ID :
324937
Wed, 04/16/2014 - 10:49
Auther :

Dining Beautifully

By Ainul Huda Mohamed Saaid KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Formal dining has been elaborately mentioned in stories as old as Homer's Odyssey and the Illiad where kings and aristocrats were depicted dining with gold or silver utensils. History states that formal dining began in the medieval era with the Greeks, Egyptians and the Romans placing much emphasis on the way a dining table is presented. Nobility and wealth were expressed through silver trenches, wassail bowls and delicately crafted ewers. Even in this part of the world, the South East Asia, there is a particular practice for each race or tribe regarding dining. For the Malays it is a custom to sit down on the floor; the men 'bersila', (sitting cross legged) the women 'bersimpuh' (sitting on the knees), circling the food presented. The food is arranged neatly on a kain alas (cloth covering the floor). Water to wash hands was passed around, sometimes in a bowl, sometimes in a special jar with a bowl under it. Prayers were recited before eating and one must not speak with his or her mouth full. The rice and the lauk (dishes) were offered to the elders first but children were always encouraged to 'tambah nasi' (or second helpings with rice). Over the years, however, the traditional way of dining have faltered. Busy lives as well as the television have somehow turned our meals into a rushed and an improper process where the family no longer sits together. TABLE SETTING EXHIBITION The International Art of Table Setting Exhibition held on April 9 and 10, at the Pavilion recently, was initiated to celebrate as well as bring back this meaningful tradition. The exhibition, organised by the Women's Association of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Perwakilan) showcased the different culture and customs of fine dining involving 22 nations. Although most of the table settings were incorporated with contemporary design, nonetheless, participants had succeeded in highlighting the unique identity of their respective country's dining tradition. For instance, the table laid by Filipino designer, Gina Frias, featured shells and other marine's element such as pearl and coconut shells. "The design represents the island nature of Philippines. And most of the ornaments here are my personal collection," she proudly told Bernama. Gina added that the setting was also designed to complement the Philippines' cuisine, which is a fusion of western and eastern culinary traditions. As for the Danish, emphasis was on the country's handmade ceramics. The setting was a simple arrangement comprising of a big bowl of green limes in the middle, surrounded by four sets of ceramic cutleries and a bouquet of wild flowers at the table's end. Potters, Astrid Ruge and Lone Skriver (she), who set the table, wanted to illustrate spring time and Denmark's oceanic environment. "The colour palette of natural white and green is also significant to our custom," said Astrid. TABLE SETTING AN ART The prime minister's wife Rosmah Mansor in her officiating speech said; "A properly set table is always pleasant as it sets the mood for the meal. Similarly, a well cooked meal is made more appetising when it is served in pleasant and beautiful ambience." Rosmah pointed out that the table setting culture provided an opportunity to be creative and to express one's own personality and as a form of interior design. "It is a platform that allows you to escape with your imagination, and create unique and creative decor that can make your occasions even more special and dining a great experience," she added. -- BERNAMA

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