More than a Meal

I love to travel and experience new things. This might come from the fact that I have moved all over the country and never really stayed in one place for too long. Some may think that there is some psychological issue with that, but it makes me who I am. Because of this, food for me has really strong cultural ties and I have seen this notion proven true for others as well. Food easily becomes a human identifier defining everything we are. The flavors are irrelevant, satisfaction is secondary and the appearance is simply an accessory; it is the experience which is the true paradigm and most significant aspect of eating because it adds sentimental value to the meal causing it to last beyond that moment.

The makeup of our family meals, in a way, reflects where we have been and where we would like to go. The majority of my childhood was spent in Albuquerque, a city rich with culture and vibrant flavors. One of my favorite dishes that my mom makes is enchiladas. It is a pretty basic meal consisting of corn tortillas, beans, enchilada sauce, cheese, meat, and often green chile; however her enchiladas are a bit different than most. Since the majority of the food in New Mexico has a Hispanic influence and is prepared so regularly, the methods in which such dishes are constructed vary. Sure, I have had traditional enchiladas, but the way that I have always known the homemade variety would be similar to Italian lasagna. Instead of rolling the tortilla around the filling, they are layered and baked. This is simply one example from a pin we have left on the map.

The holidays are obviously a time dominated by tradition. As I am sure you have already guessed, there is certainly a twist to this as well. Thanksgiving is classic and cannot be touched. Our table always has the full American spread with smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, some sort of “healthy” green food, rolls, and usually enough pie to please every critic. But then Christmas comes and it’s as if the maps are unrolled, the globe scrutinized and the Google searches are endless. Every year for Christmas my family chooses a different country or culture to inspire our holiday meal. Some years it is chosen based on a place we miss, but others it is a place we wish we could venture to. We have done Spanish Mediterranean, Cajun, northern Italian, German, and few others. To us, one of the best ways to get to know a culture is to get a taste of its food- literally.

As I said earlier, travel is a big part of my life. Within the first few weeks of being born I was already on an airplane. As a kid I basically started my own collection of those little plastic wings the flight attendants give out. Nevertheless, there is definitely more to travel cuisine than peanuts and a complimentary beverage. I always make it a goal of mine, wherever I go, to try the food that the region is known for; their absolute best, signature masterpiece that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. For example, while in Alaska: moose, Seattle: halibut, Jordan: baklava, New Orleans: jambalaya and beignets, Israel: shawarma, Chicago: deep-dish, Calgary: poutine and the list goes on! So much can be learned just by embracing the basics of a people.

Sometimes it is not the culture that creates the food, but rather the food that determines the culture. A strong example of this can be seen throughout America in coffee shops. The relaxed, casual atmosphere of coffee shops is what makes them so inviting. Not only do the chairs or beverages contribute to this overall feeling, but the mild music playing in the background, often referred to as “coffee shop” music, adds to the ambiance. Nonetheless, coffee shops have become their own culture. Every time I go home I always find myself in the same local coffee shop I’ve always gone to called BlackDog. Throughout high school BlackDog was my study spot, on weekends it was where I met friends and continues to be a great place to unwind. Walking through the door is the same each time: the colorful chalk menu is behind the counter, there is a glass case to the right of the register supplied with pastries, the art of local photographers or painters lines the walls in a modern display, the owner is usually conversing at the end of the bar with a costumer, the majority of the customers are patrons or employees from BlackDog even on their days off, laptops are open and headphones plugged in, some people are reading or drawing, etc. There is particular type of individual that can be expected to occupy one of these tables- someone who is artsy and unique; able to establish themselves without input from others put certainly not oblivious to the major social trends.

Mathew Klickstein wrote an article for the Colorado Daily focusing on the culture these coffee shops. He discusses the importance that coffee has played over the years, but also how it is changing with the addition of technology to our society. Klickstein explains that some shop owners will intentionally install poor Wi-Fi and fewer outlets to ensure focus on community social interaction rather than bringing the office to a new location. He also discusses the importance of keeping the local coffee shop culture alive while the franchising market, for companies such as Starbucks, continues to expand (Klickstein).

