Food Philosophy Fun

Well, I don't know why I didn't think of this before, but I have decided to make a blog about something I really love. I am going to blog about food. I am going to try to keep it always positive (like I will only write about restaurants that I really liked, and leave out the ones that I don't). It should be fun to read too, it is all about food. I might add recipeits from time to time or talk about something existencial, but always as it relates to food. I hope that you all add it to your list of blogs to follow and enjoy.

http://foodphilosophyfun.blogspot.com/

La Comida Panameña

Today I spent most of the day asleep because the last couple of days I haven't had time, and yesterday the whole flight thing left me really tired. I woke up just in time for the typical Panamanian aguacero (a huge rainstorm). I went out to eat tonight and I ordered ropa vieja it is beef that is dried, then boiled in water and then cooked with onion tomato and other spices. It may not sound too good, but it was a staple food for those who worked in el campo. The dried beef is east and light to carry and then you can cook it right up for a pretty healthy dinner. Well stay posted there are more exciting things to come as the trip progresses.

Fine Foods

As you all know the new movie, Ratatouille just came out, and one of the main themes of the movie is "anyone can cook." Remy also says that his favorite thing about humans is that we don't just survive we thrive and create things. So I got to thinking about food and how much I love food, and what are some of the reasons that I love food. Here are some of those factors.

TASTE - This is the most important aspect of food. Like Remy says it is what sets us humans apart from other living creatures. We create food. There are endless possbilities for what we can create, and how good it can taste.

PRESENTATION - This is important for social events. Some foods like goulash might taste really good, but presentation is poor. I have found that a lot of people like to add red, green and yellow peppers to food to add bright color and enhance the presentation. I suppose that food can be as much of a visual art as a palpatory one. In my opinion you should taste should not suffer at the expense of presentation (especially if you are preparing food for a blind group.)

PORTIONS / QUANTITY - If you would have asked me during my teenage years I would have said that quantity is slightly more important than quality. However, I have rethought this philosophy a little more recently, and have realized that high quality and flavor is more important than mere quantity. Buffets just don't have the same appeal as they did when I was younger. (However, there are some expensive ones that have really high quality food).

HEALTH - The main reason for eating is to survive, so health is important. However, I don't think that you should make it the focus of your eating habits. I mean food still has to taste good otherwise you can just eat lettuce and plain cooked chicken with no flavor. Of course if you get food fresh from a garden you get the best of both worlds, full of flavor and organic and healthier. I find that heath ends up being more of a theme in and of its self when talking about food. Usually when health is the main reason for eating, quantity, taste, and presentation are all irrelevant.