No matter what type of restaurant you go to, you’ll notice that eating utensils are an essential part of the experience.
No matter what type of restaurant you go to, you’ll notice that eating utensils are an essential part of the experience. If you’ve ever been curious about why spoons, forks, and napkins became so ubiquitous, then we are pleased to tell you that you can satisfy your curiosity. Let’s talk about some more of the indispensable tools you use to enjoy your food!
The Simplicity of Spoons
Spoons were some of the earliest eating utensils ever invented. The first spoons were most likely fashioned out of seashells or wood chips, depending on where the people who used them lived at the time. The Anglo-Saxon word “spon” gives up the spoon as we know it. Even so, the Romans (as they did with a great many other items) designed more than one kind of spoon. The ligula was meant for soups and softer foods – perhaps for dainty desserts? Its counterpart was called the acochleare which was smaller and designed for eating eggs and shellfish.
The Ferocity of Forks
Believe it or not, forks weren’t always a common part of table settings. Once again, we owe the Romans (furca) and the Old English (forca) for our modern word “fork” – forks were first used as eating utensils in the 11th century Tuscany, but they didn’t catch on right away – by the 14th century they were still rare to see. The ancient Greeks used pointy kitchen forks to serve meat that could be carved up with knives. Middle Eastern royals and Byzantine elites help make forks the standard implement we take for granted today – as they joined the dining table setup.
The Necessity of Napkins
Napkins are crucial to any meal, no matter what it is you’re eating. Just think of how messy eating crabs or crab soup can be without a bolt of cloth or paper to wipe off with when you’re done! The great cultures of the ancient world – Egypt, Greece, and Rome – innovated the use of napkins back when they were known as “serviettes.”
Try Some New Items at Costas Inn!
Your seafood destination is always trying to up its game. We are proud to announce that we have some delicious new additions to our house menu. Crab dip bowls come with fresh pretzels. If you would like to pair up a soup with a pretzel bowl, then you’ll be happy to hear that it is only a $2 upcharge.
YOUR SEAFOOD DESTINATION
Costas Inn has been a Baltimore tradition since 1971. You may recognize our restaurant, which was recently featured on the Food Network with Michael Symon on Burgers, Brew, and ‘Que! We were also voted the 2015 #1 Baltimore Seafood Restaurant by USA Today, as well as #1 Crab Restaurant 2014 in the Baltimore Business Journal. You may have also spotted Costas Inn during one of our 9 appearances on the Today Show or heard one of our many interviews on WJZ TV Channel 13 with Ron Matz and Marty Bass.
You can enjoy our famous crab cakes in-house or order them online for any time eating. We also provide some of the best seafood catering in the Baltimore area! You can also get your fill from Costas even when you’re not in our dining room: follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube!