French Laundry experience, by request
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I hear you but it's not like anybody here is dropping Reynaldo-level loot on meals for every occasion. That said, I don't mind spending raer-record-type paper on a damn good meal every once in a while. If CPeetz, or anyone else, thinks that qualifies as snobbery, you can suck my engorged duck liver.
ok, this covers a lot of ground, bear with me.....
Food is one of our most basic needs in life, something we consume multiple times per day. Besides sleep, it is one of the activies we indulge in most often. Folks generally fall into two camps with food, they either see it as substinence, or a pleasure. Personally speaking, considering how often we have to eat, I might as well derive satifaction from the act.
Secondly, the old adage of "you are what you eat" rings true. If I continue putting cheap processed junk in my body, I know I'll feel lethargic. My body isn't what it once was, no longer can my metabolism plough through big macs. A healthy body leads to an improved state of mind, giving me more energy to accomplish the good ol "real world moves".
Also good food is not soley reserved for the bourgeoisie, most of my favourite cuisines are derived from the ingenuity of peasants. The poor had to make do w/ bits and scraps neglected by the rich. They poured their heart and soul into it and transfromed said disgard into some of the tastiest concoctions. Necessity is the mother of all inventions, I truly believe in that. That is why it pains me to see our lazy society resort to fast food because of money and convenience. Hearing folks willing to eat "insert fast food chain" to save $ for grails saddens me. Sacrificing your body for a material good is NAGL.
Last of all, I've reached an impasse in my life. Do i continue to allow material goods define my life? What is the point of buying a record, crossing off want list, filing into expedit, only to never listen to said record again since you already bump the mp3's on your ipod. I finally realized memories are much more important to me than posessions. Things can be stolen, burnt, destroyed, etc......whereas memories can never be taken away from me.
You're probably wondering, what does this have anything to do with food? Well, the physical act of eating is only one small aspect of it. By nature, food is the linchpin of society, many social events and celebrations are centered around it. You name the event and you can be damn sure food is involved. It covers a gamut of emotions, from birthdays and weddings to funerals and breakups. These moments in time, in addition to the company I keep, the ambiance, etc, all play an equal part to the actual food. They form the basis of the quest for a perfect meal. Having eaten, I can walk away empty handed fully satisfied with the memory of it all. Whereas most folks prefer a tangible good they can take away for the amount of $ spent. They feel it's more bang for the buck since it can be held and shown to people.
This is social conditioning taught through years of subliminal advertising, possesions supposedly defines our status in life. I'm not knocking anybody's hustle, do whatever makes you happy. I just don't feel the need to own every record/sneaker/books/selvage denim in the world. Nor am I some hippy that rocks hemp underwear. The key is grasping the concept of moderation, drawing the distinction between want vs need.
If you've read this far, I thank you for your patience. I spent quite a few mins of my time typing this in hopes of offering a different perspective. The goal is not to change your mind nor single out your faults. I just want to give you a better understanding of the rationale behind someone like me, a fan of food who also collect records.
Food is one of our most basic needs in life, something we consume multiple times per day. Besides sleep, it is one of the activies we indulge in most often. Folks generally fall into two camps with food, they either see it as substinence, or a pleasure. Personally speaking, considering how often we have to eat, I might as well derive satifaction from the act.
Secondly, the old adage of "you are what you eat" rings true. If I continue putting cheap processed junk in my body, I know I'll feel lethargic. My body isn't what it once was, no longer can my metabolism plough through big macs. A healthy body leads to an improved state of mind, giving me more energy to accomplish the good ol "real world moves".
Also good food is not soley reserved for the bourgeoisie, most of my favourite cuisines are derived from the ingenuity of peasants. The poor had to make do w/ bits and scraps neglected by the rich. They poured their heart and soul into it and transfromed said disgard into some of the tastiest concoctions. Necessity is the mother of all inventions, I truly believe in that. That is why it pains me to see our lazy society resort to fast food because of money and convenience. Hearing folks willing to eat "insert fast food chain" to save $ for grails saddens me. Sacrificing your body for a material good is NAGL.
Last of all, I've reached an impasse in my life. Do i continue to allow material goods define my life? What is the point of buying a record, crossing off want list, filing into expedit, only to never listen to said record again since you already bump the mp3's on your ipod. I finally realized memories are much more important to me than posessions. Things can be stolen, burnt, destroyed, etc......whereas memories can never be taken away from me.
