Quite frankly, I could begin and end this note just with the title and really feel that I have adequately expressed myself. But what fun would that be for any of us?
So allow me to start again...
I.love.food. Yup, I guess that really is the only way to put it.
I had a very special opportunity this evening to listen to the one, the only, Anthony Bourdain. And for any other fellow foodies out there, or even just avid television watchers, I would fully expect that this name rings a bell. I'd like to claim that he is a hero to me. Not that I believe in heroes, or should necessarily look up to a former crack head who swears non-stop (ok, let's be honest, I kind of respect the onslaught of curse words), but damn if I don't respect the way that man thinks about and preaches the gospel of food.
Following a Power Point presentation of the abhorrence that is Paula Deen's cuisine (see The Lady's Brunch Burger), Tony - as I like to think he has given me permission to call him - offers a mantra that I support:
Food matters.
And it does. It's not just a means of nourishment and sustenance, but it's a way of showing who we are and what we are about. I judge people by the way they look at food. And I'm ok with that, even if you aren't. I haven't always been this way, but it's certainly something that I have learned as I've gotten older and learned more about how to respect myself, my body and those around me. Food is not just about eating...don't get me wrong though...I.also.love.to.eat. But these are two very different things.
I respect my body and myself with the food that I put into it. I like fresh and unique ingredients. Especially over the last few years and a significant weight loss, there is an inherent need to control what goes into my body. Processed foods and fried foods (while at times still delicious and necessary for hangover recovery) are not a way for me to show respect to myself. This is what fuels my desire to cook. And my love for cooking is enhanced when I'm able to share this product with those around me.
Cooking is a way that I express myself and show respect for those around me. It's a way that I connect with people and bring my friends together in a home environment. And on an even more personal level, it's a way that I have found to share and enjoy time with James; we love to cook together and share the foods that we enjoy with each other. From planning the perfect combination of flavors, selecting the right ingredients, and spending an evening putting it all together, it's a way that we relate. All because of food.
Ok, here's the part my Richmonders are not going to like. So fair warning, stop reading now - you won't like this next bit should you hail from or love the city of Richmond.
Despite what Richmonders think about this town, the food culture is depressing. I hate selecting restaurants here for several reasons. The first being that there is a severe lack of diversity in the food here. While there are a few gastro pubs and farm to table style restaurants, and one fantastic Italian restaurant that I enjoy, I have crossed off every restaurant that interests me in this town. And I don't need a reservation to get into any of them. Which brings me to beef #2...I don't need a reservation for anywhere. I think there are some pros to this, but half the fun of going to a great restaurant is the wait and anticipation of getting to go. In Atlanta, my best girlfriend and I had a long list of restaurants that we would call down 2 weeks ahead to see what we could get into. After taking 2-3 reservations (usually in the 9-10 time slot, which is all that is available 2 weeks out) we would continue to deliberate over which reservation to keep based on the menu that most deserved our patronage. After finally coming to a carefully calibrated decision, we would then study our menus in order to maximize sharing and enjoyment of our event. This was an evening, not a meal. Richmond has absolutely nothing comparable to offer. Sorry.
I would like to follow Tony around for the duration of his stay in Richmond to get his take on the city and see if he's able to find any gems that I have yet to discover. Or atleast to sit and have a beer with him. But not in a stalkerish kind of way. Or maybe in a stalkerish kind of way. I admit to nothing.
In short, let it be known...I.love.food. And I want everyone to love it too because of the value that it holds in my life, not just to sustaining my life, but in helping me respect myself, relate to those around me, and express who I am.
Thank you, Tony, for a wonderful regaling of your tales of the world, beautiful synopsis of the role food should play in our lives, and the much needed derision of Guy Fieri and his penchant for Ed Hardy.
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