my plate with me as I’m eating, it’s how we “bond”. I agree with that poster who said being so germ-phobic actually wrecks the immune system. Gee, I’ve accidentally gotten cat hair in my moth a few times. I just remove it. No biggie. I work in an office & since I know most people are whiny little scaredy-cat prisses, I either pick up something at the store or bring napkins, plastic utensils etc so no one has to eat my “nasty” food. Ohhhh brother!

By Pamm

November 13, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

I, too, HATE potlucks.

We solved the problem by getting everyone to kick in about $7.00 (average cost of potluck dishes) and had a local Thai place come up with an amazing feast for us. They cooked it and delivered it and even included a selection of desserts. (we voted on which type of food to order)

If you go with all of the food coming from one source, it’s easier to identify what made you sick! It also saves everyone the time and trouble of adding one more chore to this busy season.

By momof1

November 13, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

OMG!!!! See Katlady is the disgusting nasty type of person I’m talking about. The nasty catlady who lives with several cats and treats them like they are a person because they have no meaningful relationships with people. OMG! Could you not have proven my point any better!! Oohh, this is so funny, I have to share with a friend.

By Scan Chick

November 13, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

We are having pot luck next week also. i HATE anything that has the word cassarole in it so i will most likely be nibbling on turkey. i tried to sign up for desserts but that was already taken. bummer……..

By SKeeter

November 13, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

I love potlucks.

Hog Jaws Sow Belly Possum Gizzards Mountain Oysters

Hot Diggity Dog!!!

Nothing like slipping some deer pee in the punch..

By Katlady

November 13, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Good guess, momof1 but no, I’ve been married for over 25 years (to the same man), have 2 human children & only the one cat. Truthfully, my family does think it’s a bit disgusting that I eat with the cat & let her lay on the tables & counter but it’s not anywhere near as big an issue in the house as my 16-year old son who doesn’t seem to know the meaning of the words “laundry hamper”

By buckshot

November 13, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

What a bunch of whiners. I have been going to church potlucks for 30 years and have never gotten sick but I have gotten food poisoning at a very expensive restaurant. Anyone who has reached the age of 30 and never had food poisoning lives in a bubble. It happens. The fellowship is what it is all about, so bring something, eat from the people you trust the most, and be nice.

By Cats are cool, but...

November 13, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Okay, that one comment from the woman who lets her cat eat off her plate> GROSS!!!!! I almost tossed my breakfast when I read that! You and your cat “bond” over food? I bet you let the cat into your bed when you’re having intimate relations, too! Lady, I’m a cat lover too but you’ve taken your love waaaaay too far! I think you need to get some help. Do you eat your cat’s food, too? “Mmmmm, Meow Mix! Why, thank you, Mr. Whiskers.”

By kevmoor

November 13, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

I hate potlucks In the event I’m forced to attend, I usually will try to eat something safe. What I mean by safe is: Store bought items like chicken, chips, dips etc. I hate it when people will bring stuff like gulosh or spaghetti, string bean casserole (yuck)little sausages in bbq sauce, and that horrible artichoke dip. But the worse of all is when people will bring tuna or potato salad. I’m sorry, I just can’t do pot lucks at work.

By cats are cool, but...

November 13, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

The thing I always hated about office potlucks was that the women usually made an effort to cook something nice and the guys ended up either not bringing ANYthing but yet feeling perfectly justified in eating all the food. Oh, and 97% of the time the men leave all the cleaning up to the women. I just don’t do potlucks anymore, mostly because I’m unemployed!

By What?

November 13, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Katlady. You justified your being nasty and disgusting by saying quote “Truthfully, my family does think it’s a bit disgusting that I eat with the cat & let her lay on the tables & counter” and that is all I have to say.

By katlady

November 13, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

A bit judgemental, aren’t we? Wouldn’t surprise me one whit if many of you keep huge smelly, flea-bitten dogs in your homes & kiss them on the mouth with all that disgusting slobbery drool. That, to ME, is nasty. Actually, it’s nasTAY!!! Every time I see that, I wish to lose my lunch.

