this week a friend and I are officially moving into our new apartment, and we're hosting a housewarming. they're really excited to make gumbo for the occasion, since they really miss home and want to share a piece of it with others. the problem is, their cooking is really bland, and they tend to "compensate" by just making it spicy. the two of us have been alternating cooking dinner for the two of us for a couple of months and their meals often don't have much/any flavour. they're a white person who really prides themselves on their spice tolerance and frequently jokes they're an "exception to the rule" - and credit where credit is due the food will be spicy, just not much else? if that makes sense.
Now I personally don't mind because we're in collage and a free meal is a free meal, but I'm a little embarrassed to admit I have this wish to impress our guests at the housewarming. but i also know this meal is very nostalgic for them, and that it would mean a lot to them to share it with our friends. how should I go about this? do i suggest i cook instead? do i suggest they make something that's a little more likely to turn out well? do i just make good desert for after the gumbo so we both get our way? or do I just let it be?