You guys are the ones making this about "politics" with all of your idiotic comments. Chow is a website about FOOD in case you didn't know that. The idea of the Obama's garden is to increase access to healthy, affordable food. After scrolling down and reading forever I haven't seen one post relevant to this thread--just a bunch of whiny babies who think it isn't "fair" for a website even mention...+READ

You guys are the ones making this about "politics" with all of your idiotic comments. Chow is a website about FOOD in case you didn't know that. The idea of the Obama's garden is to increase access to healthy, affordable food. After scrolling down and reading forever I haven't seen one post relevant to this thread--just a bunch of whiny babies who think it isn't "fair" for a website even mention the President's name. Well, get over it. If they had mentioned a political figure that's on your side you would be all for it, right? After all, it's only about sides and what you think is right. I don't really see in one little paragraph how so many people can be so cranky! All they're talking about is a garden. Also, I don't see one thing written there that isn't true whether you want to argue it or not. Freedom of Speech only matters when it applies to your opinions, right? Well, sorry but everyone has them and just like you know what, they all stink.

"The Obamas will reap what they sow, which includes spinach, kale, lettuce, herbs, onions, carrots, and rhubarb."

Gosh, how dare they say something so absurd! Don't you know there's a hidden message in that sentence that says VOTE FOR OBAMA 2012 if you scramble the letters around?

Hahaha. I guess you're all entitled to your opinion as I am, too. Let's not make this about more than food. This isn't the friggin' Huffington Post. It's a recipe website.

I think all of the recipes look delicious and look forward to trying a few of them!-COLLAPSE

By tortelainey on December 16, 2011 09:53 AM

Whew! My heart is pounding at my chest, and I'm not having any fun. I, too, have strong political views, based upon the footsteps of my ancestors. I, too, am partisan, and am very well schooled in our nation's history, and the actions of other nations which led to our wish for a better world. I am very sad that Chow chose to introduce this thread with such a thinly-veiled tongue in his cheek....+READ

Whew! My heart is pounding at my chest, and I'm not having any fun. I, too, have strong political views, based upon the footsteps of my ancestors. I, too, am partisan, and am very well schooled in our nation's history, and the actions of other nations which led to our wish for a better world. I am very sad that Chow chose to introduce this thread with such a thinly-veiled tongue in his cheek. .I'm sso stupid, I side with Radfem.-COLLAPSE

By genmam on August 8, 2009 08:40 PM

I'm with zendrive. Please keep politics off of Chow.

By grishnackh on April 29, 2009 05:52 PM

Furthermore, Piedy, I used table manners as a euphemism for the editorial decisions at Chow. Knowing how to talk about politics (without alienating people in the process) does not make the assumption, as Chow has, that everyone is just peachy with the Obamas. If you think of Chow as a great big table that we all come to before filling our own, you will see my point of view.

It would not matter...+READ

Furthermore, Piedy, I used table manners as a euphemism for the editorial decisions at Chow. Knowing how to talk about politics (without alienating people in the process) does not make the assumption, as Chow has, that everyone is just peachy with the Obamas. If you think of Chow as a great big table that we all come to before filling our own, you will see my point of view.

It would not matter if Chow's commentary was pro right or pro left, as I have said. I think Chow made a dumb move and the editors at should care if their readers will take your suggestion to heart because the website became politicized, which right now, it isn't. I know more people who dont care at all about politics until they are shoved in their face. (for me, that means Chow is my homepage and the first thing I see when I turn on my computer at home.)

And yes, I did imply in a very passive aggressive way that my political leanings are not in check with the Obama administration. I am a centrist independent who believes partisanship will divide and conquer us. I believe that partisanship is right in line with what both sides of the spectrum want, and that is control.

I am really not up for making Chow my next stop on my political rounds on the internets. Perhaps I will make an exception for this post. Sorry for wasting anyone's time. LOL

Just shoot me for wanting what most people get when they turn on the TV in the form of escapism when I come to Chow. I want food porn. I want excessive Fois Gras. I want stories about oysters and the best chinese buffet.

