Book Bytes
Ever since I read a review in The New Yorker of A History Of The World In Six Glasses by Tom Standage, I’ve been rediscovering the social life of beverages. Too many people overindulge in their drink(s) of choice and can miss the cultural roles these beverages — beer, wine, distilled spirits, coffee, tea, and soda — have played throughout history. So much so, they may fail to enjoy their various tastes, unique smells and other qualities. I realized I have known people who have even based their very identity on what, where and with whom they drink. I can’t imagine drinking cup upon cup of coffee or bottle after bottle of beer as many do. Talk about filling a void: “One more round!” These days, I think it’s nice to enjoy a cup of expresso after lunch, tea while reading or a bottle of wine over dinner with friends. I’ve found saying “goodbye excess” can lead to a fuller appreciation of each glass.
Ever since I read a review in The New Yorker of A History Of The World In Six Glasses by Tom Standage, I’ve been rediscovering the social life of beverages. Too many people overindulge in their drink(s) of choice and can miss the cultural roles these beverages — beer, wine, distilled spirits, coffee, tea, and soda — have played throughout history. So much so, they may fail to enjoy their various tastes, unique smells and other qualities. I realized I have known people who have even based their very identity on what, where and with whom they drink. I can’t imagine drinking cup upon cup of coffee or bottle after bottle of beer as many do. Talk about filling a void: “One more round!” These days, I think it’s nice to enjoy a cup of expresso after lunch, tea while reading or a bottle of wine over dinner with friends. I’ve found saying “goodbye excess” can lead to a fuller appreciation of each glass.