SC - Re:Feast planning

[LrdRas]

In a message dated 1/23/98 10:13:15 AM Eastern Standard Time, wwill at siu.edu
writes:

<< The trend today (at least right now in the Middle Kingdom) seems to be
 toward few-or-no preregistrations. >>

I found this rather interesting as the opposite seems to be occuring in my
neck of the woods (e.g. Aethelmearc). When an event is happening , there is a
general scramble to get preregistrations in on time because it is rarely
possible to get space on-board if you arrive out of the blue.

In my own experience, over the last 4 years, a last minute decision to go to
an event meant a trip to the grocery store on the way if you plan on eating
anything. Of course, Dayboards and bereakfast are served to all attendees but
if you want nourishment at feast time and did not preregister......Sorry! 

Why has this positive trend developed? 

IMHO, it is because the cooks of the East and Aethelmearc seem to concentrate
on period and period-like food. It is indeed rare and unusual to  encounter
any feast dishes at most events in this area of the country that would
obviously be percieved as modern except to a cook trained in medieval
techniques and cookery. Those that are encountered do not seem to be out of
place and contribute to the harmonious whole of the menu.

Another cause is the fact that many event goers look forward to experiencing
the medieval atmosphere in totallity. A well-made period like feast enhances
this experience. And , at least in the case of my shire, the inclusion of
bardic competitions, dancing and othere entertainments make the fast
experience even more exciting.

How does one get to the point of selling out the feast with PRE-PAID
reservations? Simply put, you must be firm. Set a limited number of on-board
spaces depending on feasthall capacity and stick to it. If you have 200 spaces
then limit on-board to 200 reservations. no exceptions. Limit the number of
dishes that are served in any form other than serving size portions. If you
only have 200 chicken parts then only 200 parts can be served. After the 10 or
20 people that ALWAYS fail to preregister have to fend for themselves a time
or two, the pre-paid registrations will start rolling in. :-) Make no
exceptions even for high rankning officials. After all, if the King finds
football more pleasant than mingling with his subjects and he must see the
menu in advance to decide whether to eat feast or not, the King shouldn't mind
being told there's no room at the Inn if he failed to pre-register. :-)

Ras
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