“You want pudding.”
I did not want pudding, I wanted a slice of Tiramisu. But younger people know so much more these days. I assumed that my much-younger sibling suggested pudding possibly because the pub made a mean pudding. Then my obnoxious sibling told me that the cake I was ordering at the ‘Patisserie’ (not bakery) was to be referred to as ‘pudding’ and not a pedestrian ‘sweet dish’. I was amused. Mildly. I remembered teaching him the alphabet and reading. However, age is supposed to bring maturity so I ignored the comment.
But when he looked at me with horror as I laughed in an ‘upscale’ restaurant, I was definitely very amused. And I laughed again. I was happy – the food was excellent and my company lovely despite the discomfort of one member. So what if the restaurant was often frequented by David Cameron? At worst, the British premier would have exercised his right to a stiff upper lip.
I have always looked forward to meals with friends and family, much to the combined horror of some family members who believe that ‘people should neither be seen nor heard’. Good food and good company, accompanied by some excellent cocktails, make me happy. Some rules and table manners must be adhered to. We must be polite, eat in a manner so as to not discomfit the other, and most, importantly, not judge the choices of others.
Gastronomy remains a passion. Alas, you can make that out when you see me. But I believe that one has the right to eat and drink what they enjoy; not what seems more fashionable or ‘upper class’ (said with a British accent!). In sync with my beliefs, I drink sweet wine and not the expensive vintage that requires the right expression when you taste it. I eat Chinese food with a fork and not chopsticks because I don’t know how to use them. I even ask for a ‘doggy bag’ to take home the remaining food though the dog is not allowed to eat restaurant food!
Reminds me of a Babuji’s oft remembered poem,
“We call our fathers fools
As wiser we grow.
No doubt our noble sons
Will call us so.”
He was so right! Our children already do:-)
I can imagine you enjoying Chinese. I am smiling reading
Just sit hard on your sibling. When things like this happen I get the devil in me and laugh louder
I agree whole heartedly!
Sometimes younger siblings can be a pain but nevertheless a blessing to have .
Congratulations Tanu …as usual you picked up a simple situation and so interestingly wrote sabout it.
Hilarious! As similar situations happened with me specially chopstick things.
I like the way you present your blogs..so interesting.. really want to know Anuj’s reaction to this one..
Table manners are important.
During the Raj days, a visiting Maharaja was once invited by a lord to dinner. When the finger bowl came the Maharaja was at a loss. He gave a puzzled look to the lemon floating in the bowl, then picked up the bowl and drank the water.
The host followed. The guests followed suit.
Table manners ought to be maintained.
I would say that the Lord demonstrated his fine manners and hospitality. How nice to not discomfit his guest!
On reading your blog, dear Tanu, and seeing the capping cartoon, the thought which immediately came to my mind was: ‘What a yummy cake with a delicious icing on top!’
So well you have expressed, the diverse entities which go to make eating out with family and friends a joyful experience.
However, as one reader has nicely observed, siblings can at times be irritating but they are a rare blessing too, of course, so long as they are open-hearted, well-meaning and affectionate.
Greatly enjoyed!
On reading your blog, dear Tanu, and seeing the capping cartoon, the thought which immediately came to my mind was: ‘What a yummy cake with a delicious icing on top!’
So well you have expressed, the diverse entities which go to make eating out with family and friends a joyful experience.
However, as one reader has nicely observed, siblings can at times be irritating but they are a rare blessing too, of course, so long as they are open-hearted, well-meaning and affectionate.
Greatly enjoyed!
PS:By the way, who drew the cartoon?