There is also something to be said about the people you share a meal with. Eating is communal and a moment becomes wonderful when you can take the time to eat with someone new and really get to know them- to hear a bit of their life’s story. One meal in particular stands out when I think of the people I have dined with throughout my life. Roughly five years ago I was in downtown Kansas City, MO volunteering at the rescue mission. After all the men were served we got to go sit down and eat with them. Some I was with, heard heart wrenching stories of how a successful father had lost it all- his job, his house, his wife and his kids- which put him out on the streets; but a friend and I talked with this other gentleman and the topic I recall vividly: food. We talked about what we liked and what we did not. I remember we all laughed when he told us he was allergic to kiwi. Who is allergic to kiwi?! Yet, to this day I can tell you that his leg would swell up if he ate such a fruit.

No matter who you are, or what background you come from, food becomes your identity whether you like it or not. Taste is one of the five senses that allows us to travel through time to a place or memory that is instilled within us. Though I never would have expected it, this is exactly what happened to me while in the Middle East last summer. Just the taste of cinnamon, cardamom, cucumbers and tomatoes, and the combination of lemon with a hint of mint allows me to travel once again overseas into the rich, hospitable Arab culture. This is similar to Geoff Nicholson’s writing, Eating White, in that Nicholson intentionally eats specific foods that he knows will awake cherished memories. Though he searches for the authenticity of white, English Cheshire cheese, he is unable to match his mother’s cooking (Nicholson 21). In the same way, since returning to the states it has been impossible to replicate the vibrate flavors that I experienced while abroad. Every once in a while I will make a sandwich containing only hummus, cucumbers and tomatoes to take me back to the countries that impacted my life more than I could have imagined; but no ingredients could contain the richness that the true, local produce did.

Roy Ahn also accounts his connection to traditional Korean food in his essay Home Run: My Journey Back to Korean Food. Ahn explains that through his teenage years, he attempted to disown his Korean heritage in an effort to connect better with his American friends. By renouncing the ethnic cuisine of his native country, Ahn eventually realized that he was also losing a part of his character. After returning to a Korean restaurant,  Ahn was ashamed that he lost the ability to order the traditional dishes like he once could and also could no longer regain that ability after his parents’ deaths thirteen years prior (Ahn 12-14). All in all I think it is fair to say that food connects both memories and experiences together in a unique way. There is nothing quite like it and it is unable to be accomplished with the same intensity by any other sense. No matter what, the food we grew up with, or experience throughout our walks of life, determines who we are and the flavors become irreplaceable.

Sometimes we do not choose to abandon our heritage, but rather it simply gets dropped along the way. America is known as the great melting pot; a place where cultures intermingle and overlap. I, like so many other Americans, am a descendent of immigrants. The most prominent culture in my blood comes from my Swedish ancestors who came to America around the 1880s. My great-great-grandmother was known for her Swedish cooking as she had brought over the traditions from the homeland. However, even by the next generation my great-grandmother had intermarried with another culture fusing two forms of cuisine together but diluting the Swedish flavors at the same time. Nonetheless, my mom still remembers the amazing Swedish dishes that she would sometimes eat at her grandmother’s house. For me, I did not disown my culture nor did I wish to extinguish its intensity; it was simply not a part of my life growing up because my family had expanded not only in size or generations but also in the configuration of our ancestry. I still hold importance to my Swedish roots however unlike Ahn’s Korean culture, it will never be a dominant part of my life.

It is the beautiful relationships that make a meal and a meal that allows one to connect . . . to everything. I am truly blessed to have had these amazing experiences and all those that are to come. There are plenty of days that I will take a meal for granted, everyone seems to. But the days that I allow myself to slow down and become fully alive with the world around me, those are the days I remember. No matter where I am, food remains in the center of it all, and I expect that it will always do so. Culture, to me, is food. And food can bring a culture to life especially when shared with those around you. As life takes us different places, pieces of the puzzle are picked up and taken along on our journeys. Each story is unique and full of different flavors; we never know what will be added next.

Table for One?

The average American, these days, is always on the move. Meetings, appointments, classes and errands dictate how we spend our days. Our society, which is so focused on speed and efficiency, has morphed the social interaction quality that is standard in every human being into what seems like individual, sterile cubicles.  Jamie Horwitz discusses this phenomenon in her article Eating at the Edge.

Horwitz argues that after Swanson’s 1954 invention of the TV dinner, the food culture began to take a drastic turn. Though not intentional, the traditional communal gatherings three times a day became less and less important as convenience became the modern trend and a top priority (44). Similarly while evaluating astronauts, it was noticed how the American astronauts were more inclined to wanting to eat alone while those individuals from other nations valued the community of others while eating their meals (44-45). It seems as if we are now more focused on simply supply our bodies with fuel instead of taking additional time out of the day to converse with others around us.

