The city that eats

One notable thing about New Orleans is the authentic cuisine. Every city has its own take on food. In terms of food compatibility with cities, New Orleans is not my match.

I spent the first three days looking for fresh vegetables at a restaurant. Sure, they serve broccoli, but it’s covered in bacon and battered then fried. I just wanted a fresh piece of broccoli.

It never even occurred to me that broccoli wasn’t in season! I had a craving, and wanted a particular kind of food. I realized at that moment that I’m a product of a civilized culture. I want what I want when I want it, regardless of where it comes from or if it’s in season.

This resonated even more deeply when I heard this story on NPR (side note — I love listening to NPR when I’m on the road for work. At the same time that I get excited for traveling and visiting high schools, I get equally excited for my NPR programs. Weirdo.)

The story relays the recent listeria outbreak caused by cantaloupes from a particular farm in Colorado. This is slightly scary. It really makes me appreciate knowing my farmers, the farms where my food comes from, and their farming practices. If anything was to ever happen as a result of eating my food, I could very easily pinpoint the place it originated.