[ Ah yes, this too feels like a traditional kind of Ahito response. ]

Though it is true the Sage is the one being the reason for the potluck, does it also necessarily have to be solely for him?

As for making friends...I can't imagine you haven't already done so. Would it not be fun to participate in general? Could you also not find something you would like to eat that you would not otherwise?

There also indeed can be other chances, though is it the same as this one?