The Chew, Part II

This is a continuation of a mini-series I'm doing about food during June because I don't know what else to talk about right now.

Part I

Have you ever eaten alone? Why or why not?

What a weird question (obviously I got this list of questions on line somewhere, but I can't remember where). Of course I have. I lived alone for many years. I eat breakfast alone most mornings because my husband and I have different morning schedules. I generally eat my lunch alone in my office. If I treat myself to going out to lunch on a workday, I generally eat alone. Is this a trick question?

What’s your earliest memory of homecooked meals?

My parents fighting over what to make for dinner and it would always end up being scrambled eggs and toast. Surely this is universal?

How has your diet changed/not changed over time and why?

When I was young, there was a lot of food insecurity and I never knew if we were going to have food or not. When I got to to college on a scholarship that paid for room and board, I've never had so much bounty. I just ate everything. And I do sometimes call myself a garbage disposal because I will basically eat anything if you put it on my plate. 

And then I met my husband. Because of his dietary restrictions, I now eat a lot less junk and am much more thoughtful about my food choices. The whole way I eat has changed and that's definitely for the better. 

What do your food choices say about your values? 

I think we are limited in the United States about having ethical food choices. I have gnashed my teeth about this a lot. Sure, I eat mostly pescatarian, but I still buy food that has been shipped across seas and countries. Sure, I try to do a lot of shopping at Costco where I think employees are treated well, but who knows about the suppliers to Costco? Maya once said that she resents having to make these decisions herself and that government should regulate more of this and I agree. 

Anyway, I'd love to make more ethical choices about food, but I'm really focused on making sure my husband gets enough food to eat to survive and sometimes that means I don't really do the research on companies I'm buying from. 

If you were to die tomorrow, what would your last meal be?

I guess it would be Indian butter chickpeas because that's what we're having for dinner tonight. 

Are table manners outdated or essential still? 

Good manners are never outdated!

What food would encourage conversations? 

All food encourages conversations, right? I took a qualitative methods class in grad school and we had to do an interview with our classmates. I always asked about food because it would get people talking about food traditions in their families, favorite foods, and what a traditional get together looks like (is it potluck? formal sit-down dinner?). Food is universal. 

In your culture, what do you eat when you’re sick? 

Saltine crackers and 7Up. Sometimes chicken noodle soup or broth. 

How does your culture celebrate birthdays? 

Cake and ice cream! 

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What food do you eat when you're sick? Do you do cake and ice cream for birthdays?