Philosophy of Food, Friday period 3

[sharp_as_knives]

Hannibal arranged everything on the desk, then waited for everyone to arrive, smiling as they came in.

Once they were there, he began. "Last week, we discussed what makes us see something as food, why some things are or aren't. This week, the question is: Why do we eat?"

He waved at the food and drink behind him. "There are the obvious answers; most people will start with, 'we eat because we're hungry'. But it's rarely so clear-cut. Each section here is a pair of foods. You may eat or drink only one from each pair. Choose one - or neither - and explain to us why. Feel free to debate it with each other as well. Feel free to ask me or each other questions."

He leaned forward. "Remember, there are no wrong answers; it's the reasoning we're after."

Comments

Second pairing!

[never-dull.livejournal.com]

"Paté. With fresh-baked, lightly toasted bread and garnish, or as a lump." He grimaced slightly at the latter; after the time spent preparing it, it nearly physically hurt to present it like this. "These are the same basic food, although the first does have some accompaniments."

Re: Second pairing!

[halfbad.livejournal.com]

Nathan chose the first choice because...well, the second one just looked unappetizing.

"I went with the first set with the bread," Nathan said after he'd finished eating. "The other choice looks...it looks like a lump of tuna."

Re: Second pairing!

[never-dull.livejournal.com]

"Cheap tuna salad," Hannibal agreed. "Presentation is important - often how something looks is as important as the taste."

Re: Second pairing!

[genesishero]

"Points for presentation for the first," Evan offered, smiling faintly. "You obviously spent more time and put more care into making it look more appetizing. There's more art to it."

Re: Second pairing!

[never-dull.livejournal.com]

"Thank you." Hannibal gave him a little bow. "I enjoy the artistry of food. And yes - in addition to simply looking better, presentation can also add to the feel of care and effort put into a meal, and make it more appetizing."

Re: Second pairing!

[likes-ducklings.livejournal.com]

"I like the first one because the texture is more interesting," Rapunzel offered as she picked up one of the little bread rounds. "The second one is just like...a creamy lump. This has bread and this little green thingie, too. It's more interesting to look at and in texture."

Re: Second pairing!

[never-dull.livejournal.com]

"Interest is another kind of appeal," Hannibal noted. "Some people enjoy trying things that they haven't seen before, or that promise to be different."

Re: Second pairing!

[wildandbrave]

"I'd rather the former," said Cosette. Clearly, so far, everyone was on the same page. "It's much prettier, and the bread makes it so it isn't just a paste in one's mouth. The latter . . . I don't doubt it tastes the same, but it doesn't look awfully tempting."

Re: Second pairing!

[never-dull.livejournal.com]

"Texture - another consideration," Hannibal answered with a nod. "The paté on its own may be delicious, but with nothing else to accompany it, the texture can be overwhelming."