Food and Drink

Isstia is an old city rich with history, culture and tradition. In such a diverse lot that make up the clans, there will occasionally be unique traditions, which can be found in the clans main file. These cultural aspects are part of all Isstirian households.

These traditions are located below.

[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 social or political status is that the people of Isstia love food. Naturally the foods one enjoys is normally based on ones social status, for the simple fact that what one can afford is typically what one can east.

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

Roasted lamb glazed with olive oil and herbs, served with buttered potatoes

Green peppers stuffed with meat and rice

Spicy pork with grilled tomatoes and saffron rice

Grilled beef with lemon, accompanied by freshly baked bread and gravy sauce

The diet of the common households 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:

Poultry

Pork

Common Fish

Dishes rich with vegetables likes cabbage, fried peppers, roasted potatoes, onions and fresh tomatoes

Soups

Regardless of the food that will be served, the evening meal is something of a ritual for Isstirian families. Meals always take place at the table. Families remove their shoes before taking their seat on cushions around a large, low table. Meals are always 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:

Lamb or beef kebabs

Puff pastries

Thick hunks of bread smeared with tomato sauce

Sweets

For those who love a touch of something sweet, Isstia is known for their bakers, which means businesses can be found in most districts. Common baked sweets include:

Pastries soaked in honey syrup and stuffed with chopped pistachios

Simple baked sweet breads smeared with creamy glaze

Things like Fresh 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 is a key part of the city’s culture and can be purchased at the main market of the city on most days. Despite its popularity, coffee is not a domestic product and is instead brought to Isstia by sea from the city of Sheheim. 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 prefer it black and with plenty of sugar and a splash of milk in some cases.

While coffee is popular, tea remains one of the biggest staples in Isstia households. 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.

Naturally, like any other city, Isstia is not without a love of beer and ale. Isstia has many brewers stationed in the countryside who keep the city 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 Isstirians 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. Wines are often flavored or spiced with absinthe, aniseed, chamomile or rose petals.