By Jill

November 13, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

I agree with Buckshot. Geez people….reason #456,942 that I am glad I don’t work in “corporate America” anymore…..

By Morton Johannesson

November 13, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Everyone loved the chili I made last year. The secret ingredient was feces.

By SamStone

November 13, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Katlady, Your habits are disgusting.

By Becky

November 13, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

We are having a potlock next week at our office..Yes, there are some people here that I m not sure about eating what they cook, but there are others that I trust..You have to be exposed to some germs as others have said..As for people fussing about not having a big company Christmas party, lifes to short to be upset over something so petty..

I work for a small company that is owned by a Jewish man & not only do we get a Christmas bonus each year, but we also get lunch catered..A good time is had by all..Hope that all have a great Thanksgiving & a very Merry Christmas..

By Mike D

November 13, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

When I have to make a potluck dish for work, I like to give myself a little adult relief over the ingredients. That way I can sit back and watch all of my coworkers enjoy my “special” dish.

By gagirl

November 13, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Katlady, not to be mean but you should really just stop while you’re ahead. The more you say the more grossed out you’re making the rest of us. I wouldn’t tell a living soul that a cat eats off of your plate from time to time or lies on your table and kitchen counters. That is just plain disgusting! A cat is NOT a human. UGH!!!!!

By katlady

November 13, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

I don’t get it…there are guys on this blog who do unspeakable things in their food & I’M disgusting?!?! Cats technically are not human, true, but as a life-long pet owner, I consider mine an actual family member. And no, I do NOT have Fluffy in bed with me when I’m getting romantic with my husband. That’s like asking me if I have my two teen sons in there as well. YECHHHH!!! SPOOOOOOEYYYY!!!

By BIG A

November 13, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

If it hasn’t killed them it won’t kill you. Eat up!

By gagirl

November 13, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Again, Katlady is nasty. And for the record, I think people who let ANY animal lick them in the mouth/face are nasty. Don’t try to make it about dogs, Katlady. You know you’re tonguing your cat down, too. And that cat is cleaning its private parts of feces and whatever else just like the ‘smelly flea-bitten dogs’ you pointed out. People never cease to amaze me…….

By katlady

November 13, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

And why not make it about dogs as well, gagirl? See, we all have things we find nasty and kissing dogs, to me, is. And no, I do not, as you so picturesquely put it “tongue my cat down”…Yeesh. Fluffy is more than capable of grooming herself, thank you.

By Ripdog

November 13, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Oh my goodness, people I can relate too. I hate potlucks. J’loni, you are so right. It’s always one person, usually to big person in the office, who wants a potluck, and everyone else feels pressured to participate. I never want to rock the boat so I’ll bring in something, eat what I brought in or somebody’s food that I know and leave it at that. And it’s always the people that only brought in drinks that complain about the food.

By GreatGal

November 13, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Well, my parents taught me to always “bless” my food BEFORE I eat it. Often times I see people get their plates and dive right in….give thanks to God first and your chances of getting sick are slim.

Restaurants are just as nasty as private residences…….just sayin’

By GreatGal

November 13, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Well, my parents taught me to always “bless” my food BEFORE I eat it. Often times I see people get their plates and dive right in….give thanks to God first and your chances of getting sick are slim.

Restaurants are just as nasty as private residences…….just sayin’

By Dapoisonclan

November 13, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Potlucks are a no no for this country boy from Southwest GA. I was raised that way. My mom didnt allow my brother and me to eat at other folks house. However, anyone could eat at our house. As a child i thought that was so unfair. After living a little as my grandmother would say —-Im so appreciative of my mother’s rule. People are really nasty. So stay away from potlucks and remember the immortal words of my grandmother: “there are two things you shouldnt play with - your stomach or your butt!!!!”