I am enjoying my day without regard to food police, who slaved to bring me my sweet chilean blueberries or the NAFTA/CAFTA polices that made that transaction possible. Just pass me the bone marrow with roasted garlic and parsley on toast and leave me alone. (I will stand on a political leg and say that I think the lack of all parts of the cow in the local megamart, such as bone marrow, is a travesty)

(Disclaimer: The above post is full of dry humor, a bit of self-mockery and sarcasm and is not meant to imply a lack of comfort with, or compassion for, the greater world view. I did not support Bush/Cheney, but I do think the best thing about a tree is what you can do with it when you cut it down. I know where the back button is on my browser and how to change my homepage.)

=)-COLLAPSE

By zendrive on April 22, 2009 12:56 PM

Peidy, you are so witty.

By zendrive on April 22, 2009 12:41 PM

See that little button at the top left with the arrow on it? It moves you back into your comfort zone.
Go on, try it.
It's amazing how that works.

By Piedy on April 22, 2009 09:19 AM

You said, "Why should the politics of food here only reflect yours?"

That is not what I said at all. I said it should be apolitical.

Ditto that.

It is presumptuous to assume that because I dont like Chow's political commentary that I would somehow agree if it was a different point of view. I never said or implied that. I have exercised restraint in discussing my political views because,...+READ

You said, "Why should the politics of food here only reflect yours?"

That is not what I said at all. I said it should be apolitical.

Ditto that.

It is presumptuous to assume that because I dont like Chow's political commentary that I would somehow agree if it was a different point of view. I never said or implied that. I have exercised restraint in discussing my political views because, again, thats not what I come here for.

I am not going to discuss my political viewpoints here. That does not mean I dont make the connection between living in a country where we are blessed enough to worry about what we would like to eat at night, rather than "can we eat at all." I am greatful for that fact. I am not hiding behind some wall of "escapism" as a form of political commentary. It is what it is and nothing more.

I am simply not on that intellectual plane. I want a food site that is a food site. End of story.

Chow can keep the stories about being green and about politics. Sure, lets celebrate by making Spend Our Way out Trout, Chile Con Commie, and Pork with Pinko Peppercorn Sauce and wash it down with a Maker Marxist Coctail. I would rather not read such things.

I am unabashedly sticking my head in the sand when I come here. I want to see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil.

I have already violated all those rules in one post =)-COLLAPSE

By zendrive on April 21, 2009 11:19 PM

Poor table manners is coming into someone else's house and complaining that they're discussing something at the dinner table that you don't like. It's their house.
Or, to phrase it another way, anyone else want to complain about the flavor of the free popsicles?

By Piedy on April 21, 2009 10:13 PM

Yes, it is a stretch thinking that because the protesters used the TEA reference that it is fit for this cooking and food site.

Expecting a site about food to be free of politics is not asking everyone to adopt mine.

And from your constant use of the 'teabagging' reference, should I assume you're a CNN and/or Anderson Cooper fan?

If Mc Cain had implemented the same policies, they may...+READ

Yes, it is a stretch thinking that because the protesters used the TEA reference that it is fit for this cooking and food site.

Expecting a site about food to be free of politics is not asking everyone to adopt mine.

And from your constant use of the 'teabagging' reference, should I assume you're a CNN and/or Anderson Cooper fan?

If Mc Cain had implemented the same policies, they may indeed have been protesting. There were anti Obama signs because his policies are not what they felt are good for our country, but it's not simply Obama. Bush implemented the first bail out, and many of the protestors didn't agree with that either.-COLLAPSE

By Tinka82 on April 21, 2009 08:08 PM

And it is my point that to claim that it is possible for food to be politics free is in itself a political statement. So, you are asking everyone else to adopt your politics.
The teabaggers had teabags hanging from their hats, glasses, and other parts of their bodies, and they referenced a historical incident where the politics of food and taxation provided the catalyst for a war. They dumped...+READ

And it is my point that to claim that it is possible for food to be politics free is in itself a political statement. So, you are asking everyone else to adopt your politics.
The teabaggers had teabags hanging from their hats, glasses, and other parts of their bodies, and they referenced a historical incident where the politics of food and taxation provided the catalyst for a war. They dumped teabags into bodies of water, or tried to, and sent teabags to the White House. So I do not agree that it is a stretch. Also, most if not all of the teabaggers were Republicans. Finally, if they weren't against Obama, why were there so many anti-Obama signs? It's extremely doubtful, in fact impossible that the teabaggers would have been protesting if the other man was running the country right now. This is a great example of the politics of food is hidden behind an ideological screen.-COLLAPSE

By radfem on April 21, 2009 07:59 PM

You said, "Why should the politics of food here only reflect yours?"

