SHARING FOODWhat food do you share?
The house food kitty covers everything we need for ordinary meals — all the groceries, from basics through fresh fruits and vegetables, including dinner ingredients and breakfast and lunch supplies. Even ice cream (within reason) is a house purchase. The only things we buy as individuals are private stashes (like Belgian truffles) or meals out. Who decides what to buy? We all do. Each of us notes down any items on the shopping list for the dinner we intend to cook, as well as personal requests (favorite cereals, jams, etc.) or staples that are running low. The person who serves as the house shopper is responsible for keeping to the budget. If items are unavailable or out of price range, the shopper may make a substitution. We also rely on seasonal farm shares for many local organic vegetables. |
What kinds of meals do you serve?
Excellent ones! We bake our own bread, and enjoy fabulous vegetarian meals — for example, homemade pizza, peanut noodles, enchiladas, curry, lasagna, falafel with homemade tahini... Desserts are optional; the household is equally divided between chocaholics and those who prefer creme brulee.
How often do you eat together?
With seven adult members, we have seven house dinners each week: each of us signs up the week beforehand for a night to cook. Of course, we also share meals on an impromptu basis (like weekend brunches).
Does everyone come to house dinners?
That's the ideal, although anyone might have another commitment (or bring a guest)! We count on a majority of us sitting down together, so we each commit to at least four nights a week. We note on the weekly calendar if we'll be away, so whoever is cooking can plan ahead. This is what makes shared meals work.
Excellent ones! We bake our own bread, and enjoy fabulous vegetarian meals — for example, homemade pizza, peanut noodles, enchiladas, curry, lasagna, falafel with homemade tahini... Desserts are optional; the household is equally divided between chocaholics and those who prefer creme brulee.
How often do you eat together?
With seven adult members, we have seven house dinners each week: each of us signs up the week beforehand for a night to cook. Of course, we also share meals on an impromptu basis (like weekend brunches).
Does everyone come to house dinners?
That's the ideal, although anyone might have another commitment (or bring a guest)! We count on a majority of us sitting down together, so we each commit to at least four nights a week. We note on the weekly calendar if we'll be away, so whoever is cooking can plan ahead. This is what makes shared meals work.
Is the household vegetarian?
Mostly, though not exclusively. We prefer to buy and cook vegetarian food for environmental reasons. Once in a while the house will purchase small amounts of fish or meat for special dinner dishes. Individuals can also subsidize special ingredients themselves.
What about special diets, or allergies?
Since we depend on lots of nuts, cheese and tofu, we can't accommodate residents with nut, dairy, or soy allergies. We aren't a gluten-free or a vegan community. We can accommodate allergies to more specific foods (i.e. green peppers). In terms of visitors, however, we're happy to tailor meals for specific occasions — we enjoy having guests to dinner!
Mostly, though not exclusively. We prefer to buy and cook vegetarian food for environmental reasons. Once in a while the house will purchase small amounts of fish or meat for special dinner dishes. Individuals can also subsidize special ingredients themselves.
What about special diets, or allergies?
Since we depend on lots of nuts, cheese and tofu, we can't accommodate residents with nut, dairy, or soy allergies. We aren't a gluten-free or a vegan community. We can accommodate allergies to more specific foods (i.e. green peppers). In terms of visitors, however, we're happy to tailor meals for specific occasions — we enjoy having guests to dinner!