Personally I can relate to another one of Horwitz illustrations. As a college student, I’m often rushing between classes, finishing homework, or participating in events off campus. Sometimes it’s difficult to find time to eat, in addition to finding someone to eat with. Because everyone has different schedules, during the middle of the day most students grab a quick bite by themselves. Horwitz has noticed this herself in her own classroom and opens the article telling of the multitasking eater "wolfing a messy sandwich" contrasting it with convenient options offered such as Campbell’s Soup at Hand (42).

Though we must appreciate the convenience given to us in the American culture, we must not lose the ability to cherish a meal with others. There’s nothing I value more than a meal at home with my family even though, especially at school, I eat on the go. It’s impossible to replace a communal meal which is only natural and seen since the beginning of time.

A Mellow Caffeinated Atmosphere

Personally, I love coffee shops. Though the quality of the coffee certainly impacts where I go, it is the environment that determines it. When given the food ethnography assignment, naturally I decided to merge my enjoyment of mellow-caffeinated atmospheres with the writing and research aspect of my student life.

On a Sunday afternoon around 2:15 I found myself sitting in a medium sized leather chair at Caribou Coffee. Caribou has always been one of my favorite places. They have an assortment of teas, coffee, specialty drinks, pastries and sandwiches. Developed in the northern state of Minnesota, it has the welcoming, local feel while still being a franchised coffee house. The rustic interior makes you feel like you’re in a lodge and the mountain backdrop out the west windows make this concept all the more real. There is an eclectic collection of lighting and seating alike in addition to the various table sizes. I often prefer to sit in the leather chairs in front of the fireplace, especially if I come just to do some reading, however they were both occupied upon my arrival.

The relaxed, casual atmosphere of coffee shops is what makes them so inviting. Not only do the chairs or beverages contribute to this overall feeling, but the soothing music playing in the background, often referred to as “coffee shop” music, adds to the ambiance. Just looking at the style of the patrons gave this stress-free mood. Because it was a rather gloomy day, everyone seemed to be wearing sweatshirts or long-sleeves, myself included. The damp weather had summoned a sweater, at least on my part, that morning and also deemed warm drinks the trend of the afternoon.

The majority of the individuals there sit alone; focusing on editing papers, studying scripture, journaling, pleasure reading, or even educating themselves on the unique features of the DSLR cameras. I also noted that everyone seems to be space conscious. What I mean by that is while many spread out their study materials across the various tables and placed their backpacks and purses on separate chairs, once space gets limited they are always willing to accommodate others. In addition, the chair in which I sat faced another one, prompting a conversation setting; however a gentleman came and sat next to me while sipping his warm beverage, never saying a word with exception to asking permission to join me.

With exception to the mild music, pages turning and the occasional beep from the espresso machines, there really were no other sounds. Some people require complete silence to study, but I find the slight distraction of coffee shops to be optimum for me. More people began to filter in, entering as pairs. After finding a table, they often pulled out books to begin their studies, whether it is required for school or simply for pleasure.

About thirty minutes into my observations, the first line started to form. As more people were arriving, the baristas started bustling around behind the counter. The noise level also started to rise with the increased amount of ordering. In some cases, the customer would ask for recommendations from the baristas about what tea they should order to suit their taste best. Within five minutes, space became extremely limited and many took their coffee to go. Since it was midafternoon by this point, more people began to order pastries and some even brought in pizza from the shop next-door to accompany their coffee and studies.

The social aspect of coffee became increasingly important as the day progressed as well. All generations were represented in the shop. Some came in with friends, some with family. The younger the individual was, the more likely they were to order something other than coffee. For example, a father came in with his young daughter probably about five or six. After she got her strawberry milk, she was instantly drawn to the large leather chair next to me. Her father came over; they talked for a while, and then ventured back to their day’s duties. In the same way, a teenage daughter came in with her mom- she ordered a “cooler” which is a blended drink and her mother a simple warm coffee. This is another aspect to coffee that delights me- it transcends all ages.

Toward the end of my study, as I was taking my final notes, I noticed only a few coffee cup sleeves and napkins littering the floor. Additionally, I realized that while many people had joined the coffee shop community since I arrived, nobody had left. It’s not uncommon when I go to Caribou to see the same people the entire two hours I’m there.