You're probably wondering, what does this have anything to do with food? Well, the physical act of eating is only one small aspect of it. By nature, food is the linchpin of society, many social events and celebrations are centered around it. You name the event and you can be damn sure food is involved. It covers a gamut of emotions, from birthdays and weddings to funerals and breakups. These moments in time, in addition to the company I keep, the ambiance, etc, all play an equal part to the actual food. They form the basis of the quest for a perfect meal. Having eaten, I can walk away empty handed fully satisfied with the memory of it all. Whereas most folks prefer a tangible good they can take away for the amount of $ spent. They feel it's more bang for the buck since it can be held and shown to people.
This is social conditioning taught through years of subliminal advertising, possesions supposedly defines our status in life. I'm not knocking anybody's hustle, do whatever makes you happy. I just don't feel the need to own every record/sneaker/books/selvage denim in the world. Nor am I some hippy that rocks hemp underwear. The key is grasping the concept of moderation, drawing the distinction between want vs need.
If you've read this far, I thank you for your patience. I spent quite a few mins of my time typing this in hopes of offering a different perspective. The goal is not to change your mind nor single out your faults. I just want to give you a better understanding of the rationale behind someone like me, a fan of food who also collect records.
Ate at Esca last week in the city, another Batali joint (though, not a flagship or anything). Anyway, good but not great, with one main course sent back. My lady was nervous about it, but as my friend said to her, "These guys are running the city, and making billions a year. Your piece of fish won't sink them." (Yes, billions is an exaggeration on his part, but it was a good line.)
Point is: Babbo and Batali get a lot of love and money. Though, Del Posto get no fourth star, dawg.
They make about $6 million a year.
Did you have the crudo tasting?
Yes, the crudo tasting was why I went, and was the definite highlight of the meal. Razor Clam ceviche, bluefin tuna, and a piece of salmon topped with crushed almonds were all standouts. The Tuna Prosciutto appetizer was crazy as well.
Main courses were good, but not great, with one total dud in the mix (stripped bass that tasted more of burnt charcoal than fish.)
Good speakin
aser especially about the poor/reinvention (so true..peru meat ''cuts'' fall into this category..and its deliscious)The importat thing to remember is you can always learn from the culinary experience no matter what class you are.
I was lucky to be born into a family where both parents have skills. However i worked as a dishwasher in an upscale montreeal restaurqant. 10$/h under the table but especially
free meals and mad time spent in the kitchen.
I learnt so much from these chefs from ''reductions'' to preparation and timing
And every day was a culinary delight
some of the chefs had started from the bottom up so its possible for all to gain access to this great knoledge.
Treating your body right with food is the epitomy of
I can cook a great meal for 4 with the money from two 'combos'
aser especially about the poor/reinvention (so true..peru meat ''cuts'' fall into this category..and its deliscious)The importat thing to remember is you can always learn from the culinary experience no matter what class you are.
I was lucky to be born into a family where both parents have skills. However i worked as a dishwasher in an upscale montreeal restaurqant. 10$/h under the table but especially
free meals and mad time spent in the kitchen.
I learnt so much from these chefs from ''reductions'' to preparation and timing
And every day was a culinary delight
some of the chefs had started from the bottom up so its possible for all to gain access to this great knoledge.
Treating your body right with food is the epitomy of
I can cook a great meal for 4 with the money from two 'combos'
I hear you but it's not like anybody here is dropping Reynaldo-level loot on meals for every occasion. That said, I don't mind spending raer-record-type paper on a damn good meal every once in a while. If CPeetz, or anyone else, thinks that qualifies as snobbery, you can suck my engorged duck liver.
There's no problem with spending money on a good meal at all. For me personally it just doesn't mean that much to me. I go out to a lot of expensive meals because my wife is all into it more than anything. I also don't really like the atmosphere in a lot of these higher end restauraunts. Too much over the top ass kissing goin on.
Oracle of Delphi: everything in moderation, nothing in excess - based on a survey conducted by New Scientist magazine (results published a few years back) - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3157570.stm), people in Nigeria evinced the most happiness... I'd hazard to say that Nigerians by and large aren't privy to every modern convenience nor able to afford the plethora of merchandise availed in a 'developed' society... I know this may be anathema to the supposed free market system we operate in and I fully concede that capitalism works most effectively b/c it feeds off people's innate self-interests of personal gain, but...
