Knives and Forks Optional

There's nothing quite so much fun as eating with your hands. In this country, it's usually frowned upon. However in other nations, it's actually encouraged.  It's a way of primally connecting with our food as well as connecting with others. There is more sharing, and  more social interaction once the knives - and forks are dropped.

This was the main idea behind Sarah Di Gregorio's article in today's New York Times' Dining section. She explores different cuisines and restaurants where knives and forks are taboo. Is it messy eating? Surprisingly no. People are more conscious when they eat with their hands.In fact,they're more civil. Some restaurants such as Culver City's A-Frame serves all their food, which is Hawaiian with a basket of utensils on the table. The chef , Roy Chou also thought of having finger bowls but decided against it. Diners were too neat.

Dining with one's hand sis nothing new.  East Indians have been doing it for centuries.However they do have different breads to use as scoops.There are the light and airy poppadums as well as the handy naan. The Middle Eastern pita bread is also based on this idea as well.It is used as a scoop as well as a base for meats and salads- sort of like a dish.Ethiopians also for go utensils. Instead they use  balls of dough called injera to pick up stews and sauces. Root veggies are pounded into a paste and used in Central American and East African cuisines where it is called fufu..

There is a kind of freedom in not using forks and knives. Diners become connected to their food  and companions in a primal way .It makes dinner different and even better.