Ale, Smoke, and Pride

In the course of Atgar’s latest journey through the Shire on the road toward the Ered Luin, he came upon the village of Nobottle in Yondershire. After a long day spent bargaining with local pipe-weed growers and merchants to replenish his stores, the Dwarf and his newfound companions retired to The Fox and Fiddle Inn to celebrate the successful dealings with hearty food and plentiful ale.

Yet as the evening wore on and the mugs were steadily emptied, conversation turned toward cooking — particularly the matter of proper meat preparation. Atgar, unimpressed by what the Hobbits proudly placed upon their tables, made the mistake of speaking his mind plainly after several rounds of ale. The local folk, proud of their kitchens and generations of recipes, were quick to defend Hobbit cooking against the boasts of a travelling Dwarf.

Neither pride nor drink would allow Atgar to yield the matter. With growing cheer and rising voices around the common room, he boldly proposed a meat cooking contest to settle the argument once and for all. The challenge was met with loud approval, and before long the chief Hobbit cook of Nobottle accepted on behalf of the Shirefolk. Recipes were fetched, fires prepared, and servants hurried about carrying herbs, vegetables, cauldrons, and cuts of meat for the coming competition.

It was agreed by all present that the patrons of the inn would judge the victor by taste, aroma, and presentation. The losing side, in good spirit, would surrender one treasured recipe or cooking technique to the winners as proof of their superiority.

Soon the common room and courtyard filled with eager spectators. Patrons gathered around the competing cooks, shouting encouragement, placing friendly wagers, and raising mugs in support of their favored side as the fires were lit and the great cooking contest began...