Image Credit: Frédéric Vigne
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The love of food is in the genes of all Georgians. Most Georgians are excellent cooks, who inherit recipes that date back many generations. However, they take a free approach to cooking, which can be difficult for foreigners used to written instructions and strict measurements.
Tamada’s Table: The Classical Cuisine of the Republic of Georgia is a cookbook that offers recipes of Georgian cuisine that can be used in any home to prepare and serve traditional dishes. These recipes allow any home cook to purchase ingredients locally and prepare authentic Georgian food at home. Why is this cookbook named Tamada’s Table? Tamada (with a stress on the first syllable) is the title given to a toast master. The Georgian Table, or supra, is much more than just a dinner party. Literally, supra means tablecloth; however, it also refers to a celebratory feast, as well as a communal meal. As important as food is, conversation and socializing with people is even more important and is what Georgians enjoy most. A supra is a gathering of people around a table consisting of Georgian dishes, wine, and witty, engaging conversation, typically facilitated by a Tamada. Supras may vary from a simple gathering of friends and family to a more elaborate affair involving hundreds of people often in celebration of a special event. When guests arrive, they are seated at a table already filled with many appetizing delights. At the very beginning the host appoints the Tamada, who in turn is toasted by those seated. From this point onward, the Tamada reigns as a kind of master of ceremony and primary toast master. The job of the Tamada is one of honor, yet also demanding. The Tamada must engage those at the table with wit and humor, moving the event forward but always keeping people involved and feeling part of the larger conversation. The Tamada must be a good storyteller and possess eloquence and intellect to spark conversation. The success of the Tamada is determined when guests leave the supra feeling just as fulfilled and excited about the meal as with their conversation with new and old friends. Thus, a supra is more than a simple meal and is about socializing and enjoying time together. Tamada’s Table underscores and combines two central tenants of Georgian culture: Tamada, the master of social engagement, and Table, the source of food, gathering and hospitality. |