Does anyone else feel that modern cuisine is in decline?

Question

I mean, who now remembers the good professor Brillat-Savarin, Escoffier, or even the humble Ms Beeton. The days when a banquet was served with soup then hors d'oeuvres, followed by an entree then a remove, finishing with a sweet et fromages, all accompanied by suitable and appropriate wines. To my mind these modern celebrity chefs just don't cut it- they lack the technique, flair, imagination and expertise. Currently reading M. Pellaprat 'Bible Culinaire' GR AH NN JO et al.. eat your heart out.. you know nothing!

Answer 1

You're right. Trad is best for me. I can think of nothing more fun than planning, preparing, cooking and serving 9 courses! Sad?? I don't think so xxx

Answer 2

Maybe modern cuisine in your description is declining but you speak of a meal that is an entire event. Seems that now, more people have more meals out of the house than at home so I think the variety is better. Also there are more entertaining ways to dine like the "Invite a Chef" program here where you pay a guy to come to your house and prepare an awesome meal. Just depends on your outlook. Things change, not always for the worse.

Answer 3

No. Modern cuisine is far more adventerous - in the UK at least - than at any other time. We are now using ingredients and merging techniques from countries all around the world - creating unique dishes.

I think what has happened is that the pretentiousness which used to surround food has been stripped away. Emphasis is now much more on the food than the flowery traditions, such as you describe, which dont really add anything to the dining experiences - in fact, i would say they detract from the enjoyment of the food.

Answer 4

Traditional is always best...

for some great recipes try

the River Cottage Meat Book