Is America a Fast Food Nation????

[Hard2Believe]

This topic is something that is highly discussed at my school. In my Food & Cultures class we talked about it for 2 1/2 hours this morning and it really was a heated debate. A major thing is that alot of nations when they think of America & Food in the same context the first thing that comes to mind is McDonalds. It is pretty sad and pathetic that this is how we are viewed. And this is just amazing............

New Word added to Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

McJob - A job, usually in the retail or service sector, that is low paying, often temporary, and offers minimal or no benefits or opportunity for promotion.

If you don't believe me here is the link:
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=mcjob

How sick is this and McDonalds is actually truly affended by this and wants it removed but it is so true. As a Chef and someone very involved and passionate about food and cooking I take it kind of personal that other countries when they think of Food in the US they automatically think of McDonalds, or KFC.

What are everyones thoughts on this?

[MsRay]

The book Fast Food Nation is a rather good read and talks directly about this. All you have to do is look at the rising cases of obesity and believing we are a fast food nation gets easier. But I think that won't always be so. As a nation, health and heathly eating is getting a lot of play and, though, some would argue that it's becoming an obsession, I think it's a good trend in general. With the greater emphasis moving from low-fat to low-carb, I think things will change in terms of weight on Americans.

As for taste in food, the image of McDonald's seem quite appropriate. The whole idea behind McDonald's is very American, very capitalist. It's understandable that our culinary image isn't the most refined when compared to the culinary attitudes of other countries in Europe.

[Hard2Believe]

Originally posted by MsRay
The book Fast Food Nation is a rather good read and talks directly about this. All you have to do is look at the rising cases of obesity and believing we are a fast food nation gets easier. But I think that won't always be so. As a nation, health and heathly eating is getting a lot of play and, though, some would argue that it's becoming an obsession, I think it's a good trend in general. With the greater emphasis moving from low-fat to low-carb, I think things will change in terms of weight on Americans.

As for taste in food, the image of McDonald's seem quite appropriate. The whole idea behind McDonald's is very American, very capitalist. It's understandable that our culinary image isn't the most refined when compared to the culinary attitudes of other countries in Europe.

Yea I just read Fast Food Nation recently as well as Archs in the East which is about McDonalds opening restaurants in Asia(Korea, Beijing, Hong Kong) and how they are not liked by the culture because they don't want Americanization but they still eat there. I feel that the reason our country is viewed as this is basically because these fast food companies are large and spreading internationally but also because our country is young compared to other ones and still has to develop a true identity. The largest growing segment in the restaurant industry is Fast Casual which is like Applebee's, Outback, and those types of places. McDonalds has actually hit its maturity on the PLC and people are getting smarter slowly and realizing what eating at McDonalds does, but even this new sandwich that they have the McGriddle, which is probably at the peak of being bad for you is the most popular. It will all take time and thank god its starting to happen with organizations like the Slow Food Movement.

[MsRay]

Originally posted by Hard2Believe
I feel that the reason our country is viewed as this is basically because these fast food companies are large and spreading internationally but also because our country is young compared to other ones and still has to develop a true identity.Would you say though that "fast" is part of our identity? I mean who really "enjoys" their food in terms of really savoring and relishing their meal? Taking time to eat it? Eating in courses?

I didn't realize "fast, casual" was a category, but it does make sense. Even in these places, where you wait for food, the food isn't too far off from McDonald's. It's mass market food that's pretty standard fare with variations according to the chain. Mind you, I love the food at these places, but even here I don't people really take their time and "have a meal." They consume their food, chit chat, and off and away. Bad or good, it seems that's part of the average American life.

[Hard2Believe]

Originally posted by MsRay
Would you say though that "fast" is part of our identity? I mean who really "enjoys" their food in terms of really savoring and relishing their meal? Taking time to eat it? Eating in courses?

I didn't realize "fast, casual" was a category, but it does make sense. Even in these places, where you wait for food, the food isn't too far off from McDonald's. It's mass market food that's pretty standard fare with variations according to the chain. Mind you, I love the food at these places, but even here I don't people really take their time and "have a meal." They consume their food, chit chat, and off and away. Bad or good, it seems that's part of the average American life.

Thats exactly how it is. The pace of American life on an average is much faster than those of other countries. We want convenience, and we want it fast. Healthy has started to become much bigger and will grow more and more because of obesity issues and health problems. So instead of just fast we are wanting it fast and healthy and thats where places like Subway coem in because even though they aren't totally healthy they are way better than McDonalds. Have you ever heard of the Slow Food Movement, its a group of Chefs and its growing a lot and the yare trying to focus on better ingredients and enjoying food, not just eating for survival and sustanence which is what a lot of people base food on. Like Dunkin Donuts hit a huge niche in the market because they supply that needed energy for people to start their day and get their body going. All they really serve is coffee and sugar. Its basically just the American public or customer and what they want. Most are not educated about these issues and will never be.