That is not what I said at all. I said it should be apolitical.

By Tinka82 on April 21, 2009 07:34 PM

I did read your last post, Radfem. BTW, it was not teabag protests, and they weren't necessarily at Obama himself.

The teabag reference came from a vulgar, sophomoric 'reporter' on CNN. They were T. E. A. parties. Taxed Enough Already. The attendants were from all walks of life, all races, and several political parties. They protested the over spending government, the massive debt, the turn...+READ

I did read your last post, Radfem. BTW, it was not teabag protests, and they weren't necessarily at Obama himself.

The teabag reference came from a vulgar, sophomoric 'reporter' on CNN. They were T. E. A. parties. Taxed Enough Already. The attendants were from all walks of life, all races, and several political parties. They protested the over spending government, the massive debt, the turn towards socialism, the elected officials that don't work for the people anymore.....all the things that are going far away from what our Constitution and founding fathers laid out.

At any rate, to drag it here simply because of the use of the T E A reference is a stretch.-COLLAPSE

By Tinka82 on April 21, 2009 06:43 PM

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/01/23/opinion/ap4.jpg

I agree with you that politics is not what this site is ALL about; rather, it explores various aspects of food culture, including, but certainly not limited to, its political implications and associations. Of course you're not the only one disliking the current administration, but there are also people who are celebrate, like, or...+READ

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/01/23/opinion/ap4.jpg

I agree with you that politics is not what this site is ALL about; rather, it explores various aspects of food culture, including, but certainly not limited to, its political implications and associations. Of course you're not the only one disliking the current administration, but there are also people who are celebrate, like, or feel at least ambivalent about it. Why should the politics of food here only reflect yours?
I'd like to also point out, since you might not have read my last post, that the teabag protests against Obama last week relied heavily on a food commodity to convey their disgust with the administration.-COLLAPSE

By radfem on April 21, 2009 06:35 PM

Radfem,

I really don't think zendrive and I differed much. I'm with him. Leave the politics off the site.

My rant about Obama, I suppose is precisely why. I know I'm not the only one out there feeling this way.

I searched for the Bush/Thanksgiving article you referenced, and to no avail. I really don't think that is an apples to apples comparison. (whaddya know, a food metaphor :) ) A...+READ

Radfem,

I really don't think zendrive and I differed much. I'm with him. Leave the politics off the site.

My rant about Obama, I suppose is precisely why. I know I'm not the only one out there feeling this way.

I searched for the Bush/Thanksgiving article you referenced, and to no avail. I really don't think that is an apples to apples comparison. (whaddya know, a food metaphor :) ) A quaint photo of George and Laura with the golden brown roasted turkey may raise the hackles of the most partisan person, but all in all, it wasn't about Bush, nor was it a celebration for him or for his politics. It was about Thanksgiving and turkey I'll wager (since I can't find the article). He got the photo op because he was the sitting president, but it was about Thanksgiving. I highly doubt there were any references to his politics or atta boys. There shouldn't be, that's not what this site is about.-COLLAPSE

By Tinka82 on April 21, 2009 06:12 PM

Tinka, I wish you the best with your garden and again, I appreciate your calling a spade a spade. A garden is at least a forward-looking solution. I intend to plant one as well this year because I am suffering from the economic downturn that resulted from putting all our eggs in one basket called Iraq. It's probably best for you to go and dunk your teabags on a different food site, but I hope you...+READ

Tinka, I wish you the best with your garden and again, I appreciate your calling a spade a spade. A garden is at least a forward-looking solution. I intend to plant one as well this year because I am suffering from the economic downturn that resulted from putting all our eggs in one basket called Iraq. It's probably best for you to go and dunk your teabags on a different food site, but I hope you will permit people to put food to political uses other than just the ones you and zendrive sanction.-COLLAPSE

By radfem on April 21, 2009 04:19 PM

Also: I made the rhubarb bars and they were delicious--a little different from the usual rhubarb dessert.

