Is it normal to pre-order food at a friend's barbecue?

[JohnnieFedora]

I went to a friend's house last weekend for a BBQ and it was the strangest set upnjbe ever known.

You had to let host know what you wanted cooked for you... So you had to say "1 burger, 3 skewers" that kind of thing
They cooked exactly and only what was ordered and have it to you on a plate.

Never ever seen this before! I know it's not normal... Bit so bizarre!

Weird. Hate my food being rationed... Ever heard of leftovers?? We always cook extra on BBQ

Wow - you took a hugely generous drinks contribution, OP!

OP I didn’t really know what you meant when I saw this port first but after going to my friends bbq today I think I understand now. So I normally just cook basic foods, hot dogs, burgers, halloumi etc at a bbq. I might throw a salad together too and we always ask ‘who wants a burger? ’ I went to my friends BBQ today and was genuinely shocked at the hospitality. Before the bbq even went on there were plates of salads all different kinds, homemade sauces like salsa etc, grilled veggies, fruit, skewers, breads, bowls and bowls of nibbles like crisps and nuts. Then the bbq went on, there were enough burgers, sausages and other meats to feed everyone at least twice (25 ppl in total), there was a table full of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. When I have a bbq I just say bring your own food or drink sometimes unless I’m feeling a bit rich that week in which case I’ll buy a case of beer. I’m now embarrassed about any bbq I’ve ever invited my friend to.

OP is my friends set up more what you’re used to? She’s quite wealthy unlike me so maybe that’s why, cultural differences also as she’s not from the UK.

I disagree, BBQ meat is rarely nice the following day, if rather it wasn't cooked and could be cooked fresh on other days.

Leftover BBQ is feral nobody wants cold greasy Burger's and sausages except the dogs 😂

I love a cold sausage sandwich the next day!

I really don't like leftover meat, when we had a dog, he'd eat it. I suppose this all depends on what kind of guests you have too - my guests generally are not "pile it high on your plate" people.

OP, B is weird and controlling. Sometimes you have one bit of chicken and think: oooh, that was nice, rather have more than a burger. Or whatever.

I get reducing food waste (we have virtually none in our house). But I don't understand people who have no concept of using leftovers. You can freeze cooked meat. You cash rest of fire a couple of days afterwards... You can use chicken in a fried rice or noodle dish. I've even made a fried rice with chopped up burger, very nice. It's just odd that it's either exact amounts or throw it away.