By copdawg

November 13, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

charlie, you can crawl back into your cave where you came from. this is a forum on potluck, not politics, side note, sarah palin has more experience the your beloved borack!!!

By Potluck next week

November 13, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

I have read these and laughed my head off, I agree with alot of the responses too. I am the admin in the office that gets a sign-up list together! LMAO! I do know who is the nasty bunch vs. clean bunch in my area. I do not eat after everyone, just a few. I have even just got a little of what some bring and just do not eat it. I know some people that come with nothing, some that bring little and some that criticize because there is nothing for vegetarians! most of the people in my area are meat eaters! unlike some of you we are no longer having our turkey and ham provided! Budget! I am looking forward to the potluck and I eat what I want and that is it. No pressure, some attend some don’t. No biggie…I am not lookin to make a friend at the potluck. Get your food, be social for a sec and go! I witnessed a co-worker of mine bring in humus and bread and left it in the workroom. She put a sign on it “help yourself” later that day I witnessed her grab a piece of bread with her fingers and run it through the humus and put it in her mouth and then take the bread out of her mouth and dip again! You nasty a@@! For the co-workers that do not wash hands, especially if you work in a busy environment like mines…WASH YOUR HANDS! It only takes a sec and it helps cut back on spreading germs. A few times I must admit that I have been in the stall and yelled out as they leave “Did you forget something”

By Bill

November 13, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

I love our potlucks. I am a great cook and it gives me a chance to show off. I was in the restaurant biz for 10 years. You are just as safe eating potluck as a restaurant. I have seen servers pull already discarded salads out of the trash and serve it and the guest ate it.

By What???

November 13, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

For everyone who says they won’t eat because they don’t know how their coworkers live at home… It’s so much smarter to eat out isn’t it? Surely someone who is paid minimum wage will make sure that they follow every single rule put down for personal hygiene while they are in the kitchen. DUH! Give me a potluck any day! A little cat hair never hurt anyone! Better than that than some other unmentionables!

By Toni

November 13, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

I adore potlucks. It gives me a chance to try new dishes…and I get to fix my favorites which I don’t eat very often because they make a huge dish and there are only 2 people in my house. Yes, I’ve had food I never want to eat again, but I’ve had plenty of absolutely fabulous dishes that I would have never had a chance to try in other situations.

By ATL Gal

November 13, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

My former company (about 35 people) had an annual Thanksgiving potluck that was a lot of fun. Sure, there were a couple dishes I was skeptical about, but overall everyone’s food was pretty good and I even collected a couple new recipes. We decorated the conference room and enjoyed the comraderie.

On the other hand, we also had a Chili Cook-off that grossed me out. Fun in theory, but high “ick factor” in actuality. I made sure to have an entry just so I’d have something to eat, and my friend-coworkers all ate from mine b/c they knew it was safe;)

I’ve also attended Potluck holiday gatherings where everyone is asked to bring an appetizer or dessert. These are usually wonderful.

By kam

November 13, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

Ok, let me add my 2 cents. While it’s true that not all cooks are sanitary, there are a few other things that bother me. I really hate how some people always show up saying, “I feel so bad because I didn’t bring anything” and then continue to eat everything and pack a plate for later. And it’s usually upper management that is too busy to cook, but always has time to eat. While cats at home is not an issue in my office, we do have a co-worker who always has a dirty nose and filthy nails. You couldn’t pay me to eat anything she touches.

By Asha

November 13, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

Ok, let me add my 2 cents. While it’s true that not all cooks are sanitary, there are a few other things that bother me. I really hate how some people always show up saying, “I feel so bad because I didn’t bring anything” and then continue to eat everything and pack a plate for later. And it’s usually upper management that is too busy to cook, but always has time to eat. While cats at home is not an issue in my office, we do have a co-worker who always has a dirty nose and filthy nails. You couldn’t pay me to eat anything she touches.

