How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
It was logical, with my heritage, that I would be drawn to Chef Mafitte's "world cuisine" […] but I could not help coming to the conclusion his culinary contrivances were, in the end, a triumph of style over substance. (14.13)
The traditions that Hassan was taught were rich with flavor and meaning and carried down from ages past. Good things can't just happen overnight, and here we see the conundrum of whether it's better to focus on flavor or appearance when it comes to food. The new way is very focused on looks, but Hassan seems concerned about the impact this has on the actual experience of, you know, eating.
Quote #8
"We will draw on the old recipes for inspiration, yes, but we will renew them by stripping them back to their core, removing all the period embellishments and convolutions that have been added to them over time." (16.29)
Hassan gives Le Chien Méchant a makeover, not by throwing out the old way of doing things, but by simplifying the process. This is the perfect way to get out of his slump but not give into the weird new fads. It's like he de-clutters tradition, if you will.
Quote #9
"I do think you have to change with the times in a way that renews your core essence, not abandons it. To change for the sake of change—without an anchor—that is mere faddishness. It will only lead you further astray." (16.71)
One of the guests at Paul's memorial dinner contributes the idea that change can be a way to honor tradition. Change can happen but it needs to reference what's already established, to renew instead of abandon.