Comments for Foods http://nyfingerlakes.org/foods Food & Drink Information Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:08:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 Comment on Best Food Writing 2009 by takingadayoff http://nyfingerlakes.org/foods/best-food-writing-2009.html/comment-page-1#comment-766 takingadayoff Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:08:45 +0000 http://sheeze.com/food-drink/best-food-writing-2009/#comment-766 I have been a huge fan of the Best Food Writing anthology since the first edition came out in 2000. But this year I find that I just don't care about your adventures as a chef in a fancy restaurant, why you must be or cannot be a vegetarian, why foie gras is either nirvana or evil incarnate. I don't care about your locavore diet ot your small organic farm or what Michael Pollan thinks you should or shouldn't eat today. In spite of my fussy mood, I still found this a satisfying collection. Instead of approaching it as a multi-course meal, as I have in past years, I treated this volume as a buffet, skipping and skimming some articles, and stopping to savor other essays. Last year was a good one for budget dining. One of the essays here celebrated cheap steakhouses - Last of the Great $10 Steaks by Jason Sheehan. Another series of three articles from the New York Times, Kitchen Smackdown, challenged food writers to prepare a dinner party for six with a budget of no more than $50, with entertaining results. Other articles extolled the wonders of marshmallow fluff and Spam (separately), but I remain skeptical. Two of my favorite pieces in this collection were The Last Meal by Todd Kliman and What We Hunger For by Douglas Bauer. They are similar essays, one about the author's father, the other about famous food writer M.F.K. Fisher, in which the authors reminisce about hunting for great meals together. Another favorite essay was Too Much of a Mouthful, in which Tim Hayward rants about food that is unnecessarily difficult to eat. The sandwich which set him off was a beautiful presentation of delicious ingredients, but the roll was too large and crusty to eat without a knife and fork. They Remember Home by Annia Ciezadlo introduced us to young Iraqis in Beirut who cook traditional Iraqi meals to keep their homesickness at bay. The Eggs and I by Francine Prose describes the simple pleasure of really fresh eggs. Recommended even for picky readers. Rating: 5 / 5 I have been a huge fan of the Best Food Writing anthology since the first edition came out in 2000. But this year I find that I just don’t care about your adventures as a chef in a fancy restaurant, why you must be or cannot be a vegetarian, why foie gras is either nirvana or evil incarnate. I don’t care about your locavore diet ot your small organic farm or what Michael Pollan thinks you should or shouldn’t eat today.

In spite of my fussy mood, I still found this a satisfying collection. Instead of approaching it as a multi-course meal, as I have in past years, I treated this volume as a buffet, skipping and skimming some articles, and stopping to savor other essays.

Last year was a good one for budget dining. One of the essays here celebrated cheap steakhouses – Last of the Great $10 Steaks by Jason Sheehan. Another series of three articles from the New York Times, Kitchen Smackdown, challenged food writers to prepare a dinner party for six with a budget of no more than $50, with entertaining results. Other articles extolled the wonders of marshmallow fluff and Spam (separately), but I remain skeptical.

Two of my favorite pieces in this collection were The Last Meal by Todd Kliman and What We Hunger For by Douglas Bauer. They are similar essays, one about the author’s father, the other about famous food writer M.F.K. Fisher, in which the authors reminisce about hunting for great meals together.

Another favorite essay was Too Much of a Mouthful, in which Tim Hayward rants about food that is unnecessarily difficult to eat. The sandwich which set him off was a beautiful presentation of delicious ingredients, but the roll was too large and crusty to eat without a knife and fork.

They Remember Home by Annia Ciezadlo introduced us to young Iraqis in Beirut who cook traditional Iraqi meals to keep their homesickness at bay. The Eggs and I by Francine Prose describes the simple pleasure of really fresh eggs.

Recommended even for picky readers.

Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Best Food Writing 2009 by Stephanie Manley http://nyfingerlakes.org/foods/best-food-writing-2009.html/comment-page-1#comment-765 Stephanie Manley Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:55:10 +0000 http://sheeze.com/food-drink/best-food-writing-2009/#comment-765 Honestly, I had never even heard of this book series before, but I am desperately trying to improve my writing, and on a whim picked up this book. I can honestly say, I really enjoyed this book. It contains a nice variety of essays and writings from a wide range of food writing. At times I was salivating over food being described, other times I was laughing at out at the descriptions of potlucks in the midwest making their way snaking across a room. You can read about the adventures of brining illegal cheese (meaning cheese made with raw milk) into the US, and so much more. There are many different essays in this book varying in length so if you want to read for a few pages, or longer your appetite will be satisfied. It was wonderful to have all these food writing assembled into one book cover. I know I will be seeking out more from some of my favorite writers. I highly recommend those who love to read about food to pick this book up, you will imagine, salivate, and even chuckle as you read this book. Rating: 5 / 5 Honestly, I had never even heard of this book series before, but I am desperately trying to improve my writing, and on a whim picked up this book. I can honestly say, I really enjoyed this book. It contains a nice variety of essays and writings from a wide range of food writing. At times I was salivating over food being described, other times I was laughing at out at the descriptions of potlucks in the midwest making their way snaking across a room. You can read about the adventures of brining illegal cheese (meaning cheese made with raw milk) into the US, and so much more.

