Fisher writes: "In my private lexicon of gastronomy, I continue to see the word 'exquisite' ringed with subtle vapors of perversion."
What is the difference between exquisite and debauchery in the sense of eating? Or entertaining?
Also, does exquisite eating, as Fisher suggests, require the outlay of a lot of money?
Have you eaten an exquisite meal you can recall? Or what would be on the menu?
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7 comments:
Two words: the Wa.
I've been to a couple of dinners catered by K-State that were really, really good. This was about 10 years ago, and their chef had a signature dessert that was to die for. I can't remember any of the details of it, except that it was incredible.
This was a weird essay, I thought. Perhaps people don't speak of "exquisite" dining as much as they used to.
Sushi does come to mind. When I think "exquisite," I picture small food, carefully presented, colorful, unusual ingredients, lavish sauces, rich flavors.
To tie this in with the previous post: I think exquisite meals don't allow for any choice of dish. Of course, that leaves out our vegetarian and vegan friends, but I just get the feeling that an exquisite meal must be prepared just so, and only a chef-artist can combine the courses that way. Maybe they could allow for a choice, but you have to take the courses that go together. But there's something to be said for having to do no work yourself, even if that work is simply choosing.
Erin, I agree. Later, when I was trying to think of an "exquisite" meal, I started to differentiate memorable meals from being merely delicious or satiating. Your description of "exquisite" is fitting.
So Ben, you mean not a buffet, then ... a glamorous dish handcrafted so that differing tastes weren't catered to?
(I think that could still be vegetarian or vegan. Maybe meat has the connotation of being more sumptuous.)
I wonder how a chef feels when he receives an order of his star dish, "but without this vegetable, light on this, with the sauce on the side." Does the person really wish to enjoy the meal as it is intended?
Oh, and now I don't know if I can name my own exquisite meal, though some of the cruise cuisine (I have it written down to post in my blog) is apt.
Oh god, I remember the meal our first night! A salad of tomato and mozzarella, lightly drizzled in olive oil, garnished with red onion. Garlic tiger shrimp on risotto and asparagus! And tiramisu for dessert!
Wa, also, easily top five. Top three?
Beyond that I think of good meals where the company or setting or being in love elevated my appreciation. But maybe the food wasn't exquisite.
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