Jam or cream first?

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So the debate is finally settled. Or is it?
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/06/25/prince-williams-lands-israel-historic-first-royal-visit/

The most popular dishes on Deliveroo

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If you want a home delivery from the restaurant which would not deliver otherwise, call Deliveroo. Many do. The data published by Deliveroo early this year makes me wonder: how many dishes are in the top ten in the UK which you can not eat with your hands? (Yes, rice is eaten by hand in India. Yes, Debrett's agree that pizza is finger food. And many other dishes too ).

Deliveroo UK's top ten most-ordered dishes 2017

1. Cheeseburger, Five Guys – London, UK 
2. Boojum's Twojum, Boojum – Belfast, UK 
3. Chicken Katsu Curry, Wagamama – London, UK
4. Cheese 6oz American Cheeseburger, Gourmet Burger Kitchen – London, UK
5. Chicken Tinga Burrito, Mission Burrito – Bristol, UK
6. Medium Grilled Chicken Burrito, Tortilla – Brighton, UK
7. Crazy Salmon Roll, Kenji Sushi – Edinburgh, UK
8. Byron Burger, Byron – London, UK
9. Dead Hippie Burger™, MEATliquor – London, UK
10. Oahu Bowl, Ahi Poké – London, UK

But cutlery is still in high demand. 

Increasing interest to prepare different cuisines and special gourmet dishes at home, gaining popularity of concept of social dining and fine dining concept, and growing popularity of casual dining are likely to drive the global cutlery market growth. Further, growing number of households across geographies will influence aggregated demand for the products. Increasing use of edible cutlery is one of the major trends that the market is expected to witness during the forecast period. Cutlery Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2017 - 2022

Fingers, beware.

Dinner parties went wrong...I have to watch all of them

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Dinner talk - how small?

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From time to time everyone rebels against the tradition claiming it is a waste of time or old-fashioned ritual better forgotten. Like small talk when you meet people, especially those you don't know very well. They re-discover the importance of meaningful, deep-going conversations and the joy of getting to know other people forgetting that unchattered waters could be murky.

What is your relationship with God? What is something you fear in life? These may be great topics for conversations, but we rarely tackle such meaty topics at social gatherings. Instead, our discussions usually centre around summer travel plans, the latest home repair horror story and, of course, the weather.

This is a shame. http://www.wired.co.uk/article/banning-small-talk

Banning any exchange of little pleasantries at your dinner party might be fun. You don't need a degree in psychology to know that some change is always welcome. Especially a little, safe, reversible change. When you can enjoy its freshness with a certain degree of security knowing that you can always talk about weather again.

Do you want you party to be a success? By all means, ban all small-talking. But make it a game. With all the rules, penalties and the possibility to stop it if the weather becomes stormy. The article quoted above claims

 everyone was happier. As added proof, two dates came out of the evening. Perhaps meaningful conversation also makes us more attractive?

Perhaps sometimes. And sometimes, perhaps not.

People love playing games. Because they know - at some point it will be safely over.

http://www.wired.co.uk/article/banning-small-talk
Image source: https://www.pinterest.at/pin/369084131936567037/

Enjoy your dinner. Whatever the table manners. Think about people you like. Think about people you never knew but found inspiring.

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Memorable quotes from

Anthony Bourdain

Coffee keeps me going until it’s time for wine.

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And the ritual seems to be the same. At least according to Austrian Nespresso.
This poster "The Art of Coffee Tasting. WATCH-SMELL-TASTE and a lot of detailed instructions" arrived to the hut in the Alps together with a free present of "tasting spoon". I hope it was meant as a joke. How can you otherwise politely explain the small print at the bottom: don't forget to wash your spoon between tastings? Did Clooney do?

I don't drink coffee in the afternoon. And my sleepy brain can't see the point of this in the morning, but keeps wondering: why didn't they copy the last stage of wine tasting? Just don't forget to spit it out. And try the next one. From a different coffee-maker.

CATCHING BACON MID-AIR

Finger food is an exciting topic. Common sense helps. If it jumps off the plate when touched with the knife, lay down your arms. Use your fingers. (Washing them before and after is not optional).

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