An interesting conversation. I have been vegetarian for 30+ years ... officially I am an "Ovo-lacto" vegetarian because I also eat eggs and dairy products. There are some people who eat white meat but still say they are vegetarian because they don't eat red meat - in my opinion they just want to be 'trendy' by labeling themselves vegetarian, similarly those who also eat fish. Like everything in life, you can make something as confusing or easy as you like!I actually cook 100% vegan food as DH is lactose intolerant (but he does eat meat and fish ... he calls himself a 'vegetarian by marriage'). I think we must be quite challenging for people to invite around because of what we do and do not eat, but there is a huge range of fabulous food out there and I am picking up more and more ideas and reicpes all the time.
Gert, loved your story about Jennifer and Clarissa, can imagine they would have both been a riot to know! I am a tad envious! I get the feeling at the moment it is "cool" or "trendy" if you have an alternate way of eating. I find it a pain in Gert's rats aspidistra! I was at a café the other day, a lady ordered a toasted Panini, when it came out she said "oh, I can't eat that... I am gluten free, ooops, I forgot to tell you that, sorry" and laughed. Now if she was really GF, then she would have asked before she ordered. I think she was trying to look good in front of her trendy friends. She just looked like a bloody idiot to me.
Marina,My DD describes her vegertarian ways by saying she doesnt eat anything with a face. She isvlike you and eats eggs and dairy!
Thank goodness the wine in Adelaide was good Gert
Loved your soap box warning Gert - and I agree with you whole heartedly!