Of pizza dough table cloth and zodiac sign-inspired dining experience

Herbast or victimless meat made from vegetable protein, or genetically modified vegetarian such as the Biccio, could become popular with vegetarians, thanks to 'eating' designer Marije Vogelzang. Mugdha Variyar reports.

Herbast or victimless meat made from vegetable protein, or genetically modified vegetarian such as the Biccio, could become popular with vegetarians, thanks to 'eating' designer Marije Vogelzang.

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While the idea may repulse vegetarians, these fantasy foods were invented by Vogelzang as a creative alternative to meat.

Vogelzang, a designer from the Netherlands, has used innovative techniques to change the experience of eating, focusing on the concepts of rituals and traditions around food instead of food itself.

"I don't design food, since it is already perfectly designed by Nature and I am not God," said Vogelzang, who was a speaker at the India Design Forum on Saturday. "I design the experience around food, and work with emotions," she said.

For the last 13 years as an eating designer, Vogelzang has created unique dining experiences, such as the one based on zodiac signs where customers were given food to match their zodiac element (water, fire, earth, air). "For example, people who belonged to the 'earth' sign were given food that grows underground, while the 'fire' people got spicy hot food,' she said.

At the Forum held at the National Centre for Performing Arts, Nariman Point, Vogelzang explained how eating was a social experience. "Food is a tool to create a bond between people," she said.