Mindy Withrow reviews The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. “He does not presume to have all the answers,” she says, “but suggests that the ‘best way to fight industrial eating is by simply recalling people to the infinitely superior pleasures of traditional foods enjoyed communally.'”
I just finished this book. It’s an excellent read and definitely makes you think about what you’re putting in your mouth.
Oh yes…communal is important.
“My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four….unless three other people were present.” ~Orson Wells
I hate to say this; but I don’t see how we can go back to ‘traditional meals’ without going back to a traditional way of life. I just don’t see how this is possible. (How can you enjoy a ‘family’ meal if you live alone?) etc.
– I’ve heard endless reforms for agriculture and ‘eating’ by people who live in big cities, but I’ve seen few if any of those people head out to the country to start up farms :=) I hate to say it, but this is all just hot air.
Thanks for linking to the review, Phil.
SR, Pollan actually addresses the city vs. country attitude issue and suggests that agriculture and eating be seen as a bridge for connecting the two (necessary) worlds. His comments are worth reading before passing judgment.