Brushing up on Etiquettes for Formal Dining Experiences
In these fast times, breakfast on the go, takeout lunches, and microwave dinners are becoming not just commonly used terms but an indication of our urban lifestyle. For this reason, not too many people are familiar with formal dining etiquette. Although formal sit-down dinners are reserved for the elite of the society and are quite a rare occurrence in the life of the common man, it’s always better to know how to mind your P’s and Q’s in case such an event does present itself in front of you. Here are some tips for you to keep in mind. (more…)
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Acquiring a Taste: Encounters of the first kind with Strange Foods
I’ve always wondered what “acquired taste” meant. It seemed like the sort of thing that the rich and well funded people seemed to possess since most of the expensive foods in the world – beluga caviar, blue cheese, haggis – were the kind for which you had to acquire a taste. I often wondered how did one acquire a taste and where from? Why was there a need to acquire taste at all? What was so wrong with the one you had already?
As you can see, I was completely clueless about the concept of acquired taste and it was only much later I realized that when someone acquires a taste for something, they’ve sort of learned to turn a blind eye to the qualities of food that would make most people gag. It could be smell, the texture, or even the taste. For instance, not everyone likes black coffee and they’d find it too bitter to be able to enjoy it. But, there are those that can swig down black coffee by the liter and not stop for a nano second to consider the bitter taste. That is an acquired taste.
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First Timers – What to Order at a Sushi Bar
If it is your first time at a Sushi Bar, you may just be intimidated by the selection of food in the menu. Of course, because of your limited exposure to this food, you may not even know what is what. Most first timers go to a Sushi restaurant expecting to eat a lot of rice and a lot of raw fish. While there may be some truth in that, there’s also a lot more to try out here. All in all, it is guaranteed to be an interesting experience. You are sure to be back for more in the future. (more…)
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Herbs: To Dry or Not to Dry
Who doesn’t love using fresh herbs in their cooking? They lend an unbeatable aroma and taste that makes it hard for you to resist the food. And yet, not too many of us have access to hand-picked herbs all the time. Besides, with the onset of winter, fresh herbs aren’t always available in your kitchen garden. So, what do you do?
The next best option that remains to us is using dried ones and most of the times they work out just fine. However, experts are quick to point out that not all herbs work well when they are dried. Drying robs them of water and natural oils, which in turn takes away their essential characteristics. (more…)
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The Most “Drunk” Countries in the World
It’s always interesting to notice the relationship people have with alcohol. Some use it as a means to shed their inhibitions and others as an impetus to facilitate social interactions. In some countries alcohol is a matter of national identity while in others it’s a national problem. (more…)
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Classic Chinese Eating Traditions
Chopsticks aren’t the only thing integral to the Chinese culinary experience. There are various other small traditions and practices that are exhibited in public in the form of table manners. They may not come to you as naturally as they would to a true blue Chinese person (and even then not everyone is familiar with all the Chinese traditions centered on food), it’s always good to know these things.
Even if non-natives are allowed a lot of leeway when it comes to these typical customs and traditions, it shows your consideration and thoughtfulness when you remember and put into practice some of the more common Chinese dining traditions.
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