The first impression of a meal is all-important. If you are entertaining, an interesting first course can stimulate both appetite and conversation; it can impress, flatter, inspired eager anticipation, and provide much visual pleasure. But tastebuds are at their keenest at the beginning of the meal so you must also offer flavours that will be noticed and appreciated even if the talk is riveting.
© 1997 Josceline Dimbleby. All rights reserved.