Mathew Klickstein wrote an article focusing on the culture of coffee shops. He discusses the importance coffee has played over the years, but also how it’s changing with the addition of technology to our society. It’s very common to enter any coffee shop, Caribou included, and see a sea of laptops open. This is what I saw as I crossed through the threshold. Some see this as a benign aspect to the culture; however some are rather disturbed by this factor. Klickstein writes that some shop owners will intentionally install poor Wi-Fi and fewer outlets to ensure the focus is on community social interaction rather than bringing the office to a new location. To find out more on this interesting perspective, feel free to visit Klickstein’s article at Coffee Culture.

Coffee House Culture

Will Technology Change Coffee Shop Culture Forever?

Chinese Prison

So much can be said through a meal. In some cases it determines status and in others it requires ingenuity. It is not necessarily the food eaten, but the people it is eaten with or the situation associated with the meal. Mary Ann O’Donnell and Sandra Cate both discuss the importance of food in two drastically different environments: Shenzhen, South China and the San Francisco County jail.

O’Donnell accounts her experiences with the locals in Shenzhen. She first introduces the reader to the differences between north and south China. In the south seafood is more prevalent. To catch fish, one must be quick and sneaky; this is a way of survival. Contrastingly, in the north, livestock is the main source of meat which does not require as much agility. Just with this difference in diet, two separate types of individuals had been formed. Because food was sparse in China, rice was rationed and the rural communities were often forced to work for their provisions because they were not thought to be contributing to the economy as much as their urban counterparts. As time moved on and the two communities started to join obviously there was some tension. Simple items, such as cornbread, that new generation views as a generic form of sustenance are full of sentimental value and almost treasured by the older generation due to what they’ve lived through. In China, a meal is not just eaten. It determines the social standing of an individual and where they’ve come from which is passed on to their children.

Cate drastically contrasts O’Donnell by talking about “spreads” in the San Francisco jail. With meals served at unusual times, inmates often get hungry later in the evening and make use of various packaged foods to create unique recipes. Usually starting with a base of Ramen Noodles, other ingredients are saved from meals or from “commissary” which get mixed together and then “spread” over chips. Inmates use this as a way to socialize, be productive with time, and to gain variety in their bland diet. Spreads are also way to determine status within the prison because inmates must have the means to purchase the ingredients; however, some inmates who create the spreads are willing to share with others because they would prefer to make it a community gathering than eat alone.

Everywhere in society- trapped, free or imprisoned- food holds an important role. Though it often distinguishes class or origin, it somehow has the power to bring people together, no matter how different they may be.

Advertisement Analysis

Companies are intentional in their advertising. They take the time to not only get to know their audience, but also to draw on what society wants to make their product more appealing. As seen in the short essay focusing on Absolut Vodka (Lettuce Eat: A Food Blog), companies are able to sell in the same product in various ways depending on the audience they are trying to reach. I also believe that there is something to be said about the simplicity of the ad. As Americans we are always in a rush to be immediately satisfied, and the more basic an ad is, the more likely the consumer is to take notice.
In addition to catering to the individual, while looking at different variety of fruit smoothies from both V8 and McDonald's (The Vegetarian's Dilemma) the author took note that both companies are "rather vague by not going into detail with their ingredients or the process in making them." I also saw this in the advertisements that I looked at because in order to find out additional information pertaining to the processes in which the products were made, or what certain details of the ads meant, I was forced to go to the company's website and research it for myself. While advertising is obviously an affective and could probably be seen as a requirement for most companies, there are certain aspects that remain misleading yet intentional.

Tomayto Tomahto

Everyday we are surrounded by advertisements, specifically pertaining to the food industry. Their goal is to continue to entice the consumer by displaying the most appealing aspects of their product; whether that is aimed at the health-conscious or the pleasure-seeking individual, either way we get drawn in. The three examples shown originate from the same company; however three very different strategies are used to sell the products. The importance of authenticity, homemade ingredients, freshness, guiltlessness and grace are components shown throughout these examples. Though many aspects of each product overlap, there are certain aspects that are highlighted which in turn directs the advertisement itself to a particular audience.

