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I feel shy about taking pictures of food (I don't know why, but I feel like some sort of freak, the only person on the planet to do this, which is obviously nonsense), and only do so occasionally, but as long as other patrons are being strictly omitted from the images, and a flash isn't used, I don't think this is a problem. True, food is meant to be eaten, but sometimes it is also so impressive visually, I want to show a few friends, and I'll take a shot. I usually only move myself or the dish I'm shooting in order to ensure that other diners aren't in the shot. As long taking a picture or two is a brief, low-key incident, it seems fine.

It seems strange that any restaurant would ban even the taking of photos of the diners at one's own table, as this has been a longstanding tradition, and I can remember seeing this done even when I was a small child (in excellent restaurants), by people celebrating some special event; the waiter was often included in the shot. And let's not forget all those photos of dinners at all classes of restaurants that go back as far as the existence of the SLR camera, at least

On the other hand, use of the terms 'food porn' and 'foodie' should be punishable by law ;)

Don't let "hostess"'s lack of consideration get to you. As others have mentioned, maybe she's self-involved, or incompetent & the party is overwhelming her.
In any case, promptly (within 24 hours) reply that "her suggestion was interesting" (or whatever wording makes it clear that you don't take orders from her, yet isn't confrontational). And, you're sure you can figure out something to fill out the dessert table by the weekend.
Then, make or purchase something nice. Please don't denigrate yourself with the temptation to be stingy or uncooperative. There's gonna be others at the BBQ who are probably lovely people who maybe are completely unaware of the hostess' clumsiness. Enjoy them, and yourself. GL

I think there is waay too much over reaction to this. Most of the suggested solutions will humiliate the hostess and are guaranteed to end the friendship. Maybe the hostess is just overly excited about throwing a theme party and forgot not everyone else is as enthusiastic? Maybe she interpreted the offer to bring something as bring/cook anything? Or maybe she really is just rude. In any case, if you like her and want to go to the BBQ but don't want to try your hand at her dish, I say take the high road. Tactfully tell her that you are not comfortable cooking Mexican Brownies, and then offer to bring X (insert whatever favorite dessert you can whip up fabulously).

SEND HER A LINK TO THIS PAGE!!!
Make the brownies, don't make the brownies, don't go the BBQ---this you have to decide by following your heart,
My thing would be that I'd want to communicate my feelings about the rudeness and if I am feeling passive aggressive I'd do it by
SENDING HER A LINK TO THIS PAGE. Caution, this might end your friendship though.
If she is a close friend you have to come clean about this really bugging you, bugging you enough to start this page!

I think that is pretty rude. I say you make some regular old Duncan Hines and put a teensy sombrero on top.

Maybe you could find some Marijuana and add that to the mix. A good time will be had by all.

On second thought, it's a barbeque, bring an ice cold watermelon!

It's a barbecue not a sit down 7 course meal. Barbecue are normal casual with a lot of things that just a happen. If we make big deal out of everything then the real deals have little consequence.

So why not take the this as a chance to try something new. What's the down side? If it doesn't turn out perfect, you have the good excuse -- never done it before. If it turns out good -- you have another recipe in your arsenal

So make it a learning experience and make it fun. Add something unexpected to make it your own. Barbecues should be fun so make getting ready fun as well.

Since the weekend is past, what DID you bring to this rude hostess? I'm on pins and needles.

mexican chocolate brownies sound simple enough - but do they really have brownies in Mexico? I'm guessing no.

anyway, I am always looking for an opportunity to make something different - it sounds like it would be fun and simple enough - try it!

it may be a little rude - but brownies are so easy

I am of two minds here. First, I would have reminded the hostess that she said nothing was needed, just to see her reaction. Then, when she told you what to bring, if you're not familiar, ask her for the recipe! You can try saying "oh, I've never heard of those, where did you see the recipe?" and let her take it from there.

That said, if you want to participate in the BBQ and feel stuck making "Mexican brownies," I would follow the suggestions of some of the other responders. Just make a batch of regular brownies and add spices that would be appropriate. Mexican hot chocolate contains cinnamon, no chiles, although a lot of people probably would expect chile. So if you feel really obliging, make two batches: one with and one without. An easy way is to make a batch that fits in a 9"x13" pan (mix or homemade), add a tablespoon of cinnamon, pour half into an 8"x8" pan, add a couple teaspoons of ground chile (depending upon the chiles you have) to the other half, and pour it into a separate pan. Just be sure you can tell them apart! Bake as usual, take and if anybody asks you can tell them that the hostess told you to bring "Mexican brownies" and you did the best you could not having had them before.

I remember RSVPing to a family bbq for a beloved aunt in celebration of her 75th birthday. Before I could even offer to make something I was told I was assigned the task of bringing German Potato Salad. What? I'd never made that before in my life! So, after searching countless recipes I did the next best thing. Went to my local supermarket, picked up a couple of pounds of the stuff, put it in a lovely bowl and brought it to the party.