I wish my phobia (phobiae) ended at onions. Sadly it doesn't, and I can't think of any awful experiences from my youth to explain why I hate so many veggies. It's possible that my folks just didn't force me to clean my plate (or do my homework!)

I was doing a concert in an unamed part of New England a few years ago and the folks that were putting me up had a nice party in my honour out the back of their house. They were SOOOOOO nice, but didn't know about my food peculiarities. I ended up with a plate full of little potatoes COOKED with fried onions! Not only that but three or four Brussels sprouts and a mixture of cauliflower and broccoli filled the plate. The worst was some nice salmon that also been cooked along side the ONIONS!

I absolutely freaked! I should have just told the host that I was allergic to food period and had to be fed intravenously.....but instead.......now forgive me folks....I truly WAS desperate and panicky......I started tossing spuds into the plastic garbage can about twenty feet away, whenever no one was looking!!

I'd gotten rid of most of the (onion-contaminated) potatoes and brussels sprouts when a small girl sidled up and said "what are you doing Mister"? Usually I can be pretty glib when neccessary, but not then. I just looked at the kid, said "I dunno" and prayed she wouldn't tell anyone!

This was before I read Quentin Crisp, and became the "let it all hang out" blabbermouth that joined Mudcat. Back Then I was still in the "Vegetable closet"

Cheers

Rick