humanity
Humanity topics include pieces on the real lives of chefs, professionals, amateurs, inspiring youth, influencers, and general feel good human stories in the Feast food sphere.
"Death By Chocolate"
“DEATH BY CHOCOLATE” glut·ton·y /ˈɡlətnē/ noun: gluttony 1. habitual greed or excess in eating. I blame my parents. In fact I could probably blame all parents, mothers in particular. Sorry mom's, but you are generally the de-facto eating coaches of young kids. You all know the exhortations, “finish your food there are starving children in China”, “if you don't finish your dinner you won't get any dessert”, and “don't you want to be in The Clean Plate Club”? I did! In fact I would go so far as to claim myself the president of The Clean Plate Club. I was also the apple of my grandmothers eye. What a good boy you are, you cleaned your plate again she would say. Jenny, she would say to my mother, I have never seen such a good eater. How many young boys would polish off a plate of baked salmon and Brussels sprouts? Fact of the matter is I hated Brussels sprouts, I hated Salmon, I hated Liver. In fact I pretty much hated everything, but dessert. The only reason I cleaned my plate was that it got me closer to said dessert. Now my mother happened to be an excellent baker and it showed. She was not a svelte woman, and unlike Jack Sprat, my dad could in fact eat fat, but he too preferred sugar, and my grandmother? Fuggedaboutit! She was old world European; come on bubbie just one more bite and you'll get dessert. With my grandmother a world of cakes and cookies would appear the likes of which you usually find only in the Disney movie.
By ADAM GOLDSMITH5 years ago in Feast
The Free Restaurant
I have a roommate who hates eating. He views food as a distraction and a hassle. Once a month, he buys a couple of pounds of hamburger, some jars of tomato sauce, and some macaroni. He cooks it up, and when hungry, he nukes a scoop or two. At the end of the month, he tosses what's gone bad. Even though he's shown a total disregard for "cuisine," he acknowledges that he needs to eat.
By J.S. Kohout5 years ago in Feast
All Children Deserve Free School Lunch
The number of American children living in food-insecure households continues to grow at an alarming rate. This is a public health crisis of epic proportions as proper nutrition is necessary not only for a healthy body but a healthy mind.
By Kathy Copeland Padden5 years ago in Feast
A Simple Cup of Coffee and another Bowl of Rice
I am going to start with an honest confession, I’m not here to mention the intense sushi, the type that swims near Monterey Bay, oh what the freshness! Nor am I going to describe the awesome Mammoth Mountain Irish potato pancakes filled with bursting cheese and spinach. I want to talk about food that I traveled to, but in a different way. It's probably gonna sound like I’m bragging, but I believe in this simple kind of plain and honest hunger. And I believe that the culture that drove these three honest dishes deserves some honor. So a simple cup of coffee, another bowl of rice, and a bit of french bread ended up perfect.
By Gary Lougheed5 years ago in Feast
Three Times a Day
“You have to show them you are making an effort,” I said through clenched teeth, the sweet potato coating my mouth with carbs. “I know it’s hard, and I’d like to say it gets easier, but I’ve been here for over two months now and have done this three times a day...I’m still struggling.” I shrugged, no use in sugar coating it for the newbies. “What’s your name?” I asked, trying to distract her from the task at hand-cleaning her plate. “Mel,” she answered, but I knew that look. It was the look of horror and nothing I said at this point was going to help poor Mel in completing her gambit. I turned to Francesca and Char in hopes of some sort of conversation; the truth was I was the one who needed distraction. If I could talk and eat at the same time, I could usually manage to not think about the fat, carbs, sugar and calories taking over my body with every mouthful of this torture we called sharing a meal. Francesca was looking a bit pale, I noticed as she glared vehemently at the sweet potato in front of her, the last obstacle on her plate. I was a bit jealous; she had already finished the chicken breast and broccolini. “That’s why I start with the hardest part first,” I joked, motioning to my half eaten spud. Char chimed in with a peppy “Me too!” and Francesca joined Mel on team silence and horror. I shrugged at Char and took another bite. “Are you ready for group session?” She asked, chewing. “Not like we have much of a choice”, I answered, trying to push the conversation along as I took mouthful number four of orange goop; “Looks like we have two new people today, so it should be interesting at least.” I glanced over at Mel, still in shock, and the other newcomer sitting alone at the end of the long cafeteria table we were all forced to eat at. A guy. He was the only one. He was actually the only one I had seen since arriving here. I decided to pick up my plate and head towards him, in selfish hopes of striking up a conversation that lasted long enough to finish my meal.
By Jess A. Smith5 years ago in Feast
Do I have to have a label?
I hate telling people I’m a vegetarian, I really, really hate it. I don’t hide it, I order what I want when I want and if I’m asked about it I’ll gladly answer any questions or share recipes. Though when people hear the word “vegetarian” they leap to a whole bunch of conclusions. It’s especially mortifying if it happens at barbeques.
By Simply Stacey 5 years ago in Feast
Food is Life
I am one of those people that felt like they grew up in the kitchen. Whether I was at home or with one of my grandmothers the kitchen always seemed to be the hub of our home. It was where homework was done, life lessons were taught, food was prepared, and meals were eaten. And my grandmothers and my mother were these incredible chef’s that would have put Gordon Ramsay in 2nd place.
By Christine McPherson5 years ago in Feast
Food, Family, and Traditions
Baking sweets has always been a big part of my life. Thinking back to when I was a child...baking with my mom and family provides happy memories for me. I do not remember most of my childhood, from the age of 4 until I was 12. BUT, I do recall Christmas Eve gatherings with my family and all of the cooking and baking we did together.
By Food Writer - Deanna Martinez-Bey5 years ago in Feast
