The book is a tome describing Dwarven dishes writen by the gourmand and traveller Robert Robert. It is divided into different chapters for different halls and cultures. Though the focus of the text is on the dishes, it also goes into details about their dining culture. Sitting arrangements, what is considered polite behaviour and discussion, and the flow of courses.
As the Dwarves are an isolated people, this is a comparatively rare insight into their culture. As they ban most technology from entering into the halls, the book had to be drafted using pen and paper. The pictures of the food are all reproductions Robert Robert has made after the fact. There are also drawings made from descriptions of Robert Robert of different styles of Dwarven Halls.
Mushrooms and Morsels: A Guide to Dwarven Dining
Excerpt from the foreword:
Throughout all my time reporting on different dishes and their cultures around the world, very few have the enticement of the cultures that remain devoted to magic. These peoples cook using skills, talents, and techniques that are impossible to pull off at even the finest restaurant. They use materials that are nearly impossible to get from some of the even most well connected grocers.
The meals truly are magic.
One of the most difficult of these cultures to get an insight into are the Dwarves. They are a very strict people, who do not like outsiders. It gives the impression that they are a cold people, like the rocks they build their homes into.
But the truth as that if you are granted a Dwarf's hospitality, you will never feel more welcome. So long as you respect their rules.
And if you do, you are in for some truly amazing dishes.
One must keep into mind that the Dwarves have a focus on mastery and a disdain of the menial. This means that, at home, the Dwarves are loath to cook meals themselves. It's very common to have some form of servant in the most modest Dwarven house to take care of the chores, such as cooking and the dishes.
The impression you would get from this home life is that Dwarves hate cooking. But there you'd be wrong. It means of those Dwarves who choose to make cooking their profession, they devote themselves with the same zeal as a master smith. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in the company of a Dwarven Chef, prepare to be treated to a masterful display of presentation and culinary skills.
While I could not bring my camera crew with me to show you everything, I will try my best to explain to you the wonders and marvels of dining in the deep.
This is Robert Robert, and I welcome you to join me in my quest for Mushrooms and Morsels.
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