Reflecting on Buffets and ‘Clean Eating’: Lessons from My Final Column on Food Experiences.

Reflections on Cooking and Eating: Key Takeaways from 15 Years of Writing

After 15 years and 180 columns, it’s time to reflect on the wisdom, fun, confusion, and sometimes the outright silliness that has filled these pages. Cooking and eating are central to our lives, and it’s worth sharing some important lessons I’ve learned over the years. Let’s dive into the key points.

Healthy Eating Myths

1. Food Isn’t Medicine
   It’s important to remember that foods are not miracle cures. Instead of focusing on individual foods as health saviors, aim for a balanced diet. Your body has organs like the liver and kidneys that naturally detoxify; no food can replace their function.

2. Forget the Fads
   Monitoring glucose levels and “wellness” trends is not necessary for everyone. These trends often cater to a worry-prone audience who see health in a narrow light. It’s more practical to embrace a healthy lifestyle without getting tangled in passing fads.

3. Rethinking Clean Eating
   The concept of "clean eating" is often overused and can come off as judgmental. Food doesn’t have morals, and labeling dishes as “dirty” is both misleading and unnecessary. Instead, appreciate food for what it is.

The Joy of Cooking

1. Embrace the Flavors
   Fat isn’t the enemy; it enhances flavor. Similarly, salt brings dishes to life, adding vibrancy to your meals. Sometimes the messiest, “brown” foods are the most enjoyable. Despite any health advice to restricting fats and sodium, a flavorful dish often rewards you over a bland one.

2. Bacon’s Popularity
   Many would agree that bacon can elevate almost any dish. It’s a constant favorite, adding depth and richness to what you’re eating.

3. Buffets and Picnics
   Avoid buffets if you care about taste; things often don’t turn out well in a buffet setting. Additionally, picnics, while charming, can lead to chaotic dining experiences. Embrace carefully planned meals instead.

Practical Cooking Tips

• Carry Your Own Kitchen Tools
  When staying in rented accommodations, it’s likely that the knives will be subpar. Bringing your own knife can transform your cooking experience.

• Master Basic Techniques
  Learning to make staple sauces, such as béchamel, can enhance your cooking. Following a recipe can empower you to create amazing dishes.

• Enjoy Messy Meals
  Don’t be ashamed of mess while eating; stains from gravy indicate a delicious meal. Embrace these moments as part of the experience.

Responsibility in Dining

1. Honoring the Ingredients
   If we eat animals, we ought to use as much of them as we can; appreciating all parts of an animal honors its sacrifice. Some of the tastiest dishes come from using ingredients that might seem unconventional.

2. Tipping Practices
   The tipping culture in restaurants can be problematic. Staff should earn fair wages regardless of customer goodwill. Many countries operate successfully with a no-tipping model, and this could be adapted globally.

3. Creating Comfortable Spaces
   Every new restaurant should consider accessibility. This means ensuring menus have readable font sizes, lighting is soft but adequate, and seating is comfortable for long meals.

Dining Etiquette and Experiences

1. Sharing Plates
   If you opt for small sharing plates, ensure there’s enough room to accommodate all dishes. Order of serving dishes must also make sense for an enjoyable experience.

2. The Importance of Written Orders
   It’s essential for servers to jot down orders to avoid mistakes, making it simpler for everyone involved.

3. Dining Alone
   Eating alone at a restaurant shouldn’t feel awkward; it’s a chance for self-reflection and people-watching. Enjoy the solitude and savor the meal you chose.

Final Thoughts

Good food is often found in unexpected places, and the process of enjoying it doesn’t require extravagance. Whether in a down-to-earth diner or a high-end restaurant, savoring a meal is a universal pleasure. It’s about the shared experience, the flavors, and the memories made around the table.

Lastly, food should always be served on proper plates. Presentation matters, and using slates or garden tools takes away from the enjoyment of a well-prepared dish. Thank you for joining me on this culinary journey. Let’s continue to explore, cook, and enjoy food together.