Do they like SOUPS and SAUCES thick or thin, or white or brown, clean or full in the mouth? What accompaniments they are partial to?
What flavours they fancy? especially of SPICE and HERBS:
"Namque coquus domini debet habere gulam."--MARTIAL.
It is impossible that the most accomplished cook can please their palates, till she has learned their particular taste: this, it will hardly be expected, she can hit exactly the first time; however, the hints we have here given, and in the 7th and 8th chapters of the Rudiments of Cookery, will very much facilitate the ascertainment of this main chance of getting into their favour.
Be extremely cautious of seasoning high: leave it to the eaters to add the piquante condiments, according to their own palate and fancy: for this purpose, "THE MAGAZINE OF TASTE," or "_Sauce-box_," (No. 462,) will be found an invaluable acquisition; its contents will instantaneously produce any flavour that may be desired.
Tastes are as different as faces; and without a most attentive observation of the directions given by her employers, the most experienced cook will never be esteemed a profound palatician.
It will not go far to pacify the rage of a ravenous _gourmand_, who likes his chops broiled brown, (and done enough, so that they can appear at table decently, and not blush when they are cut,) to be told that some of the customers at Dolly's chop-house choose to have them only half-done, and that this is the best way of eating them.
We all think that is the best way which we relish best, and which agrees best with our stomach: in this, reason and fashion, all-powerful as they are on most occasions, yield to the imperative caprice of the palate.
"THE IRISHMAN loves _Usquebaugh_, the SCOT loves ale call'd _Blue-cap_, The WELCHMAN he loves _toasted cheese_, and makes his mouth like a mouse-trap."
Our ITALIAN neighbours regale themselves with _macaroni_ and _parmesan_, and eat some things which we call _carrion_.--Vide RAY'S _Travels_, p. 362 and 406.
While the ENGLISHMAN boasts of his _roast beef, plum pudding, and porter_,
The FRENCHMAN feeds on his favourite _frog and soupe-maigre_,
The GREENLANDER preys on _garbage_ and _train oil_; and each "blesses his stars, and thinks it luxury." What at one time or place is considered as beautiful, fragrant, and savoury, at another is regarded as deformed and disgustful.[51-*]