By My Two Cents

November 13, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

The only items I eat at a potluck are those that are store bought. The thought of food cooked in someone’s nasty kitchen is repulsive. The previous posts of office’s not having enough refrigerators and microwaves is also true. When in doubt …it is safer not to eat it! Having worked for companies that catered the meals I find it very irritating to see people in the front of the line hoarding food by filling up several plates to carry home while others are still waiting in line. It is a company function, folks… not a chance for you to cop out on cooking that night’s supper at the expense of your coworkers. If there is food leftover that is one thing but to prepare more than one plate for yourself is outright rude.

By Susan

November 13, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

katlady- does your cat use the litterbox? uh huh- yes? THAT’s why the animal doesn’t belong on the table, counter or eating off your plate.

By Renee

November 13, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

I used to love potlucks - that was until I just read what the “katlady” posted. Mental.

By NotAPetLover

November 13, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

I don’t do potlucks, my coworkers are very nasty. I’ll see them sneeze and cough without covering their mouths and wash their hands with cold water. Many of them are pet owners. I do not feel that animals should live in a house; I don’t care how cute they are. Plus, I’ve noticed that pet owners seem to be the first to have colds and stomach viruses. I can often smell the pets on pet owners. I don’t care how clean you are, pets in a house is not sanitary at all.

By Texas Pete

November 13, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

The same nasties occure at restaurants. My college roomate used to urinate in the soup of the day.

By melbatoast

November 13, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Over the last several years, my germophobia has increased - especially after observing my co-workers and their hygiene habits (or should I say lack thereof). So, absolutely not as far as participating in potluck - and my co-workers have learned not to ask. On potluck days, I will leave the office during the soiree if it is our common work area, but will eat at my desk if it is in the breakroom. Thanks, but no thanks!

By DB

November 14, 2008 6:24 AM | Link to this

Wow. There are a LOT of obsessive people here! I’m really intrigued how many people have the time, energy and inclination to keep tabs on who washes their hands, who has cats, etc, etc. Most of you people, I wouldn’t invite to my house because I only invite FRIENDS, not the freakin’ Health Department wannabees. I have a two cats and a dog. The house is clean, but yes, occasionally, you will see a blond dog hair on my black sweater. Get over it, and PLEASE stay away from me, because you are just too damn high maintenance to be around.

I happen to enjoy potlucks — it’s fun to see who brought what, who wimped out at the last minute and got icky potato salad from Publix, or who actually took the time to make a homemade cheesecake. Since when did it become a battleground? GET A LIFE, people. I grew up on church socials and huge family potlucks for holidays — and I’m still here.

By William

November 14, 2008 7:10 AM | Link to this

We had a man in our church who is a good fellow but not clean. We knew he got the vegetables from grocery stores that were thrown out. His favorite item to bring to church suppers was banana pudding. We use to take it and dump 90 percent of it in the garbage so as not to hurt his feelings. We made him think it was eaten. Worked for years

By Kat

November 14, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

Correct me if I’m wrong, but cats may groom themselves all day long (previous poster’s words), but don’t they do that with their tongues that they lick other parts with? Also, their feet are in their litter boxes and then those feet are up on the counters. And…yuck! Having said that, it seems like all of the people saying “live a little, eat some potluck food” are probably the same ones that don’t wash their hands after the bathroom. We know who you are. I look through my stall door to see who walks out after a two-second “water-only” wash. Ugh!

By m

November 14, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

I have co-workers who make food every year for gifts. One of them fosters rabbits and another co-worker told me her house looks like a big rabbit cage - complete with rabbit poo and shredded paper all over her carpeting. I thank her for her food gift and throw it out. I sure it would be fine, but I’m just skeeved out by the idea of someone cooking with vermin hopping around their apartment.

The other co-worker who brings in food has three kids who always seem to be sick. I just assume her little disease vectors are breathing all over her while she works in the kitchen, so I don’t eat her offerings either.

