Bread and Oil

In Asuria, the main meal of the day is traditionally started with a course of freshly baked bread dipped in olive oil, a simple and enjoyable introduction to any meal. This traditional dish is pervasive in most of Asuria, from offerings to the divine to everyday kitchens, from the fanciest restaurants to charity kitchens providing food for beggars.

Variations

While the core concept is a simple dish of bread and oil, there are many variations that expand on the concept. The oil is often mixed with a variety of herbs and spices, as well as balsamic or red wine vinegars, transforming the simple and clean taste of olive oil into a complex and savoury delight. Similarly, the bread can be anything from a simple unleavened wheatbread to any of a number of complex breads.
Most people consider simplicity to be key in preparations of a proper opening course. Complex vinagrettes and savoury breads are delectable and greatly appreciated in most meals, but here, a master chef knows to pick two or three distinct but complementary flavours to provide in a proper balance. A simple white bread with a dusting of grated cheese paried with a mixture of oil with just a dash of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkling of freshly cracked pepper is a popular example of this dish, though skilled chefs often experiment with new ingredients and combinations, developing new and delightful variations.

Social meaning

People can read a lot into how a host serves bread and oil. For instance, a plain serving can indicate a host of simple means or preferences, which is seen as a virtue in those with a religious background (having dedicated their life to serving the gods rather than the accumulation of wealth) and a military background (being accustomed to the simple practicality of travel rations), but otherwise simply indicates that one cannot afford a more complex preparation. Classic preparations like the one mentioned above are favoured by traditionalists, while recent and popular preparations come and go like any other aspect of fashion.
For those in high society, this is often taken to a whole other level, with personalized plates presented in an attempt to cater to a guest's particular tastes. Since it is considered bad form to make a fuss over what one is served at a formal dinner, especially for this traditional course, powerful nobles occasionally take this as an opportunity to express what they truly think of their guests - serving a sweet children's preparation to someone they consider childish, for instance. This is relatively rare, however - while etiquette prevents an immediate and direct response to such an insult, they will be well aware of the insult and may well choose to respond later.