Dinners and Dishes by Oscar Wilde
The work presents a critical examination of culinary practices, emphasizing the importance of cooking as an art form. It contrasts the necessity of food with the perceived lesser importance of poetry, arguing that while one can survive without art, sustenance is essential. The author critiques the British culinary scene, particularly the incompetence of cooks, highlighting their ignorance of herbs and tendency to produce bland dishes. The text offers practical advice on various dishes, advocating for the proper preparation of macaroni, risotto, and salads, while humorously denouncing the common mistakes made in British kitchens. The author shares personal experiences from travels, showcasing a wide range of international cuisines and expressing a preference for certain dishes over others, such as Bombay curry over Bengal curry. The narrative suggests that the British cook's limited repertoire is a significant issue, calling for a broader understanding of culinary techniques and flavors. The author encourages exploration of diverse culinary traditions, particularly those from America, and expresses hope that the work will inspire improvements in British cooking practices. Overall, the piece serves as both a guide and a critique, blending humor with serious commentary on the state of gastronomy.
By Oscar Wilde · First published 1891 · Genre: Cookbook, Humor, Essays · 868 words
First lines
(_Pall Mall Gazette_, March 7, 1885.)
What this Textopian page supports
Dinners and Dishes is listed on Textopian as an essay by Oscar Wilde, dated 1891 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Oscar Wilde
- Date: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Cookbook, Humor, Essays, Gastronomy, Non-fiction
- Length: 868 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dinners and Dishes by Oscar Wilde
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Dinners and Dishes?
- How does this essay by Oscar Wilde fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Cookbook first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Cookbook — The primary focus of the book is on recipes and cooking techniques, making it a practical guide to culinary arts.
- Humor — The author's witty commentary on cooking and cooks adds a humorous tone to the text.
- Essays — The book contains reflective and critical essays on the art of cooking and societal views on food.
- Gastronomy — It explores the cultural and philosophical aspects of food and dining experiences.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Comedy · Literary Fiction · Philosophical · Wit · Humor · Society · Class · Morality · Ethics · Food