I am so grateful that I’ll be missing the office pot luck this year.

By Tamiko

November 14, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

We just had a halloween potluck and alot of the older workers didn’t participate and was real grumpy when asked. Most of the younger generation did and it came out lovely! The ones that didn’t participate was looking at our plates like they were wishing they had lol. It was too funny. A few even asked 2 “taste” certain things.

By Veggie Tale

November 14, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

i’m a vegetarian, notsomuch because I don’t like turkey and ham - I LIKE BOTH OF THEM A LOT - but for moral and ethical reasons. i knew my comany potluck wouldn’t have much veggie food, just like our party last year didn’t.

i hate to say this out loud because it sounds so equal-opportunity-whiny, but…the thanksgiving day tradition has lost its meaning. and with so many people requiring special diets nowadays (gluten-free, kosher, vegan, and vegetarian, for example) it seems inappropriate to me that companies sponsor ham-and-turkey days without recognizing the need for alternatives so everyone can participate.

i love where i work, and i work for a very progressive company. but couldn’t participate in or potluck, unless i just wanted to eat a sidedish i brought, bread, and maybe dessert.

By Sal

November 14, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

I like my coworkers and enjoy spending time with them. We all look forward to potlucks and often share recipes, etc. I have never witnessed disgusting things like double-dipping, etc. I’d much rather eat at a work potluck than at a “buffet” restaurant where fat men in tank tops are reaching in to get a big scoop of something that’s been sitting in a warmer, and hovering their nasty hairy armpits over all the other food. That goes for cruise ship buffets, too, by the way. YUCKKKKKKKK!!!

By mayretter local

November 14, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

some of y’all really need to relax a bit. but i can see some of the downsides to potluck if you work with some gross people - why are people so nasty? did your momma not raise you right? even if you’re poor, there’s no excuse to not be CLEAN!! it’s the laziness i guess, but i digress…

i enjoy tasting different dishes from ffolkes from otheir parts of the country & other countries, and i believe they enjoy some of the southern favorites i bring.

smile, and eat whatever you wish, but don’t be such a grump.

Eat a Peach for Peace

By Angus

November 14, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

I’ve never gotten sick from a work potluck (we look at the sign-up sheet and avoid food from the ones we know don’t wash their hands), but I have gotten sick from a catered events at work… go figure!

By Marianne

November 14, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

You people are such delicate little PRINCESSES. I grew up on a commune in New Mexico & I think the bunch of you would die if you had seen how we lived & ate. Everything was natural. No additives, no preservatives. We had our own organic garden. Many’s the time I’d pull a vegetable out of the earth & eat it as is, dirt & all. The dirt actually added an earthy flavor & a crunchy texture. We lived & slept along with dogs, cats, chickens, roosters & pigs. Yes, I ate out of dishes right along with cats, dogs & pigs! I was always very kissy with my pets. When my mom & the other “sisters” were cooking, they’d let the animals lap in the pots. Sometimes we’d get animal hair & saliva in the food but so what? It never killed anyone. And you know what? We let the animals (& small children) go to the bathroom wherever they want & you can bet no one got all bent out of shape about washing their hands after using the outhouse or before preparing food. In fact, most of our meals were eaten out of big, communal serving dishes & we’d stick our hands in & feed ourselves that way. I’m in my early 40’s & the picture of health, people!

By Marianne

November 14, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

Oh, and Sal, the women never shaved their legs & armpits so I bet you’d have had an issue with them cooking in sleeveless attire & I know for a fact that several times armpit hair & sweat would get in the food. Believe me, you never tasted it, no biggie

By Faith

November 14, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

I believe in participating in potlucks, but I also ask what people eat and what they don’t eat. On the other hand I won’t eat everyone’s food, simple because it’s “guess what this is”

By Atlanta

November 17, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

I hate potlucks because for one thing, most people at my job has house dogs or cats and you cant tell me that they are as clean as they need to be.

