> One time on Usenet, "Bob Terwilliger" >
> said:
> > Jani wrote:
>
> > > But I'm more interested in knowing what kind of fussiness
> > > the rest of you may have to deal with...
> >
> > My girlfriend insists that she isn't fussy. I think she is. Here's the list
> > of things she won't eat: okra, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, any kind of
> > squash, any Indian or Asian food (except Japanese; for some reason Japanese
> > food is "acceptable." But Chinese, Thai, Korean, and Vietnamese foods are
> > rejected out of hand.), oysters, brussels sprouts, chicken, spicy foods,
> > cucumbers, and bacon. Oh, and she doesn't like anything to be "too French,"
> > whatever that means.
>

Yeah, that's picky.

But... I can kinda relate to the Asian foods. These were dishes that I
just was not familiar with. I was anxious enough to go to the restaurants
the first few times, but I didn't have real good experiences. First of all
I didn't have a clue what to order. I was unfamiliar with the ingredients
listed and had no idea what they tasted like in the combos.

[Sorry, but I still don't get Thai Tea.]

There weren't any "sampler" plate offerings, so I picked one thing and,
generally, wasn't pleasantly surprised. I think of any kind of a
restaurant anywhere - including US based menus - and believe this to be
the case.

What helped me were buffet-style restaurants where I could see things and
taste a bite of this and of that until I got used to the spices and the
combos of flavors. There are lots of things I don't care for, but there
are many that I do. At one dish a visit, it would have taken me awhile to
discover all the things I enjoy.

For anyone introducing someone to a new "food group", consider buffets -
even if the quality isn't quite as good. (and get there at the time they
are gearing up for "rush" when everything is fresh).

Elaine, too