Potluck paranoia: Do you have it?
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Today The Times’ Health section ran a story by Jeannine Stein under the headline, ‘Grossed out by holiday potlucks? Join the crowd.’ It’s an interesting look at partygoers who just can’t get over the fact that the food brought to a potluck might not have been made under the most sanitary of circumstances.
The article struck me because, I have to admit, I’m a bit of a germ-o-phobe. I freak out (understandably) when I see someone taking money and handling food. (I saw this most recently at sausage stands around Vienna, and although the sausages looked incredible, I just couldn’t bring myself to buy one.) I also have hernias at Subway when my sandwich artist sneezes into the crook of his or her arm. Salad bars can upset me, especially when the vegetables get mixed up. I carry hand sanitizer in my purse and use it (too frequently some might argue). I never touch a bathroom doorknob without a paper towel.
I could go on. But it has never occurred to me to fear a potluck. I figure that probably comes from all the time I’ve spent in restaurant kitchens (in Tucson, Boston, Brussels and L.A.). The things I’ve seen, even at A-rated establishments are enough to make a bonafide germ-o-phobe never eat out again. Because no matter how clean you keep a place, you can’t monitor how the underpaid employees behave. That’s why it’s wise never to be a jerk to a server.
As far as potluck food is concerned, I just figure that if someone takes the time to cook for a party, they at least put some love and genuine effort into the endeavor, and that’s more than I can say for the behind-the-scenes staff at certain restaurants.
What about you? Do you fear the potluck?
-- Jessica Gelt
