A Matter of Taste
Taste is a pure expression and it can be described as an individual's direct translation of aromas, odours and textures into emotion. Of course the most important word of this statement being 'individual'.

An individual will taste, say a bread and butter pudding, by inserting a tablespoon into the mouth, the texture and aromas will then be deciphered by the taste buds and receptors on the tongue and combined with the odours that are trapped in the throat and nasal passage will then be deciphered by the brain into taste. Whether or not the individual enjoys the flavours is very much a personal choice.

Take what could be quite possibly the most amazing dish in the world. We won't name this dish but we'll assume for now that it contains the most wonderful of aromas, tastes, flavours and textures. Two people will try this dish, the first will take a mouthful and will be completely overwhelmed by the beauty and balance of the ingredients. The second will also take a mouthful, he'll swirl the ingredients around his mouth, ensuring each and every available taste receptor will get a chance to taste the aromas. The second person will shut his eyes, breath deeply and then spit the food out in disgust because he considers it to be horrific. This is the perfect example of taste.

What one person loves, more than likely another will hate.

This is perhaps the greatest burden that a chef must shoulder. While one person will adore the flavours, depth and balance of spices in his jerk sauce, quite possibly another customer who despises allspice, chilli and lime will curse at the chef's inability to cook. This is the chef's own personal version of catch 22; individual taste and appreciation of flavours can be his saviour one day and his damnation the next.

However for you, the customer it is always important to try and taste new things. The more you try the more you learn and you'll learn not just about different aromas, odours and textures but you're range of taste will broaden and develop. Of course you'll always know what you do and do not like but the more you try new things the more you will directly benefit.

And when it comes to someone else's views always listen with an open ear. Should someone decide that they hate a dish and openly criticise it pay attention and listen, more often than not you'll learn something. However don't let someone else's judgement sway your own personal taste, try the dish that they despise, perhaps you too might find it disgusting or perhaps because you're views on taste differ you might find that you've just discovered the most wonderful dish in the world.