View source for Food and Drink

Isstia is a land rich with history, culture and tradition. In such a diverse lot, there are both Isstia-wide traditions and traditions held by individual kingdoms (which can be found in the Kingdoms file). The cultural aspects below however, are part of all Isstia Kingdoms with only a few documented exceptions. 

['''OOC Note''': ''We have kept these files simple with hopes that this will keep down confusion and encourage players to take these things IC and make them part of their stories.'']

== Food ==
One thing that all people of Isstia have in common, regardless of ones kingdom or their social or political status, is that the people of Isstia love food. Naturally the foods one enjoys are normally based on ones social status, for the simple fact that what one can afford is typically what one can eat. 

These following types of meals are often enjoyed in the homes of Royal and High Families, as well as in quality inns and taverns.  These are also meals typically enjoyed by common homes on days of celebration. 

: <li> Roasted lamb glazed with olive oil and herbs, served with buttered potatoes
: <li> Green peppers stuffed with meat and rice
: <li> Spicy pork with grilled tomatoes and saffron rice
: <li> Grilled beef with lemon, accompanied by freshly baked bread and gravy sauce
:: <li> In the Kingdom of Narcisca, most beef and lamb is replaced by pork or large fish such as red fish or tuna. 
:: <li> In the Kingdom of Kaldera, most meals are more vegetable and fruit heavy than their neighboring kingdoms. 

The diet of the common Isstia household is not exactly starved, though these people prefer simpler daily meals which are more time-friendly and less expensive to prepare. These are foods like:
: <li> Poultry
: <li> Pork 
: <li> Common Fish 
: <li> Dishes rich with vegetables like cabbage, fried peppers, roasted potatoes, onions and fresh tomatoes
: <li> Soups

Regardless of the food that will be served, the evening meal is something of a ritual for families in Isstia. Meals always take place at the table. Families remove their shoes before taking their seat on cushions around a large, low table. Meals are eaten together, with the meal served in large serving plates and bowls from which individuals will fix their plates at the table.

==== Street Food ====
Street food is also popular during festivals and typically include easily prepared and transported foods such as:
: <li> Lamb or beef kebabs
:: <li> In Narcisca these are fish, chicken and pork
:: <li> In Kaldera these are roasted vegetables
: <li> Puff pastries
: <li> Thick hunks of bread smeared with tomato sauce

==== Sweets ====
For those who love a touch of something sweet, Isstia bakers, especially those of Emperius and Ivorea, are known for their delicious treats which can be found in businesses in most kingdoms.  Common baked sweets include:
: <li> Pastries soaked in honey syrup and stuffed with chopped pistachios
: <li> Simple baked sweet breads smeared with creamy glaze

Things like fresh (when in season) and dried fruits or nuts (such as almonds, dates, apricots, figs, plums and grapes) are also easily purchased in the market by the pound and are very popular snacks for common and high families alike.

== Beverages ==
==== Coffee ====
Coffee is a key part of the Isstia culture and can be purchased in the main markets of most cities. Despite its popularity, coffee is not a domestic product and is instead brought to Isstia by sea from the city of Sheheim located in the western nation of Morra. Once it arrives merchants roast and grind it down before turning it into a strong, bitter drink with a consistency slightly thicker than most. Most people prefer it black while others prefer it with plenty of sugar and a splash of milk.

==== Tea ====
While coffee is popular, tea remains one of the biggest staples in Isstia households, especially among the kingdoms of Emperius, Lorimar and Icantha. Like coffee, tea is typically imported, also from Sheheim, though it is much less expensive than coffee. Tea comes in a variety of flavors and is enjoyed alone or with honey in many households.

: <li> '''''Special Note''''': In the last fifty years the Kingdom of Kaldera has began to try and perfect their tea farming. They do produce some, a dark tea known as Bitter Tea (despite its sweet taste and smell), but are not yet able to produce enough to supply all of Isstia. It is sold commonly to those who visit the Kingdom, or is given to visitors as a sign of appreciation or respect. 

==== Liquors, Beers and Wines ====
Naturally, like any other country, Isstia is not without a love of beer and ale. Isstia has many brewers who keep the kingdoms supplied with drink, while vineyards work hard to create the wine which Isstia is widely known for. Wine is the preferred drink in Isstia. 

Isstirian wine is very strong. For this reason, most people prefer to water it down. Wine is sipped from sturdy clay cups, which are often stained red or purple on the inside from the strong drink.
: <li> Most vinyards and brewers are found in the Pelasia Valley, though a few are located in Kaldera and surprisingly in Belasar. 
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