Gastronomy

A Definition of Gastronomy

“The history and culture of gastronomy is at its heart, an integral part of its art and inspiration; its also acts as a prompt for change. In a world of international values and multicultural influences, today’s cooks still owe their fundamental skills in large part to those who played a major role in the development of classic cooking. The history of gastronomy is the story of those who took part in its evolution and were responsible for establishing what is, in effect, one of the cornerstones of civilization. Gastronomy reflects society, and studying its past provides the glimpse of society itself.”

“Gastronomy is not static. Like music and the visual arts, it has never ceased to evolve. We should always be ready to reassess the past in the light of current knowledge and to consider new trends in the context of dishes enjoyed by previous generations. Would we appreciate the dishes that were cooked in the Middle Ages or serve the elaborate feasts that were prepared by our ancestors? Cooking reflects the customs of its age and present-day habits and preferences as well as those of the immediate past.”

SOURCE:

Larousse Gastronomique

“Preface” (paragraphs #2 and #3)