There are many different essays in this book varying in length so if you want to read for a few pages, or longer your appetite will be satisfied. It was wonderful to have all these food writing assembled into one book cover. I know I will be seeking out more from some of my favorite writers. I highly recommend those who love to read about food to pick this book up, you will imagine, salivate, and even chuckle as you read this book.
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Best Food Writing 2009 by B. Hamlin http://nyfingerlakes.org/foods/best-food-writing-2009.html/comment-page-1#comment-764 B. Hamlin Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:40:48 +0000 http://sheeze.com/food-drink/best-food-writing-2009/#comment-764 Not one to grab books that are "collections" so to say (short stories, articles, and the like), I took the leap and picked this one up. I was not disappointed in the least. Filled with stories, ideas, and knowledge on a wealth of food related topics this read gave me plenty of inspiration and more than a few smiles, and I'll admit it, even a tear or two. I subscribe to a number of the magazines and blogs that are the source for many of the articles in here and am more often than not put off by "reviews" from out of touch (in my opinion) writers. Not the case at all in here. Fun people, speaking more often than not from the heart about something we all love very dearly. Should you have any hesitation in reading this book, ignore it, and enjoy. Rating: 5 / 5 Not one to grab books that are “collections” so to say (short stories, articles, and the like), I took the leap and picked this one up. I was not disappointed in the least. Filled with stories, ideas, and knowledge on a wealth of food related topics this read gave me plenty of inspiration and more than a few smiles, and I’ll admit it, even a tear or two.
I subscribe to a number of the magazines and blogs that are the source for many of the articles in here and am more often than not put off by “reviews” from out of touch (in my opinion) writers. Not the case at all in here. Fun people, speaking more often than not from the heart about something we all love very dearly.
Should you have any hesitation in reading this book, ignore it, and enjoy.
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Best Food Writing 2009 by ireadabookaday http://nyfingerlakes.org/foods/best-food-writing-2009.html/comment-page-1#comment-763 ireadabookaday Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:08:20 +0000 http://sheeze.com/food-drink/best-food-writing-2009/#comment-763 This series is well worth your time if you have even a casual interest in food and food writing. As a serious reader I am usually disappointed in essay collections such as this becuase I have usually read most of the pieces previously. Not so with this series. The sources are wide ranging and the individual essays range stylistically from funny to serious, topics from obscure to well known. A great gift for food lovers. Rating: 4 / 5 This series is well worth your time if you have even a casual interest in food and food writing. As a serious reader I am usually disappointed in essay collections such as this becuase I have usually read most of the pieces previously. Not so with this series. The sources are wide ranging and the individual essays range stylistically from funny to serious, topics from obscure to well known. A great gift for food lovers.
Rating: 4 / 5

]]> Comment on Best Food Writing 2009 by Sibelius http://nyfingerlakes.org/foods/best-food-writing-2009.html/comment-page-1#comment-762 Sibelius Mon, 01 Nov 2010 05:26:46 +0000 http://sheeze.com/food-drink/best-food-writing-2009/#comment-762 If you enjoy browsing through food blogs, glossy foodie magazines and reading quality food writing in general you'll find much to like in Holly Hughes' annual collection of the year's standpoint food writing in this series. The 2009 edition compiles approximately 50 or so different pieces and ranges anywhere from 3 to 20+ pages each. The range of material covered is quite extensive to boot delving into the world of high-end cocktail creation in Tokyo to a writer's remembrance of MFK Fisher and her zeal for life (as well as extraordinary palate). If food is your thing, give this series a try - it will certainly teach you a thing or two about an ingredient, dish or technique that you were not aware of. Rating: 4 / 5 If you enjoy browsing through food blogs, glossy foodie magazines and reading quality food writing in general you’ll find much to like in Holly Hughes’ annual collection of the year’s standpoint food writing in this series. The 2009 edition compiles approximately 50 or so different pieces and ranges anywhere from 3 to 20+ pages each. The range of material covered is quite extensive to boot delving into the world of high-end cocktail creation in Tokyo to a writer’s remembrance of MFK Fisher and her zeal for life (as well as extraordinary palate). If food is your thing, give this series a try – it will certainly teach you a thing or two about an ingredient, dish or technique that you were not aware of.
Rating: 4 / 5

]]> Comment on Showdown At The Food Pyramid by Laura A. Shears http://nyfingerlakes.org/foods/showdown-at-the-food-pyramid.html/comment-page-1#comment-761 Laura A. Shears Sun, 31 Oct 2010 13:05:26 +0000 http://sheeze.com/food-drink/showdown-at-the-food-pyramid/#comment-761 Decent book, but information is a bit out of date. Beans got classified with nuts as something to only have a small amount of because of high fat content. Since when are beans high fat? Rating: 3 / 5 Decent book, but information is a bit out of date. Beans got classified with nuts as something to only have a small amount of because of high fat content. Since when are beans high fat?
Rating: 3 / 5