[MsRay]

Originally posted by Hard2Believe
Thats exactly how it is. The pace of American life on an average is much faster than those of other countries. We want convenience, and we want it fast. Healthy has started to become much bigger and will grow more and more because of obesity issues and health problems. So instead of just fast we are wanting it fast and healthy and thats where places like Subway coem in because even though they aren't totally healthy they are way better than McDonalds. Have you ever heard of the Slow Food Movement, its a group of Chefs and its growing a lot and the yare trying to focus on better ingredients and enjoying food, not just eating for survival and sustanence which is what a lot of people base food on. Like Dunkin Donuts hit a huge niche in the market because they supply that needed energy for people to start their day and get their body going. All they really serve is coffee and sugar. Its basically just the American public or customer and what they want. Most are not educated about these issues and will never be. I have heard of the Slow Food Movement. Basically, they want you to actually taste your meal and take your time ... not inhale it, no? Like you said, better ingredients and more involvement in what one eats.

Ever read the Celestine Prophecy? A part of it actually talks about this. Observing how quickly one swallows their food and never really chews it.

In general, I think it would do us good to slow down sometimes. I love the city and it's pace, but my escape from that pace is going out of island or even just walking to wherever I'm going (which I rather love doing).

[Hard2Believe]

Originally posted by MsRay
I have heard of the Slow Food Movement. Basically, they want you to actually taste your meal and take your time ... not inhale it, no? Like you said, better ingredients and more involvement in what one eats.

Ever read the Celestine Prophecy? A part of it actually talks about this. Observing how quickly one swallows their food and never really chews it.

In general, I think it would do us good to slow down sometimes. I love the city and it's pace, but my escape from that pace is going out of island or even just walking to wherever I'm going (which I rather love doing).

Yea taking your time and enjoying and analyzing food, taking time to cook it and really putting time and everything into your cooking. Using the freshest stuff and makin it all from scratch.

I have never read that book, but thanks for recommending it, I will def check it out. I love the city a lot as well but def can't let the nice things in life slip away by getting too wrapped up in the fast pace.:D

[jt]

funny you mention thsi rob i just had an extra credit paper about this

http://www.powels.com/authors/waters.html
is an interview with Alice Waters, I'm sure you heard of her with Chez Panisse, and she speaks out about the Slow Food

http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=6-1931498016-0
is the ideology behind it written by Carlo Petrini

[Hard2Believe]

Originally posted by jt
funny you mention thsi rob i just had an extra credit paper about this

http://www.powels.com/authors/waters.html
is an interview with Alice Waters, I'm sure you heard of her with Chez Panisse, and she speaks out about the Slow Food

http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=6-1931498016-0
is the ideology behind it written by Carlo Petrini

Yea that tree hugging hippie..............:chuckle

But seriously she is a pretty amazing chef that is def passionate about food and cooking with the freshest ingredients. We watched a 2 hour special about her and Chez Panisse recently. I swear she is high all the time..............:D

[jt]

Originally posted by Hard2Believe
Yea that tree hugging hippie..............:chuckle

But seriously she is a pretty amazing chef that is def passionate about food and cooking with the freshest ingredients. We watched a 2 hour special about her and Chez Panisse recently. I swear she is high all the time..............:D

she claims it was the food in paris but i think she foudn some crazy weed and never came off the high, but yeah her push towards organic is huge, different menu eveynight is something not many could pull off...

[Hard2Believe]

Originally posted by jt
she claims it was the food in paris but i think she foudn some crazy weed and never came off the high, but yeah her push towards organic is huge, different menu eveynight is something not many could pull off...

More like acid..............her kitchen is pretty cool with that kettle that hangs over the fire pit. Its pretty amazing she has the time to go out and hand pick her ingredients. Most chefs can't do that.

[MsRay]

Originally posted by jt
funny you mention thsi rob i just had an extra credit paper about this

http://www.powels.com/authors/waters.html
is an interview with Alice Waters, I'm sure you heard of her with Chez Panisse, and she speaks out about the Slow FoodHow strange ... we've published some of her books. I think I shall track down a copy and take a looksie.

[jt]

Originally posted by MsRay
How strange ... we've published some of her books. I think I shall track down a copy and take a looksie.

im probably going to pick up both chez panisse vegtables and fruits

she must be doin something right to be as successful as she has been for the past 30 yrs