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Tidbits
- Nouvelle Cuisine is founded on the idea that people should not only be rich, but thin as well. Small portions are decoratively presented with sauces under, not over the food.
- George Washington, the first president of the United States wrote a book outlining his personal social standards and values called Rules of Civility.
- The American rejection of strict social protocols can be traced to the early days of our dealings with dignitaries from foreign countries. Benjamin Franklin simply refused to dress in accordance with the elite and was excused for this in part because he was a most charming man. However, this was no mistake on his part, but the physical manifestation of the 'all men are created equal' motto that has been the cornerstone of our society.
- People love to play with their food. In some cultures, one makes decorative piles on their plate. In others, people take pieces of food and wrap one around another to discover new taste blends. This is called the Oreo Syndrome.
- Calling cards originated in the late 16th century Italy and are still in use today. First used as an announcement of the presence of nobility, it became fashionable for any visitor to leave one. They became very complex and artistic, though now they are much simpler and are most often used as gift enclosures.
- The art of napkin folding began in late sixteenth century Italy. It became so sophisticated that there were professional napkin-folders and diners were provided plainly folded napkins for actual use.
- Hors d'oeuvres - Literally, placed outside the meal.
- In Japan, chopsticks are the epitome of civilized dining. All food is prepared in bite-sized pieces in the kitchen before serving so that no knives are present at the table, as this is considered very rude.
- Use of individual solid plates (plate means flat) became widespread in the seventeenth century. At medieval banquets, broad slices of bread were used as plates and could be consumed with the juices and sauces served with the meal, making them a savory treat for diners or the dogs who accompanied them to dinner.
- Men began to hurl cups of wine to the floor or into the fireplace so that no other less auspicious toast could defile the cup. This action was a testament to the perfection of the toast.
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