Monday, March 9, 2009

Around the World in 80 Plates (file under current research)

So for the past few months I have been studying at an alarming rate as much world cuisine as possible. Being a bookworm I take much of my inspiration from books but I also have the ability to learn first hand from an experienced cook or chef.

Some of the countries that I have been focusing on are; France, Spain, Italy (ah duh), but also Ireland, Scotland, Morocco, China, Thailand, Japan and many many more.

Interestingly I am beginning to see that there is a lot of crossover in dishes despite great distances between their places of origin and execution. I am finding that a spice, which is used heavily in Italy, may also be used heavily in say Thailand or Cambodia.

I am beginning to compile my recipe book and have started testing the recipes to see what they are like and how I can tweak them.

The name of this post is not an accident. I was remembering all of the great feasts that have happened through out history and I thought how awesome it would be to create a culinary week in which people got to sample world cuisine (at their own pace) from all around the world while at the same time learning the histories and practical application of ingredients.

Just another interesting thought. I’m sure foodies all over the place would pay for that. And as my old business partner and I always say; “It might have to be part of the five year plan.”

Alexandre Dumaine once wrote; “The French peasant cuisine is at the basis of the culinary art. By this I mean it is composed of honest elements that la grande cuisine only embellishes.”

Are you dreaming big and inspired?

A la prochaine

SDM

No comments: