Fried crickets.
PROMPT: Snack
Reply
Category Archives: Cuisine
PROMPT: Eating Meat
I have no strong feelings. Everything that lives becomes food, so I don’t see a sound moral argument against meat. There is certainly a nutritional argument against eating excessive quantities of meat (which I would grant many meat-eaters do) but this is not an argument for dropping meat altogether. I accept that there is a reasonable environmental argument, but — counterpoint — it’s delicious.
I see no argument at all against choosing to eat vegetarian or vegan, so I certainly wouldn’t try to talk anyone out of their decision to do so. (i.e. The “you can’t get enough protein” argument is bullshit.)
Share on Facebook, Twitter, Email, etc.
PROMPT: 3 Favorite Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. (Chronologically, not in order of preference.)
Paper masala dosa for breakfast; Thai red curry for lunch; mixed fruit for dinner.
Share on Facebook, Twitter, Email, etc.
PROMPT: Specialty
What food would you say is your specialty?
I make a mean pot of steamed rice.
Share on Facebook, Twitter, Email, etc.
BOOK: “The Virtues of the Table” by Julian Baggini
The Virtues of the Table: How to Eat and Think by Julian BagginiMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Publisher Site – Granta
This book examines the nexus of food and philosophy, from the ethics of butchery to the virtue of authenticity to whether hedonism is a necessary component of eating philosophically. Much of the book challenges or debates conventional wisdoms such as whether local foods are inherently better, whether dining is always and everywhere a social activity (or should be,) and whether organic is always preferable. The book covers a wide variety of topics including: mindfulness, gratitude, skepticism, fasting, willpower, spontaneity, technology, etc.
The book offers many ideas for reflection though sometimes it felt like it rambled on for more than the issue in question necessitated.
Each chapter ends with a discussion of a particular food and its preparation as thought relevant by the author. This is a nice grounding mechanism for discussion that tends otherwise to be cerebral and philosophic.
I’d recommend this book for anyone interested in thinking more about food and its intersection with philosophy of life.
View all my reviews
Share on Facebook, Twitter, Email, etc.
PERU LIMERICK
There was a Guinea Pig from Peru
who didn’t know just quite what to do.
He’d heard there were places
-- oh, so magical places –
where his kind lived as pets not as food.
Share on Facebook, Twitter, Email, etc.
PROMPT: Cooking Fail
Write about your most epic baking or cooking fail.
A blunder once in a while does not rise to tragedy. I burn toast on a regular basis. Think about that. It’s the most rudimentary culinary activity imaginable, and I fuck it up at least weekly.
To be fair, I think my toaster might be a North Korean imposter, part of a plot to undermine the Western Capitalist world one ruined breakfast at a time.
Share on Facebook, Twitter, Email, etc.
PROMPT: Foods
Those that are authentic to wherever I am at the moment. [Nothing fancy, but with nutritional value.]
Share on Facebook, Twitter, Email, etc.
PROMPT: Recipe
Flour, water, salt, and yeast. The epitome of simplicity.
Share on Facebook, Twitter, Email, etc.
PROMPT: Expensive Meal
Daily writing prompt
What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it?
I can’t remember, but it’s never been worth it. Seems like the more one pays for a meal, the hungrier one leaves it. Enjoy your “foam reductions” if you like, but it’s not for me. I’ll take street food any day — cheap, filling, flavorful street food. It’s got character and doesn’t try too hard.
My palate may be unrefined, but — also — I’m no sucker.
Tiger Riding for Beginners 