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Tim May | all galleries >> :: EUROPE - A collection of Galleries:: >> Iceland - A Collection of Galleries:: >> GALLERY:: Reykjavik - Hence and Hither and Thither - July 2009 > Cucumber Balls
Reykjavik, Iceland - July 2009
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30-JUL-2009

Cucumber Balls
Reykjavik, Iceland - July 2009


At our farewell diner we were served this miniature appetizer with a miniature fork. And, I didn't even know that cucumbers had gender. Also, I would love to see the kitchen tool that created the cucumber balls.

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sunlightpix24-Aug-2009 17:24
Of course cucumbers are male - remember the scene in "Animal House"? LOL
The chef's tool is a melon baller (Google Images has lots of pics).
The black bits might be caviar, which could explain the portion size.
We eat with our eyes.

This might be a cultural perception; Americans may see all that white space as emphasizing the miniature portion, but Europeans may see it as excellent framing and presentation.
I had a similar experience writing for a Dutch company that insisted on three inch margins around an 8 1/2 x 11 page of paper; they believed all the white space implied honesty, whereas in America, a one inch margin is standard.
I think this image restates your first image in this gallery, the concept of travel in a new country and how we always view what we see (and eat) through our own cultural eyes.
Food for thought!
Iris Maybloom (irislm)19-Aug-2009 19:50
Obviously, the effects of the economy are far reaching! If they had only served it on a smaller plate, the portion would not appear as pathetic. At least the appetizer provided you with an educational experience about cucumbers.
Carol E Sandgren19-Aug-2009 04:27
Hmmmm, California cuisine's miniscule portions have hit Iceland's restaurants! I hope both forkfuls were tasty.
Phil Douglis18-Aug-2009 21:19
Oops. Make that "optional" appetizer!
Phil Douglis18-Aug-2009 21:19
Very amusing, Tim. It could also be a comment on what has happened to OAT, once thought to be among the most generous of travel companies. I hope, for yours and Deb's sake, that this was not your entire Farewell Dinner!!! Or was this the "optional" desert?