Exploring Earth Cuisine, Monday 5th period

[sharp_man]

"Good afternoon." Hannibal met the class outside Portalocity, as was handwavily specified in the description, and smiled and nodded to everyone there. "Today is, I realize, for introductions, although we won't be doing them quite yet. There is no excuse not to have conversation over a lovely meal, after all. Please follow me." He led them to and waved them through the waiting portal.

"We're starting with American food; for those of you not from this world, The United States of America is the country that Fandom is nominally a part of. It has adopted and adapted many cuisines and cultures, but there are a few that are distinctly American."

They came out on an unassuming street in front of a restaurant with a small parking lot that was completely full. "Luckily we have reservations," he assured the class.

"Soul food originated in the culture of African slaves in the area, influenced by their Native American neighbors and European enslavers. These days it has expanded to be a large part of American cuisine, particularly in the southern states."

He made a slight grimace that most people might not notice. "I dearly hope that none of you have an aversion to fried foods. If you do not eat meat, please ask before ordering, as even most of the vegetables are cooked with it. While I'm speaking of that, if any of you have allergies or food aversions to anything, please let me know. Are there any questions?"

He led them into the restaurant.

Comments

Sign in!

[sharp_man]

Hungrily!

Re: Sign in!

[chef_chocobro]

Ignis Scientia

Re: Sign in!

[white_oleander]

Astrid Magnussen

Re: Sign in!

[noonedecidesmyfate]

Belle

Look around, ask questions

[sharp_man]

During the portal trip or before you're in the restaurant.

Re: Look around, ask questions

[craic_killer]

"So we're just in an entirely different part of America right now?!"

Sorry, Hannibal. She's new.

Re: Look around, ask questions

[crimson_sister]

"We are, yes," Lucille said. "Are you Irish, by any chance?"

There was no guarantee that accents matched the places you would expect, after all.

Re: Look around, ask questions

[craic_killer]

"I am!" Clare said happily. "I'm from Derry."

Re: Look around, ask questions

[sharp_man]

"Atlanta, Georgia, to be precise," Hannibal said. "I take it you aren't used to the island's systems of portals yet?"

Re: Look around, ask questions

[craic_killer]

"This is the first I'm hearing of it," Clare confessed.

Eat and introduce yourselves!

[sharp_man]

Menu is here. They're all about fresh local ingredients and their chefs are highly trained. Order what you like, and introduce yourselves!


When they were seated, Hannibal nodded again. "So, to begin, I am Dr. Hannibal Lecter. I am a psychiatrist by trade, and have lived and taught in Fandom for a number of years now. Food is a passion of mine and one I enjoy sharing." He looked expectantly at the person next to him.

Re: Eat and introduce yourselves!

[crimson_sister]

"I am Lucille Sharpe, and I own the flower shop," Lucille said, smiling at the others. "I am from England, in 1890, and I have not travelled widely, or tried many different cuisines."

She looked down at the menu. "I have never tried this kind of food, although fried meat should be familiar."

Re: Eat and introduce yourselves!

[sharp_man]

"Welcome, Lucille." Hannibal smiled at her. "It's always a pleasure. I hope you enjoy the different cuisines we experience. Are there any in particular you might be interested in?"

Re: Eat and introduce yourselves!

[crimson_sister]

"I am happy to try any you suggest," Lucille said. "I see this as an opportunity for exploration."

Re: Eat and introduce yourselves!

[white_oleander]

When Astrid heard 'American food,' she was pretty convinced that they would wind up getting hamburgers or something, so she was absolutely delighted when the class took the less expected route into something that was a much better choice, as well as something she wasn't as admittedly familiar with. So, already, this was off to a great start, and put her in a good mood when her turn came around, even if she was having difficulty picking what to try.

"My name's Astrid," she offered. "Astrid Magnussen. I've...lived in a lot of different places, so I've tried a lot of different food, and I always love experiencing different cultures. And even though I have experienced a lot, I know there's so much more out there. I mean, this is a good example, I'm from America, but I actually haven't had the chance to try a lot of soul food before, so this is great."

Re: Eat and introduce yourselves!

[sharp_man]

"Welcome, Astrid." Hannibal nodded. "I look forward to introducing to more new foods. What are some that you haven't tried and would like to?"

Re: Eat and introduce yourselves!

[mylandmyrules]

"I'm Nell Ingram," she said. "I just finished my junior year and I work at Miss Lucille's flower shop. The food here is a lot like what I grew up with."

Re: Eat and introduce yourselves!

[sharp_man]

"Welcome, Nell." Hannibal smiled at her. "What are your favorite foods of this sort?"

Re: Eat and introduce yourselves!

[mylandmyrules]

"I like most all of it," she said, "But it's been a long time since I had me a good mess of collard greens, little spice to give 'em a kick. And sweet potato pie. Don't know when I last had that. But the smells make me a little homesick. Make me wish I had some of Mama's beef stew with barley and vegetables."

Re: Eat and introduce yourselves!

[noonedecidesmyfate]

"My name is Belle. I'm going to be a junior in the fall," Belle said after putting down her menu. "I haven't had the opportunity to try any soul food before but it all sounds delicious."

Re: Eat and introduce yourselves!

[sharp_man]

"Welcome, Belle. What sorts of food are you used to?" Hannibal asked.

Re: Eat and introduce yourselves!

[chef_chocobro]

It was a bit...odd, still being on the island after a weekend, but Ignis could hardly feel bad about taking advantage of an excellent opportunity to explore the culinary arts that this world had to offer! So it was with great interest that he purused the menu and considered the introductions of his fellow classmates before offering up his own.

"I am Ignis Scientia," he offered with a general nod toward the others, "and I've done quite a bit of research into the various cuisines of this world for use in my own class here at this school just last semester. But one can only learn so much from books and the internet, and I'm looking forward to gaining more experience and hopefully a good deal of inspiration from getting to sample the vast array of options here on Earth for myself." He gave Hannibal in particular a smile. "Especially under the guidance of one who appears to share my own passion for the culinary arts and all that it may bring to the table."

Re: Eat and introduce yourselves!

[sharp_man]

"Welcome, Ignis." Hannibal nodded to him and smiled. "Food is indeed a passion of mine. I hope Earth's live up to your expectations. Are there any cuisines you're particularly interested in?"

Talk to Hannibal!

[sharp_man]

If you have questions before or after "class".

OOC

[sharp_man]

At least we can eat out everywhere virtually!