Beginning with the Heinz tomato pasta sauce, the design is simple yet detailed. With the use of fresh tomatoes and kitchen utensils, the advertisement pulls on the “homemade” emotions. Many people have become concerned with the freshness of their food in addition to the idea of products that are less processed. The overall shape of the tomato hovering over the jar of sauce automatically gives the feeling of freshness, a sauce right off the vine. Looking closer the viewer can see spatulas, pots, cutting boards and other ingredients such as onions and garlic which are all necessary components to a quality (homemade) pasta sauce. The idea is to connect the consumer to the kitchen, giving them quality with convenience.

The goal behind Heinz’s “Seriously Good” sauces is to embrace the homemade flavor with their guarantee of the freshest ingredients. In further advertising, they state that only fresh cream is used along with no acidifiers.  An additional ingredient in their line of tomato pasta sauces is lycopene which is a strong antioxidant promoting not only the “seriously tasty” flavor, but also health benefits.

The next advertisement is also from the Heinz Company, yet this one is focused on ketchup. This advertisement is also aesthetically pleasing with the white background, bold print and simplistic design. The tomato with a single bite taken out of it alludes to the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden at the beginning of creation.  It assures the consumer that this product is sinless, that there is no guilt involved.  In the bottom corner, this ketchup is referred to as “fit” which at first makes the viewer believe that this is healthier and better for a slim figure. Nonetheless, after looking at their website, this “fit” ketchup simply refers to the design of the bottle which fits better in the refrigerator door. These additional details cause the original advertisement to be slightly misleading.

Based on the strategies used in the ketchup advertisement, it is clear that the targeted audience is someone who is concerned about their body, wants to indulge a little, but do so without any consequences. In contrast to the tomato sauce advertisement, this one for ketchup is not necessarily focused on the freshness of ingredients or any homemade aspect to the product. Instead it is purely based on image and guiltlessness.

The third and final example is another form of ketchup advertising; however this one is more elegant and obviously aimed toward a female demographic. The saying goes “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” but in this case Heinz is arguing this should be replaced with ketchup. There is a beauty and class that can be added to any basic item to make it exceptional. Heinz definitely took a risk with this one, mixing two elements that don’t exactly complement one another; however it did make their advertisement direct. Though the overall makeup is smooth and sophisticated, their intent is bold and straightforward.

Every advertisement has a specific audience in which certain strategies are put into place to ensure the maximum amount of attention and ultimately consumption of the product. Especially here in America, many advertisements are tailored to the health-conscious individual and those who wish to maintain a certain body image. There is also an authenticity that has become increasingly important to the average American consumer. Though many still wish to obtain everything with a high level of convenience, there is still a certain amount of quality, if not elegance, that is expected. Even the most basic products, such as Heinz tomatoes, are advertised to the full range of classes. It soon becomes more about brand loyalty than what the advertisement itself says. These Heinz advertisements are allowed to be basic and clean because the name is what sells the product, yet this is not always the case. The wording, layout and audience direction are all important aspects to an advertisement but there are instances in which the product simply sells itself.

An Educated Eater

The study performed by Freedman and Jurafsky analyzed the correlation between social class, language and advertising. It is a well-known fact the manner in which individuals of the lower class speak, though using the same language, is drastically different from that of the higher classes. Using potato chips as a constant, an experiment was conducted that yielded results which paralleled their original hypothesis. On average the “higher quality” chips contained a higher word count, greater reading ability, more information pertaining to health and a need for authenticity that was not exhibited on the packaging of “lower grade” chips.

America is a nation of consumers. Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly being enticed with the newest and latest product that is guaranteed to make us that much better. I think potato chips are only one example of companies catering to specific classes. This can also be seen a great deal in the fast food industry. Though many would think that these corporations don’t serve the upper class, they do indeed and it can be seen throughout their advertising. The working class or low income individual already has a greater probability of going to one of these establishments because it’s affordable and convenient; however in recent years advertising has taken a turn to be more inclusive and almost selective toward the higher class person. As a general rule of thumb- fast food is not healthy. Lately many companies are presenting their use of natural ingredients and steps toward healthier options which appeals to the higher educated individual. Examples of this can be seen in McDonald’s commercials that show fresh tomatoes being sliced or testimonies from family farmers producing natural, American produce for the franchise or at places such as Burger King where they focus on more “sophisticated” ingredients such as sea salt on their fries. These are simply two examples of a trend that is rushing through the country and impacting everyone, from the working to upper classes.