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.

Vegan In The USA

The USA is a diverse place where toleranace is strongly encouraged. However , that doesn;t apply to vegetarians. Go away from the trendy, coasts and you wond up in th e heart of meat country. America's interior is a place where ribs and burgers are taken just as seriously as football and hunting. This is great if you love juicy beef and pork, however it's a nightmare if you prefer your meat alive and cuddly.

This dilemma was the subject of an article in yesterday's New York Times Dining section.The piece, written , by A.G. Sulzberger, tells if her dilemma of being vegan in Kansas City , Missouri. As we all know she is in the heart of meat county where beef reigns supreme. She is  also in the Midwest where most meals, whether they be breakfast, lunch and  dinner begin and eat with some kind of animal protein. Some places  do pose a problem.After all a rib joint is not going to offer any soy products (although I'm sure vegans stay far away from these type of places)

Ms. Sulzberger gets creative about where to eat.She is lucky to have two good vegetarian restaurants in her home town, again rare but progressive for Kansas City.Most eateries, including the chain ones, offer tow ro three meatless choices as well. She has even encountered some stalemates here in the New York area. For good ,truly vegetable based fare.Ms.Sultzberger recommends Indian, Thai, Lebanese,Ethopian and even Venezeluan places She also gives advice . Bring  a jar of peanut butter with you if there'  is nothing on the menu to eat. Also consider just having any kind of potato which can sub in for meat.

,It is tough to be a vegan in this country. Yet there are options for those who shun meat.  It;s just a matter of researching and choosing the right restaurant that caters to vegetarian dining.