Is Smaller Better?
By Veronica MacDonald Ditko
An Accidental Anthropologist
The last miniature quiche was passed under our noses at a wedding and everyone lunged at the tempting hors d’oeuvre. Then came the tiny kebobs with a Thai peanut sauce. Each tray brought smaller more scrumptious bites of food that normally come in larger sizes.
Which made me think, are smaller portions considered more high society?
Think of the fanciest restaurant you’ve ever been to. Chances are, the dessert was a tiny but beautifully decorated bit of a thing. Two bites and it was gone. But the lone raspberry on top, you could swear it was the best you’ve ever had. Caviar is almost as small as you can get – fish eggs! And small smears of goose liver, or pate, on crackers are highly coveted.
Meanwhile, think of your favorite family restaurant or chain. The meal is aimed at being affordable, and if you doggy bag, it will likely last you another two or three meals. The abundance of food is stunning. But does the quality of the food seem better?
My guess, having worked in a restaurant that serves wealthy clientele, is that they have the same food suppliers! But the presentation is different. And it reels people in. Not just that, it’s the atmosphere too. The servers wearing tuxedos, the chandeliers barely emitting enough light to see the person next to you, the white linens covering every surface, including under your tushie – it’s all there to seduce you.
And you should let it all go to your head. Enjoy. Feast in small bites. Perhaps the obesity epidemic in the U.S. would be knocked down a bit if food was served more sparingly, and more measures were taken to make it appear, and hopefully taste, better. And the ambiance was one of enjoying little bits of food over a longer period of time. Most of all, it would be about enjoying the moment, talking with others and relaxing, just like a corner café in Paris. These are similar to the goals of the Slow Food Movement.
Okay back to reality. My niece, who’s in 5th grade, gets 15 minutes for lunch at school. Some jobs only permit a 15-minute lunch break as well. Soccer moms are driving around like crazy people trying to get fast food into tummies before more activities start. Something’s gotta give.
Smaller is better if you make time for it to be so. Eat. Enjoy. And Happy New Year!
Veronica MacDonald Ditko is originally from the Jersey Shore, but married and settled in northern New Jersey. Her journalism career started a decade ago after studying Psychology and Anthropology in Massachusetts. She has written for several newspapers and magazines including The Daily Hampshire Gazette, The Springfield Union News and Sunday Republican, Happi, Chemical Week, The Hawthorne Press, The Jewish Standard, Suite101.com and more.