By radfem on April 21, 2009 02:28 PM

And thank you, to Tinka82, who is at least up front about the fact that s/he does not like the story because of disagreement with the current administration. If zendrive had done so in the first place, all of us could have saved a lot of time. I took chefsilvia's advice and took a deeper look at another post in which zendrive made clear exactly what kinds of politics s/he would prefer to see....+READ

And thank you, to Tinka82, who is at least up front about the fact that s/he does not like the story because of disagreement with the current administration. If zendrive had done so in the first place, all of us could have saved a lot of time. I took chefsilvia's advice and took a deeper look at another post in which zendrive made clear exactly what kinds of politics s/he would prefer to see. It's fine to disagree with politicians, but please don't hide behind the politics of escapism. If the other guy had won, I'm sure you, tinka, and maybe john would not be complaining about said menu or chow's politics, nor would I. I simply would have made one of the other fine menus on the website. There's probably a recipe somewhere for Shoefly Pie and Baked Alaska.
Having said that, I really don't see why left, right, and center can't mix on this site. I don't care if you don't like the current administration; I did not like the previous one but when I saw that picture of Bush and roast turkey, it didn't make me think I couldn't enjoy Thanksgiving. If overtly political menus stress you out because of your politics, then click on over to the drink recipes and make yourself an "I-can-see-White-Russian" or go ahead and have fun...post an alternative menu--which is what you already did. But please don't ruin it for other people for whom food is more than sublime.-COLLAPSE

By radfem on April 21, 2009 01:28 PM

Radfem,
You are correct in that aspect, but I hardly see how that ties into a celebration of Obama's first 100 days and a feast. I'm seeing a different future for the US and food when you consider politics. Not a bright one.

Rather, I'm planting a garden in preparation for food shortages created by this absolutely absurd idea of Cap and Trade. Fuel will become terribly expensive, farmers will...+READ

Radfem,
You are correct in that aspect, but I hardly see how that ties into a celebration of Obama's first 100 days and a feast. I'm seeing a different future for the US and food when you consider politics. Not a bright one.

Rather, I'm planting a garden in preparation for food shortages created by this absolutely absurd idea of Cap and Trade. Fuel will become terribly expensive, farmers will be paying taxes not only on the fuel for tractors and such, but on the exhaled CO2 from their livestock. The EPA has ruled CO2 is a pollutant. For cripes sake, we exhale CO2 and plants use it in the process of respiration and photosynthesis. The ocean puts off CO2. To call it a pollutant is insanity, but then buying into the failed science of Global Warming and Evolution takes a bit of insanity as well. JMHO.

I'm not celebrating Obama or his policies. If Chow is into this whole Obama love fest, have at it. Bless you all.-COLLAPSE

By Tinka82 on April 21, 2009 01:21 PM

I'm sorry to have burst some right-wing bubbles, but the fact is that to insist that food is politics-free is in fact to take a political position. Food is political and always has been whether you realize it or not. The abundance of food and leisure time to prepare and enjoy it tends to obliterate the politics of food, which is what happens in this country. But if you lived in a place where food...+READ

I'm sorry to have burst some right-wing bubbles, but the fact is that to insist that food is politics-free is in fact to take a political position. Food is political and always has been whether you realize it or not. The abundance of food and leisure time to prepare and enjoy it tends to obliterate the politics of food, which is what happens in this country. But if you lived in a place where food is scarce, believe me, you would realize how political food is. Ideology also prevents seeing the politics of food; for example, when chow publishes 4th of July menus, do any nationalists or patriots complain that it's political? Of course not...to them/us, it's just another celebration. I enjoy chow because it is not afraid to mix the politics of food with the politics of escapism, and many other food publishers have also gone in that direction. Compare the Gourmet magazines of the 1960s-1970s with the Gourmet magazines of the 21st century--they now realize that it's impossible to speak of the sublime food experience without acknowledging its relevance to the world.-COLLAPSE

