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Chinese New YearYou are in: Southern Counties > Features > General Interest > Chinese New Year > Chopsticks: The Lowdown  Chopsticks: The LowdownA "Chopstick Equation" developed by scientists at the University of Surrey, is supposed to help even the most cack-handed of us use them with ease. But here's a bit more help so you don't go hungry on the 26th! Chopstick manners
Imagine the scene. You are sitting in a fabulous Chinese restaurant on the 26th, looking forward to your New Year's meal, and to your dismay you realise that there are no knives and forks on the table....  Ken Hom makes it look easy! No-one else seems to have noticed and you don't want to appear ignorant by admitting to your fellow diners that you can't use chopsticks, but you break into a sweat as you remember the last time you attempted to eat with them in public! Wasn't that the time you lost a sweet and sour pork ball under the table, only to be accused of trying to peer up your dates' skirt when you went to retrieve it! Remember going home shame faced, with chicken noodles down your front, egg fried rice stuck to your chin and no hope of a second date? Well, panic not, you can have your Beef Chow Mein and eat it. All you need is the Chopstick Equation and our handy holding guide!  HOW TO EAT WITH CHOPSTICKSThe secret to using chopsticks is to hold one chopstick in place while pivoting the other one to pick up individual portions. Place the first chopstick so that the thick part rests at the base of your thumb and the thin part rests on the lower side of your middle finger. Then, bring your thumb forward so that the stick will be firmly trapped in place.  At least 2 or 3 inches of chopstick should extend beyond your fingertip. Next, position the other chopstick so that it is held against the side of your index finger by the end of your thumb. Check whether the ends of the chopsticks are even.  If not, then tap the thinner parts on the plate to make them even. Place a little pressure on the upper chopstick, the one against your index finger, to make it pivot on the index finger while keeping the bottom chopstick stationary. See, it's that easy! No more embarrassing batter ball mishaps or disgruntled dates! No need to thank us, just make sure you have a great Chinese New Year! last updated: 14/01/2009 at 11:30 Have Your SayHave you any handy chopstick tips? Are you a dab hand at eating with them or do you insist on a knife and fork? Add your thoughts here!
Alex SEE ALSOYou are in: Southern Counties > Features > General Interest > Chinese New Year > Chopsticks: The Lowdown  A to Z - All of our pictures and yours! |
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