SC - questions

[LrdRas@aol.com]

AM wrote something that sounded like the following then said many wonderful 
things then said something that sounded; like the same thing again:

<< Some groups tend towards "nothing blatantly out of period" menus, with a 
running theme only as far as what folks dress in, etc. Some groups tends 
towards every recipe coming out of a specific body of work and 
everything...food, service, entertainment's, etc., all matching. Some groups 
couldn't care less and just provide tasty modern food to feed the masses so 
they can go do other things. Nothing is wrong with ANY of these, you need to 
decide what YOU want and what would make your branch happy.>>

I must take exception to this. The service of blatantly non-period food at 
any event by any group is objectionable and does nothing to further the 
medieval atmosphere that is so important to having a good experience at an 
event. Just because others have done something (e.g., served spaghetti and 
pizza) at a feast does not mean that such activity is acceptable. 
 
I would suggest that all the advice concerning serving such non-period and 
blatantly modern foods be taken with a very large grain of thought. I have 
never served any blatantly non-period foods at any feast I have done in the 
past 18 years and, it is my personal opinion that any new cook should never 
be encouraged to do so under any circumstances. 
 
It is both unnecessary and well outside the scope of the SCA in general. 
There is no difference of expectation of 'pre-17th century' in feast service 
than there is in garb or any other aspect of the SCA. To encourage such a 
route is appalling, IMO. I and many others do not attend any events that 
serve a feast that is not at the very least an attempt at pre-17th century 
food no matter what the other pluses are for the event. 
 
If you need suggestions on simple periodlike menu suggestions or need help in 
finding, redacting or interpreting period style food for your feasts don't 
hesitate to contact me. Good habits put in place in the beginning are far 
better than trying to break old habits once they are instilled.  
 
Yours in Service to the Dream,
Ras