Work lunch - chinese

[hippybagsue]

So, for our Christmas lunch my research group has decided to go to a Chinese buffet. (How that relates to Christmas, I don't know) My academic supervisor is organising, with the postgrads and other project students also going.

I'm actually really worried:
1) because buffets are a social minefield anyway, I always feel like people are judging about what you are eating/amount
2) I don't really know any of them
3) WHAT AM I GOING TO EAT??

I'm panicking they are going to think I'm a fussy flappy person, avoiding rice/noodles/only one plate full, I would normally explain, but I don't know them that well. I know I'm gonna have do bend Dr.D's rules. sigh. Its been going so well!

What do you think would be the best dishes for damage limitations?

Thanks all,
x

 

[Vixx]

Something like a chicken foo yung is usually recommended however this might not be available at a buffet-style restaurant.

Are you able to post a link to the menu? That way people can give you some suggestions.

 

[squindles]

So, for our Christmas lunch my research group has decided to go to a Chinese buffet. (How that relates to Christmas, I don't know) My academic supervisor is organising, with the postgrads and other project students also going.

I'm actually really worried:
1) because buffets are a social minefield anyway, I always feel like people are judging about what you are eating/amount
2) I don't really know any of them
3) WHAT AM I GOING TO EAT??

I'm panicking they are going to think I'm a fussy flappy person, avoiding rice/noodles/only one plate full, I would normally explain, but I don't know them that well. I know I'm gonna have do bend Dr.D's rules. sigh. Its been going so well!

What do you think would be the best dishes for damage limitations?

Thanks all,
x

Can't you not go? it sounds horrid, you worrying about what other people will think of what/how much you are eating, plus you say you don't really know any of them? I wouldn't blow my good work for a situation like THAT!!! You are to nice to have that predicament (sp?) hun!
Jackie xx

 

[trudyc]

If you go I would see if they do the stir fry that you choose the meat and the veg and they cook it up for you. Ask them to leave off the oil and just add soy etc. If that not available then stick to as much meat and veg as you can avoiding the fried batter stuff. I would go and don't be judged on what u eat - really no one will be watching I promise!!!! x

 

[hippybagsue]

Thanks ladies - I've had a look at the menu and its not too bad, its an all you can eat a la carte - so I can just order what I like which is good! I'm a lot happier now.

There are some good options such as stir fry mix veg - and chicken with veg. It might be a bit oily, and a few hidden carbies, but I'll do a couple of pp days + some good exercise in the proceeding/preceeding days!

Thanks for the support, its quite a small group (about 8 of us) and it would be a good idea to get to know them! I think I just went into a flat spin when I heard "Chinese".

Here is the menu:

http://www.pilgrimhousechineseresta...27046-10-Pilgrim_House_Chinese_Restaurant.pdf

Happy days!

 

[Supertonic]

I hate these Xmas social things where everyone has to shout to hear one another and it's like trial by alcohol, and the next day all the macho types talk about how hammered they got the night before...

But yours sounds v civilised! From the menu, I would probably go for chicken or prawn with ginger and spring onions (favourite anyway)plus some stir fried or braised vegetables instead of rice. If there's too much sauce or grease you can just pick out the bits daintily, no one will notice as you'll all be enjoying it. If forced I would have the wonton soup as a starter, as that is usually quite flavoursome but not fatty. I think I would find it all salty so I would stick to water.
Hope you enjoy!

 

[hippybagsue]

Thanks for all of your advice!

The meal was yesterday, and it wasn't too bad. I had chicken with mange tout, stir fry vegetables, some chicken satay with no sauce and lots of Chinese tea - it was so salty.

Lots of water and the gym today. So glad it went well, even though I was sitting next to my boss!

 

[Supertonic]

Sounds perfect! So glad it wasn't as bad as you thought it would be, well done for sticking to your plan

 

[Maintainer]

It was my team's work do today - I got stuck in the office working for the other team I work for! haaaa! Way to beat the calories but I nearly cried when they left calling for me to join them

 

[Supertonic]

Ah but Xmas work meals always promise more than they deliver. I volunteered to do the afternoon work session to get out of the Xmas lunch yesterday, and had my Dukan friendly lunch in solitary splendour in an empty office! Worked a treat for the diet, I didn't get tempted into having 2 gala meals this week, and I felt so virtuous I left early (nobody came back, as they were all too far gone!)

Now I'm ahead on work, everyone thinks I'm a workaholic /antisocial /a creep, but I don't have a hangover, I've not said anything unwise to the boss in Xmas party mode, I'm still on track diet wise, and I can go on holiday next week with a clear conscience. Best I could hope for really, in the circs!