We’ve been dipping into The Best of A.A. Gill, a collection of writings by one of the most assured wits we ever had the pleasure of reading (besides our Gastro critic, obvs) before his premature shuffle off this mortal coil in 2016.
He has this to say about dinner parties which is timely and one to remember as you navigate the social slalom.
“There is a kitchen adage that says: ‘If the food is the star of your dinner party, then you’re inviting the wrong people.’
Let’s face it: dinner parties are social events and the company is the main thing. We’ve all been to parties where the epigrams sparkled like spumante, where the gossip was riveting and our flirtatious neighbours hung on our every word.
We could have been eating carpet tiles for all it mattered. But that’s no excuse for serving food that would make the shadow cabinet seem interesting by comparison.
It is no excuse for a host to be too busy to shop wisely and cook well.
If you’re too damn successful to look after your friends, then don’t give dinner parties. Take them to restaurants or hire a chef.”
The Best of A. A. Gill, Orion Publishing, €5.99 from bookstation.ie
