FOOD FADDISTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 256, 22 October 1908, Page 4

FOOD FADDISTS.

ENGLISHMEN'S ROOTED LIKES AND DISLIKES.

"Iu no country in the world, save perhaps in the United States, do we meet with so many persons who display idiosyncrasies in respect of food us iu England." Such is the statement of a writer in tlie British Medical Journal. "it is an indictment which is to a great extent true," admitted the manager of a London hotel on Saturday. "The Englishman's likes and dislikes in the matter of certain dishes and wines can scarcely be described as 'fads.' They are solemn, deep-rooted convictions, from which no argument or entreaty would cause him to deviate one hair's breadth.

"Many Aiueriean food faddists have been numbered among our guest* this season. They have perhaps been more numerous thau the English dietetic tvecutries. They, however, chop and change about iu their prejudices against certain things. 13ut the Englishman, once he is persuaded that -a dish is lacking cither in nutrition or digestibility, comes to regard it with an unshaken aversion. lie will condemn it in vigorous terms at the dinner-table, and he almost shudders when he sees it upon the plate of a fellow-diner. "The Englishman of leisure who may study diet almost as a hobby, and the successful business man or keen brain worker who has dogmatic theories as to dishes which produce most energy with a minimum of digestive effort, arc two notable ty])cs. One may declare that lie will never eat an omelette under any inducement whatever. Another may order a waiter never upon any occasion to place salmon before him. Cheese and uncooked fruits have a great many inveterate enemies, 2sot a few English visitors hold up their hands in horror at the idea of putting an oil dressing upon a salad. "The Englishman with a conviction of this sort will discuss his peculiarity with infinite gusto. 1 think he feels a glow of virtue every time lie practises his abstention."