Revised What Does Eating Local Mean to You?

            I don’t know if its genetics but it’s a known fact amongst my family that none of us can garden. That being said, it in no way limited our love for home-grown, local food just because our tomato plants always died. Instead we sought refuge in the local farmer’s markets. At least once a month we’d take the short drive to the farmer’s market and spend the day there. My mom would shop for groceries and all natural olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette while my dad would get his fill at the peanut stand. My siblings and I would search for the kettle corn and any of our favorite fruits. We would stroll the aisles of venders that greeted us with warm smiles as they showcased their seasons pickings. At times, we would beg my mom to splurge on some unnecessary home-made candy or run around causing a ruckus until my dad told us to calm down. Regardless of our actions, going to the farmer’s market was always an adventure as a child.

While we didn’t get all our groceries from the farmer’s market, we supplemented what we got from the supermarket at the farmer’s market. My parents always felt it was important to support local businesses as well as feed us kids with foods that were essentially just good for us. Now, being a college student away from my family, I miss those weekends at the farmer’s markets more than ever. Eating locally wasn’t just about eating foods that I knew were good for me and fresher. It became a symbol of a great family tradition that I will always cherish. Plus, the Burke farmer’s market always had the best kettle corn.

http://foodfeelingsandfilm.blogspot.com/2016/09/what-does-eating-local-mean-to-you.html

Revised Trying New Food

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo59LlkTDe4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omiSppfmGVM

I wasn’t really surprised by the reactions of the people in this video towards the food they were eating. Realistically, fast food is never going to compare to the quality of a homemade meal. I was a little surprised that they liked some of the foods from Panda Express considering usually commercialized Chinese restaurants doesn’t compare to the authenticity of real Chinese food. Some meals from Panda Express weren’t even an authentic Chinese dish or used with proper Chinese utensils. It was interesting to see how Chinese foods contrasted to the quality of Chinese food of Panda Express. I was surprised that some of the people responded well to the hot and sour soup but it was also very negatively received by other people so their perception of authentic Chinese food varies amongst the people.

For the most part, I didn’t feel a connection of similarity towards the video however, I think I can relate in the sense that when I eat at non-Arabic restaurants and they serve falafel or shawarma, most of the time I am disappointed by the outcome. Usually, I feel like non Mediterranean restaurants that try to serve Arabic food aren’t properly seasoning or marinating their meat and vegetables. I remember seeing my mom cover chicken thighs with a blend of bright red spices. I suppose to people who haven’t eaten authentic Arabic food would probably consider it as good Arabic cuisine.

Overall, I really enjoyed the video and felt it really showcased how American consumerism has capitalized on different cultures but don’t actually reflect the true authenticity and originality of classical food. Although, it can be argued that these franchises are trying to spread these cultures and create a community of diversity however in most cases, this isn’t true. The second video I found really entertaining, it was different from the first video in the sense that the people weren't trying foods that were trying to replicate their own cultural snacks. However, it does showcase how consumerism affects food nationwide in terms of quality of food. They were simply trying snacks we eat in America and comparing it to what they eat in India. I enjoyed seeing their reactions especially to the Turkey Jerky. Additionally, it’s interesting to see the comparison of how much processed and unhealthy food we eat in America compared to other countries, somosas may not necessarily be the healthiest snack option but they are definitely better than a bag of Doritos.
http://foodfeelingsandfilm.blogspot.com/2016/09/trying-new-food.html

Revised Home Sweet Home Pie

Chocolate. 

No food speaks to me more than chocolate does. Creamy, sweet, and satisfying; how could it not be my favorite food?

My pie would have a graham cracker crust and a dark chocolate coating over the bottom. The crust represents my family. They are the foundation of my growth and development into a young adult. They are my support when I doubt myself, and just as a crust holds the filling, they have constantly lifted me up in times of hardship. Without a crust, a pie wouldn’t be a pie. It would have no contrast to its creamy filling.

 Dark chocolate represents the richness and joy of being home but the bitterness contrasts it by showcasing the sadness of my time at home being limited. The next layer would be a milk chocolate pudding with a hint of coffee bean, sweet, creamy and comforting. Being at home represents these feelings and how comfortable I am being home. However, the bitter taste of the coffee would portray the sadness of leaving home.

 On top, I would sprinkle sea salt and pretzels. The contrast to all the sweet chocolate in my pie shows the craziness of my family in contrast to our harmony. All the members in my family provide a loving and supportive system but all our different, outgoing personalities always generate insanity. Between my sister and dad fighting, and my brother making fun of me and my sister, peace and quiet is hard to come by. But, just like my delicious pie, I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

 http://foodfeelingsandfilm.blogspot.com/2016/11/home-sweet-home-pie.html