Saw a segment recently on Detroit's Black Milk making a beat - one statement stood out: (paraphrased) 'People think I've got hundreds of thousands of records - it ain't even like that - I just got good records...' Being selective probably necessitates restraint, but it may prove to be more prudent and ultimately more satisfying...
As for food, it's one of the facets that used to gird traditional society/family - as in a sitdown meal together where conversation complemented the experience...
And while I continue to engage in a Joycean stream-of-consciousness moment, I revisited 'Before Sunset' not too long ago *ndr*w and the phrase from Hawke's character about being slightly agitated about always wanting something and the notion of entitlement that's pervasive (see above) - so very true...
I hear you but it's not like anybody here is dropping Reynaldo-level loot on meals for every occasion. That said, I don't mind spending raer-record-type paper on a damn good meal every once in a while. If CPeetz, or anyone else, thinks that qualifies as snobbery, you can suck my engorged duck liver.
There's no problem with spending money on a good meal at all. For me personally it just doesn't mean that much to me. I go out to a lot of expensive meals because my wife is all into it more than anything. I also don't really like the atmosphere in a lot of these higher end restauraunts. Too much over the top ass kissing goin on.
I respect that. And seriously, I'm far more happy to find a great spot to grub at. Tasty, cheap food is the illest. That's why, for all its other shortcomings, Shanghai is a great city to me.
finally a hearty full bodied conversation on sustinence! the dude just served you batches batches upon batches of knowledge and put a fontina of experience on top for good measure.
Ate at Esca last week in the city, another Batali joint (though, not a flagship or anything). Anyway, good but not great, with one main course sent back. My lady was nervous about it, but as my friend said to her, "These guys are running the city, and making billions a year. Your piece of fish won't sink them." (Yes, billions is an exaggeration on his part, but it was a good line.)
Point is: Babbo and Batali get a lot of love and money. Though, Del Posto get no fourth star, dawg.
They make about $6 million a year.
Did you have the crudo tasting?
Yes, the crudo tasting was why I went, and was the definite highlight of the meal. Razor Clam ceviche, bluefin tuna, and a piece of salmon topped with crushed almonds were all standouts.
Go for the bluefish, spearfish, and tilefish crudo next time.
Ate at Esca last week in the city, another Batali joint (though, not a flagship or anything). Anyway, good but not great, with one main course sent back. My lady was nervous about it, but as my friend said to her, "These guys are running the city, and making billions a year. Your piece of fish won't sink them." (Yes, billions is an exaggeration on his part, but it was a good line.)
Point is: Babbo and Batali get a lot of love and money. Though, Del Posto get no fourth star, dawg.
They make about $6 million a year.
Did you have the crudo tasting?
Yes, the crudo tasting was why I went, and was the definite highlight of the meal. Razor Clam ceviche, bluefin tuna, and a piece of salmon topped with crushed almonds were all standouts.
Go for the bluefish, spearfish, and tilefish crudo next time.
Don't know how fast I'll go back. I loved the crudo, but that was all I'd go back for. The skate I had as a main was good, but not enough to get me back.
A friend of mine swears by a place called August; she works at the James Beard Foundation, so I trust her opinion, and that's my next stop.
Yes, 'italian style sashimi,' is how they bill it on Esca's menu. They were the first to do it, and coined the term. (crudo was previously only used as an italian term that refered to prosciutto, if i remember correctly.)
There was a profile of David Pasternak in the new yorker last august that explained how Esca and crudo kind of began; that article is what made me want to go to the restaurant. Great read. I found it last week by googling, "david pasternak New Yorker," if you are interested.
Yes, 'italian style sashimi,' is how they bill it on Esca's menu. They were the first to do it, and coined the term. (crudo was previously only used as an italian term that refered to prosciutto, if i remember correctly.)
There was a profile of David Pasternak in the new yorker last august that explained how Esca and crudo kind of began; that article is what made me want to go to the restaurant. Great read. I found it last week by googling, "david pasternak New Yorker," if you are interested.
Crudo's a tradition that goes back centuries along Italy's coasts. Esca was the first restaurant in NYC to serve it but using fresh American fish instead of Mediterranean. Prosciutto's cured so doubt was referred to as crudo.