By sally

November 19, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

OK. Any of you nay- sayers! Do any of you eat out at restaurants? Fast food or other wise. How clean do you think these kids are schlepping your grub around behind closed doors. As some one who has worked in the food industry, I would trust my co-worker over some stranger any time. Potlucks are fine/fun participate if you like but if you won’t, don’t pick your way around the kitchen and then b*** about it, and spoil the comradeship of the rest of us.

By Charlotte

November 24, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

The company is nixing the annual Christmas dinner, so some people are recommending a potluck. The problems with potlucks, though, are that they are inconvenient, as somebody else said. You have to cook the food the night before, find place in the small company refrigerator to store it, and then heat it up in the microwave when lunch time comes. If you have a slow microwave and even just 17 employees, this will equal an hour and a half of waiting for everything to heat up! Even with 2 slow microwaves, it will still take around 50 minutes. Then there are the dishes to take back home to clean, and the food that you would have used to cook meals for yourself…but instead had to use to cook for your coworkers, which hurts if you are short on money and are trying to conserve food. And, nobody mentioned the possibility that a lot of people don’t consider cooking to be their forte. So you may end up with a scary version of beef stroganoff or pork chop soup…or rice casserole with three tablespoons too much salt added.

I say that potlucks aren’t worth the hassle….you simply can’t compare them to that wonderful meal where you can relax and not worry about cooking and using up your own food, cramming the casserole dish into the breakroom fridge, waiting an hour to reheat everybody’s food, and taking home and washing the dish at the end of the day. Anybody else agree?

By joie

November 27, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Potluck is okay but some people just do not know how to cook….I never heard of anyone making a broccoli/rice casserole with cheez whiz…now that is just NASTY.

By E Cole Eye

December 9, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

This thread is hilarious. First, to the women whining about men not doing any cooking — so what? It’s a fact of life: most men aren’t going to be wussified into cooking and cleaning. Blame their moms for doing everything for them. If you don’t like it, don’t let people who don’t bring something participate. Katlady — you need to get out more, establish meaningful relationships with people - unless you believe animals are better friends than people. If that’s the case, you really need to get out more. And, cats and dogs have no business being around, or a part of, food preparation. Dogs and cats carry worms, fleas, ticks, and their paws step in all kinds of stuff. Anyone who has had pin worms can explain this to you. Their mouths are full of bacteria, which is why a dog or cat bite can become infected. Taking these things into consideration is a part of what it means to practice hygiene. Lastly, the issue isn’t one of cleanliness so much as potential food poisoning. I’ve been food poisoned at a potluck and spent most of Christmas week posed as Rodin’s “The Thinker” as a result. Never again. And the most likely suspect, based on other people’s gastro-intestinal reactions, was a dish of those small wieners called “smokeys.” And who brought them in? No, not a catlady but a crazy dog lady.

By John

December 16, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

I refuse to participate in office potluck paties and the holiday one is no exception. I work with these people all year long, supervisors, administrators and the list goes on. I’m as friendly as they come - been here for two years (state agency where I left one department and transferred to an entirely different department handling insurance claims in a cubilce). These people walk right by me, won’t give me the time of day, know nothing about human behavior or how to interact with one another, hardly say “hello” and I’m going to have lunch with them? No way. I take personal time during the party and go off to finish my errands. I can’t be bothered with the phoniness of the majority. Imagine walking by someone most days without uttering, “good morning” “how are you” “Hey it’s raining out there” for weeks and months on end, but be expected to make a dish, bring it in, watch it get devoured by people who are the least bit respectful. It’s not only me they do it to, there’s other employees they just care not to talk with. Or, the funny thing is that when I do engage in forced conversation (as a means to prove a point to myself that I can get anyone to say hello) they appear to uptight and uncomfortable. Clearly people walk around here like shadey characters in a Stephen King movie. Too much for me so I bow out.