6 "Difficult Foods"
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From oysters to caviar, there are certain rules and guidelines that should be followed in order to fully appreciate the flavors and textures of each dish. Here are six difficult foods and how to eat them with grace and elegance.
Oysters
Oysters can be intimidating for some, but they are actually quite simple to eat. Gently move the oyster around in its liquid using the cocktail fork. Don't stab the oyster with your cocktail fork and don't cut it up into pieces. Don't swallow it whole. Chew it a little first to fully appreciate the flavors. Don't discard the liquor at the bottom of the shell. That is part of the eating experience.
Artichokes
Artichokes require a bit more preparation than some other foods. They are cooked before being served. Use your fingers to eat the leaves. Dip the base in any sauce provided. Use your bottom teeth to scrape off the pulp. Leaves are discarded and placed on the side of your plate. Separate the fuzzy portion at the base of the head from the choke's heart. Eat the choke with a fork.
Spaghetti
Spaghetti may seem simple enough, but there are certain rules that should be followed in order to eat it elegantly. The proper way of eating spaghetti is by using the fork only! Italians only use a fork for swirling spaghetti. If you would like to eat spaghetti elegantly, then try to swirl the pasta on the fork starting from the side of the plate and not the center.
Shrimp
Shrimp can be served in a variety of ways, but the most common is in a shrimp cocktail. The shrimp in a shrimp cocktail should be served peeled. Shrimp should be served small enough to be eaten in one bite. The traditional utensil is a cocktail fork, although any small fork will do. If the shrimp are bigger than one bite's worth, just spear each shrimp with your fork and cut it on the plate on which it's served.
Caviar
Caviar is a luxurious delicacy that requires a bit of finesse to eat properly. Fine caviar should be served very cold. Caviar is served cold in a small bowl laid on a bed of cracked ice and accompanied by small rounds of toast. Caviar is scooped with a small spoon onto a toast round, along with garnish (if served). Caviar should be served with Champagne or sparkling wine.
Tacos
Tacos are a casual food, but that doesn't mean they can't be eaten elegantly. Try to avoid hard shell tacos. Begin by grasping the taco in the middle of the shell, not too close to the top lest you break the edge and not too near the bottom fold or the contents will spill out of the top. Eating hard shell tacos elegantly is almost impossible. If you don't want to give up on this food, choose soft shells.
Each of these difficult foods can be enjoyed with elegance and grace if you follow the proper etiquette. Whether it's oysters or tacos, take the time to savor the flavors and textures of each dish, and remember to use the appropriate utensils and techniques.
www.schoolofmodernetiquette.com
