On eating the party spread the next day
My question is about the general detritus of a party spread discovered the morning-after. Is it all too far gone for a nibble? In this state of mind everything looks poisonous... But can anything have actually gone bad during that time?
We both know the best way to outrun a hangover is to get some food in your stomach, rehydrate, and flee the scene of the party before demons overtake you. Since I’m usually the first to wake up after one of our Dutch-Romantic-Era themed rituals, I get first look at the day-old spread. Here’s my approach:
We’ve all been here before
Hunk of bread: It’s kinda stale but no mold — totally safe. Christ, I need something to sponge up all that wine. Eat.
Olives: Don’t mind if I do. Let’s leave these out until noon and then feed them to the pigs. Eat.
Chalice of wine: Oh heavens yes! I mean, given that the wells are riddled with cholera, this is probably my safest bet at rehydrating. Drink.
Those half-eaten flagels: I worry that they were handled by unclean hands last night. And is that meat filling? Let’s avoid half-eaten foods and meats. Do not eat.
Roasted goose: Left unrefrigerated for 12 + hours? I just barfed a tiny bit into my mouth. Do not eat. Trash the goose. No, no, don’t throw it away. Give it to the stable boy.
Peacock pie: This looks horribly unsanitary and I don’t like the way he looks at me. Please just take it away. Do not eat. I don’t care just take it away.
Dried confections, nuts, and fruit: No worries about this stuff. I’m going to fill my cloak pockets for a snack on the carriage ride home. Oh my darling Johanna will be so delighted for a peach and Hendrik will finally taste his first apple! Eat.
Want more? I also wrote a post specifically about leftover pizza
+++++