The Scene: At lunch with unnamed other.

We sit down to eat our taco salads. I take a few bites before the heat of the salsa and seasoning gets to me and I have to take a drink.

Me: Whew, that’s a little spicier than I expected it to be.

Unnamed other: You thought that was spicy? Really?

Me: …

Unnamed other: I mean, you even have any jalapenos in it.

Me: …

Unnamed other: I eat stuff much more spicy than this all the time.

Me: Yeah, I just don’t really like super spicy food.

Unnamed other: But this isn’t even THAT spicy. You really can’t handle much, can you?

Me: blinking while considering whether or not punching them would get me fired

End Scene

This is a dance I go through at least three times a year. I don’t mean to sound rude or anything but f*ck off.

Why is spicy food almost a status symbol? It’s not like people will mock you for not liking sour food. Amendment: In second grade we did used to mock other kids who couldn’t handle certain super sour candy. Then again, we also picked our noses, so we weren’t exactly shining examples.

My Danish/Canadian Native American genetics are not properly equipped to handle a lot of heat. My Peruvian step family loves this. I love eating without commentary on my food preferences.

Okay, I do like food with a good combination of spices and flavors but I just don’t need the heat. I’m just going to say it. I think that heat is a cop out. It’s a substitution for flavor and creativity.

Anyone can throw some Tabasco or Habanera sauce in a dish and call it a day but it takes an understanding of flavor and the palate to make a flavorful dish with depths of different flavors. That’s what I want.

Confession: When I was younger I read an article that said spicy foods would speed up my metabolism. For a few months I desperately ate every spicy item I could stomach. Then I had the bright idea of simply adding barbecue sauce to everything. Brilliant, right?

The Result: I didn’t lose any weight but now no longer like barbecue sauce either.

Why do people comment on other people’s food in general? Isn’t that rude? I really can’t stand it when people discuss my food choices or other people’s food choices. It wasn’t anyone’s business when I wanted to have ramen and coke for lunch and it still isn’t anyone business when I decide to have a salad or chicken and Brussels sprouts for dinner.

This is the kind of behavior that makes me want to buy a really big ring or four, put them on, and then bitch slap the commenter.

So my lovely readers, any stories about people making stupid comments about your food? Do you like spicy food or are you a wimp like me? Let me hear your stories because I can totally empathize!

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Libby September 10, 2010, 11:04 pm

Ugh! This kind of behavior makes me crazy!

I'm a vegetarian from a smallish Texas town. Everyone loves to tell me how much I'm missing out on, how silly it is, and how I'm not getting enough protein.

I think they expect me to be super-judgy-mcjudgerson about their eating meat, so they try to beat me to the punch.

I want to scream that I don't give a flip if they eat meat.

Anyway, I hear you. I'm good with spicy food, but if someone has anything else to say about your plate other than "Wow, that looks good!" they can just be quiet.

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Libby September 10, 2010, 11:04 pm

Ugh! This kind of behavior makes me crazy!

I'm a vegetarian from a smallish Texas town. Everyone loves to tell me how much I'm missing out on, how silly it is, and how I'm not getting enough protein.

I think they expect me to be super-judgy-mcjudgerson about their eating meat, so they try to beat me to the punch.

I want to scream that I don't give a flip if they eat meat.

Anyway, I hear you. I'm good with spicy food, but if someone has anything else to say about your plate other than "Wow, that looks good!" they can just be quiet.

Reply
Suzanne September 10, 2010, 11:46 pm

Oh yes, I've been looked down on MANY times b/c I can't tolerate too much heat. It definitely is an elitist 'tude! My husband, though very nice about it, is also training my daughter to be a heat monger. Oh boy.

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alwaysaby September 11, 2010, 2:14 am

One of the things that I hate the most is when I slave for hours in the kitchen, produce a meal that I'm incredibly proud of, full of different wonderful flavors and textures, and someone dumps hot sauce or red pepper flakes all over it.

I really want to say "Dude, I made that for you to eat as is. Cut that shit out!" I mean, if it doesn't turn out quite like I mean it to, I'll tell you it might need a little extra. Otherwise… keep your extra spice off my cooking. Period. Instead, because I'm just a little passive aggressive, I might tend to hide my spicy seasonings. Sometimes.

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Aether September 11, 2010, 3:39 am

I agree! so much.

I like a little heat but not too much!

Those that use their love of chilli as something attached to their ego are usually those that are heard bragging about some uber obscure liqour they tasted at such and suches wine and cheese night last saturday evening:-P

Blah

Give me a blend of flavours not something so hot it burns the tastebuds off my tongue.

Adore your blog, btw:)

Reply
Aether September 11, 2010, 3:39 am

I agree! so much.

I like a little heat but not too much!

Those that use their love of chilli as something attached to their ego are usually those that are heard bragging about some uber obscure liqour they tasted at such and suches wine and cheese night last saturday evening:-P

Blah

Give me a blend of flavours not something so hot it burns the tastebuds off my tongue.

Adore your blog, btw:)

Reply