]]> Comment on Showdown At The Food Pyramid by Spudman http://nyfingerlakes.org/foods/showdown-at-the-food-pyramid.html/comment-page-1#comment-760 Spudman Sun, 31 Oct 2010 12:30:35 +0000 http://sheeze.com/food-drink/showdown-at-the-food-pyramid/#comment-760 Like the previous reviewer said, this book is simplistic and somewhat out of date. I'd like to see the potatoes have a more prominent role in the story instead of as strong, but silent bystanders. The graphics are very good, at least. Rating: 3 / 5 Like the previous reviewer said, this book is simplistic and somewhat out of date. I’d like to see the potatoes have a more prominent role in the story instead of as strong, but silent bystanders. The graphics are very good, at least.
Rating: 3 / 5

]]> Comment on Showdown At The Food Pyramid by S. Winkler http://nyfingerlakes.org/foods/showdown-at-the-food-pyramid.html/comment-page-1#comment-759 S. Winkler Sun, 31 Oct 2010 10:54:11 +0000 http://sheeze.com/food-drink/showdown-at-the-food-pyramid/#comment-759 One of my favorite books! Always gives me a chuckle! I use it in my Kindergarten class when we discuss the food pyramid. It's a cute read and is an attention grabber with food names like "King Candy Bar" and "Carolina Cucumber." Great, vibrant pictures for kids to see. BTW, the book is a little dated due to the government tweaking the food pyramid in 2006. The book uses the old horizontal model and the newest pyramid has vertical divisions. But I would still definitely recommend the book. Rating: 5 / 5 One of my favorite books! Always gives me a chuckle! I use it in my Kindergarten class when we discuss the food pyramid. It’s a cute read and is an attention grabber with food names like “King Candy Bar” and “Carolina Cucumber.” Great, vibrant pictures for kids to see.

BTW, the book is a little dated due to the government tweaking the food pyramid in 2006. The book uses the old horizontal model and the newest pyramid has vertical divisions. But I would still definitely recommend the book.
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Showdown At The Food Pyramid by book lover http://nyfingerlakes.org/foods/showdown-at-the-food-pyramid.html/comment-page-1#comment-758 book lover Sun, 31 Oct 2010 09:17:10 +0000 http://sheeze.com/food-drink/showdown-at-the-food-pyramid/#comment-758 This is a wonderful, colorful, and delightful book about the food groups that can keep any elementary school child's attention. The characters are represented by each food group of the food pyramid that doesn't load the students up with facts and figures but rather presents a storyline on how the food groups can learn to get along and work together --sending the message that eating all food groups in proportion is best. This book makes a great read aloud and offers a great introduction to health and nutrition. Rating: 5 / 5 This is a wonderful, colorful, and delightful book about the food groups that can keep any elementary school child’s attention. The characters are represented by each food group of the food pyramid that doesn’t load the students up with facts and figures but rather presents a storyline on how the food groups can learn to get along and work together –sending the message that eating all food groups in proportion is best. This book makes a great read aloud and offers a great introduction to health and nutrition.
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Showdown At The Food Pyramid by Alayne Kay Christian - Author of Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa http://nyfingerlakes.org/foods/showdown-at-the-food-pyramid.html/comment-page-1#comment-757 Alayne Kay Christian - Author of Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa Sun, 31 Oct 2010 06:18:19 +0000 http://sheeze.com/food-drink/showdown-at-the-food-pyramid/#comment-757 This book would be helpful to parents, teachers, and even doctors who want to introduce young children to food groups and the concept of healthy and balanced eating. Rex Barron's colorful, predominant illustrations carry this story forward. The food group characters are alive with human-like facial expressions and body language. These busy and detailed illustrations will undoubtedly capture the attention of young children as they learn about nutrition. The story not only teaches nutrition. It also touches on things such as bullying and teamwork. The food pyramid is outdated, but Rex Barron's message is not; vegetables are still vegetables, fruits are still fruits, and sweets are still sweets. Meat, fish, and dairy still build muscle and bones. Fruits and vegetables are still full of vitamins that fight disease, and grains still provide lasting energy. "Showdown at the Food Pyramid" offers children a glimpse at all food groups and explains how together they can help keep people healthy. Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa Rating: 4 / 5 This book would be helpful to parents, teachers, and even doctors who want to introduce young children to food groups and the concept of healthy and balanced eating. Rex Barron’s colorful, predominant illustrations carry this story forward. The food group characters are alive with human-like facial expressions and body language. These busy and detailed illustrations will undoubtedly capture the attention of young children as they learn about nutrition. The story not only teaches nutrition. It also touches on things such as bullying and teamwork. The food pyramid is outdated, but Rex Barron’s message is not; vegetables are still vegetables, fruits are still fruits, and sweets are still sweets. Meat, fish, and dairy still build muscle and bones. Fruits and vegetables are still full of vitamins that fight disease, and grains still provide lasting energy. “Showdown at the Food Pyramid” offers children a glimpse at all food groups and explains how together they can help keep people healthy.

Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa
Rating: 4 / 5

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