Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Silent eating as a tourist attraction
One of the complaints of many restaurant goers is that the restaurants are
getting noisier. How about a silent eatery? One of the tourist attractions in
Brooklyn, New York is EAT. For around US$40 a meal, guests eat in silence. If
a guest breaks the rules they are asked to go outside. Silent eating is a unique
tourist attraction. eatfreenpoint.com
Picnics and Food Hampers
Historically the picnic was a moveable feast that the medieval wealthy in-
dulged in during hunting events in Europe. Victorian gentry then developed
the picnic concept (where it was known as a
fêtes champêtres
) as we know it
today. Every guest contributed food and the 'picnics' were quite lavish.
With the introduction of the car, the picnic evolved into a family event
when travelling. Food was prepared and placed in a hamper or basket and a
spot in the countryside was selected for casual family dining.
The origin of the word 'picnic' is believed to come from the southern part
of the USA and has a derogative background that thankfully has been lost as
time has progressed.
The food hamper was developed in England over 300 years ago by
Fortnum and Mason, who still promote that they provide the best hampers in
the world. The origin of the hamper was to provide the aristocracy of England
with a food basket that they could take with them on their journeys. It also
evolved into a food hamper that was sent to the troops during the war.
Fig. 8.3.
Picnic arrangement at the Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River, Western Australia.
The Victorian era was when the food hamper really came into its own
because of the 'London Season' when all the main events took place around
