I recently read a blog post on npr.org that left its readers with the question of: “Tell us: What would your “food” obit say?” In other words, because food can be a statement of our identity, what food-related memories might I want to leave behind for my loved ones? This, I find, is a very interesting question and something I will noodle on for some time. There are some immediate thoughts that come to mind, however: bruschetta in the late summer with tomatoes and basil from my garden, freshly made butternut squash ravioli in the fall, roasted tubers in the winter, and mountains of fresh peaches from the farmer’s market in the spring-summer. And paella, and kimchi, and chocolate on everything. The list could go on for a while.

Here’s the article from npr.org:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/04/02/176064249/what-do-we-lose-and-gain-when-reducing-a-life-to-a-recipe

Here is a really interesting article that I read in the NY Times discussing the potential causes of early puberty in girls:  Puberty Before Age 10 – A New ‘Normal’? – NYTimes.com

Although doctors and scientists do not have a definitive answer as to why so many girls with no signs of medical disorder are on the puberty fast-track, the article talks about some contributing factors: “[g]irls who are overweight are more likely to enter puberty early than thinner girls, and the ties between obesity and puberty start at a very young age”; “animal studies show that the exposure to some environmental chemicals can cause bodies to mature early”; “[o]ne concern, among parents and researchers, is the effect of simultaneous exposures to many estrogen-mimics, including the compound BPA”; “[f]amily stress can disrupt puberty timing”.

Although we don’t have a definitive answer as to the causes, I find this all very disturbing.  No doubt, modernity brings many benefits and conveniences, but also many stresses, uncertainties, and trap doors.  Being a recent cancer survivor, I already over-analyze most foods that I’m about to eat (although an occasional french fry somehow makes it past the gates).  I think as consumers we have more power than we think over our food choices.  If you don’t believe that, then realize that companies spend tons of money and time trying to figure out what we the consumers want to buy.  But, of course, there are some who don’t have access to fresh food.  In this regard, I feel so lucky that I can shop at my local farmer’s market.  Just something to think about.

I am smitten with David Chang.  Perhaps its because he is irreverent (maybe that is why he and Anthony Bourdain seem to be BFFs).  Perhaps because I love ramen and it appears he enjoys it, too.  Perhaps because the previous issue of Lucky Peach included his recipes for kimchi.  Any one of those reasons is reason enough, I think.  Unfortunately, however, I don’t live near  San Francisco, or NYC, to hear him chat about foods that I love.  But if you do live in the Bay Area, you should check him out on July 17, 2012, at the Herbst Theatre.  Sad face.

David Chang | City Arts & Lectures.

Until very recently, I was a vegetarian for 12 years.  In the early years, my parents were completely annoyed with me, thinking I was just a difficult eater.  I wish I could have pointed to this article on the Huffington Post website about the deplorable state of school lunches and the food industry in general.

Pink Slime For School Lunch: Government Buying 7 Million Pounds Of Ammonia-Treated Meat For Meals.