Rita’s dad is a sculptor/artist. He is also a food fanatic – ie he is pedantic: about what he eats, where he buys his ingredients and the eventual plated up appearance of the food, as well as the taste and flavour. Combine those facts and you have someone who can’t just plop any old food onto a plate at meal time!
The photo above is of one of two (different) plates he bought at Handmark Gallery (made by Di Martin) especially for his and mum’s meals. As an artist, he cooks his meals (he does most of the cooking in their household) with the eventual plated up appearance of the meal in mind when they sit down to eat. Naturally, the shape and colours on the plate, and of the plate itself, have full relevance.
Can you imagine what kind of mental processes you have to go through in order to achieve your ultimate goal, if these are your parameters?
The meal above is lunch today – Marinated Quail accompanied by fresh corn off the cob and jus, with oven baked onion and potatoes, and steamed broccoli and beans. God those pensioners do it tough, don’t they?
Posts
8 comments:
Love quail Rita. Looks like your old man takes his food pretty serious.
Back in the 80's and 90's, finding plates to match dishes was a serious business. Cost a bloody fortune keeping up with the menus and the crockery to match.
These days I go for the whole blank canvass thing. I have a few plates, all white or cream. I like the food to be the centre piece, having said that a good plate can set the whole thing off, so your dad has a point.
On a purely personal level I hate triangles and big square plates, just find them naff. Good for a platter, sometimes. I don't own any. My favourites are a set of royal doulton I bring out for those special occasions. Wouldn't let any bone china anywhere near those rough rapscalions in my place though, they're all far too brutish in the washing up.
Cartouche
Our idea of luxury is paper plates, Rita, Just chuck 'em on the fire when finished. No washing up.
My only nod to containers is in teacups. I usually use a mug.
However, occasionally I brew up something new in the pot and break out a china cup.
Milk first, of course, and it is special.
I rather thought your dad's plates detracted rather than complemented his delicious-looking food.
It was like mounting the mona lisa on a medieval tapestry. Clash, clash.
Yes Cartouche, he does take his food extremely seriously. He called me after seeing your comment to say he agrees with you about square plates, generally. But loves his colourful Mondrian-like square ones.
Sir G - what occasion requires you to have the luxury of paper plates?
I myself love a china cup to have my cuppa from. I absolutely detest mugs, and no way could I have my daily morning cuppa from one. I'd go without before I'd drink from one!
Barbecue is when the old paper plates emerge. And at casual parties where its a long and full procession of nibbles (which usually add up to more than a full-blown meal ....sausage rolls, small pies, quiche, hone-soy chicken, potatoe salad, salads, cheeses, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, fruit etc etc...a real roman feast). So nobody can face the washing up! Most of the detritus goes on the fire and the booze bottles and cans in the recycler.
Rita, your dad need a job, I'm always on the look out for talent. By the way what are those plates. Used to have a mate who used to collect "Mid Winter".
SGBF old chum, love to have a Roman feast. Tell you what, I have'nt had a good old banquet since my Irish wolf hounds went off to doggy Valhalla.
You supply suitably sized mutts and I'll do the rest.
Cartouche
Will he adopt me Rita?
Cartouche - I'm afraid you (the professional chef) couldn't keep up with Dad's exacting standards, so I can't recommend him for a job in your restaurant! Not quite sure what you're meaning with the dog comment - are you wanting to eat the dog, or use it to scavenge food?
Ut si - as the oldest of 6 children of my parents, I'm sure they could accomodate another! If it's conversation, and opinions, on food and/or art - your seat at the table is already awaiting you. Name the day, and they'll embrace you!
Oh, I think we must share DNA...post some of your dad's art sometime. Chef & I want to fill our little caf with gorgeous art & Prof collects indigenous painting & scibbles a bit himself. Art, music & food...what else is there really? ...ooops, pinot noir bien sûr!
xxx
Post a Comment