Is entertaining at home becoming a lost art in America? When's the last time you were invited to someone's house for a meal (aside from big holidays and the awesome poolside fests that exist in my family)?
The practice still seems to be common in France. I eat at least two meals a week at other people's houses. Last Sunday I was invited to eat with the family of the girl I tutor. We had a nice lunch of salad with duck, potatoes, steak, chocolate cake... followed by a stroll around the city. Not all the meals I'm invited to are fancy, most are casual, with unpretentious hospitality. The French don't seem to need a formal reason to invite someone nor do they make a big deal out of it; maybe some Americans over-dramatize the affair or maybe we're just too busy. Not a judgment, just a thought. Your opinion?..
My invitations have allowed me to observe the French way of life in different families and to try food as they make it at home, not only in restaurants. So I'm thankful that my acquaintances welcome me in their homes.
(Side-note: In my own kitchen, my two latest endeavors: pears poached in white wine; pumpkin risotto. Improvised risotto because I didn't have any Parmesan and I couldn't really taste the pumpkin, but it was still really good. Major comfort food.)
I had this discussion with your grandmother not long ago. We concurred that home entertaining has almost vanished. We have become lazy, withdrawn, lacking in humility, indifferent ?????
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