It's generally a good idea before the event to notify the host (or the
chef) that you cannot eat dairy products, and, if that's not enough, that
you get sick after eating them. Ask if there will be any foods that you
will be able to eat. This can be done is as polite and deferetial manner as
you want, including saying that you'll bring alone an additional "main
dish" to share with others, if it's appropriate. Don't be too worried about
offending. Many people, give enough notice, will adjust their choice of
menu based on this knowledge. At worst, you'll find that they won't be able
to accomodate you, and you can then decide whether it's worth going, or
whether you should plan on making other dining arrangements.

>
>P.S. My favorite find is Ben and Jerry's Devil's Food Chocolate Sorbet --
>tastes as rich as I remember premium chocolate ice cream. And if you are
>ever in Northampton, MA, "Herrell's Ice Cream" has good "No-Moo" flavors.

Great - That Steve is amazing. BTW, there are some other brands that you'll
like even better than B & J's. There's one from Cascadiam Farms (I think)
and one that Trader Joe's sells. They are smoothe and creamy and sinfully
delicious.

Mark