By radfem on April 21, 2009 12:48 PM

In fact, I read back over the paragraphs the creator of this menu wrote. Considering my political leanings, this whole thing - the gushy photo, the taking over of the automakers, choosing cabinet members whose corruption and radical stances make my blood boil, deficits so large our grandchildren will be paying them down, his American Apology Tour, bowing to the Saudis (he did it alright), glad...+READ

In fact, I read back over the paragraphs the creator of this menu wrote. Considering my political leanings, this whole thing - the gushy photo, the taking over of the automakers, choosing cabinet members whose corruption and radical stances make my blood boil, deficits so large our grandchildren will be paying them down, his American Apology Tour, bowing to the Saudis (he did it alright), glad handing Hugo Chavez, .....not a damn bit of it is appetizing let alone hopeful. It's maddening and makes me thing of anything but food. Suddenly, the commonality of enjoying food and drink with my fellow humans has turned into realizing that I found myself in an Epicurean Liberal Lounge with folks too stupid to know that it is socialism, much less that it doesn't work.

See ya later, Chow. This right wing budding gourmet has better places on the net to hang.-COLLAPSE

By Tinka82 on April 21, 2009 06:58 AM

JohnE O,
Whether you're part of the minority or majority hasn't been tested, but I'm with you whichever side. I come here to enjoy recipes, and look for inspirations for new food and drink. I am a very political person, but that isn't what I'm here for.

By Tinka82 on April 21, 2009 06:34 AM

"Food has always been a metaphor for our lives..". Really? Always? As Freud famously said, "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar" and, speaking for myself, food is NEVER a metaphor for my life. It's food, something to sustain and often to brighten the day, but I don't look at it as symbolic of anything.

Just because you can inject politics into any subject, it doesn't mean you should. I'll cast my...+READ

"Food has always been a metaphor for our lives..". Really? Always? As Freud famously said, "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar" and, speaking for myself, food is NEVER a metaphor for my life. It's food, something to sustain and often to brighten the day, but I don't look at it as symbolic of anything.

Just because you can inject politics into any subject, it doesn't mean you should. I'll cast my vote (hey, there's a metaphor) for leaving politics out of these forums. I come here for the food, not deep thoughts on agriculture policy. But if I'm in the minority then by all means, flame on.-COLLAPSE

By JohnE O on April 21, 2009 06:27 AM

Obama's part of the zeitgeist. Like Gorby or Che, he's depicted on countless items that have nothing to do with politics.

Check out this book review on NYT http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/21/books/21kaku.html?scp=2&sq=che&st=cse In case the link doesn't work the book's title is Brand Che: Revolutionary as Marketer’s Dream and the review starts out 'Not just in the hearts of revolutionaries,...+READ

Obama's part of the zeitgeist. Like Gorby or Che, he's depicted on countless items that have nothing to do with politics.

Check out this book review on NYT http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/21/books/21kaku.html?scp=2&sq=che&st=cse In case the link doesn't work the book's title is Brand Che: Revolutionary as Marketer’s Dream and the review starts out 'Not just in the hearts of revolutionaries, Marxist insurgents and rebellious teenagers, but on T-shirts, watches, sneakers, key chains, cigarette lighters, coffee mugs, wallets, backpacks, mouse pads, beach towels and condoms. He’s not only been used by politicians like the Venezuelan president, Hugo Chávez, to promote their own agendas, but he’s also been employed by merchants to sell air fresheners in Peru, snowboards in Switzerland and wine in Italy.' The 'he' referred to is Che Guiverra.

Seems to me that commenting on 'an unproven administration' and calling other posters elitist snobs (not an exact quote) bring politics and inflammation to an otherwise harmless pop culture reference.-COLLAPSE

By saacnmama on April 21, 2009 04:36 AM

I am misunderstood. I appreciate Chow for all the wonderful recipes, Chowtips, pop culture articles, such as table manners, and all the great restaurant recommendations. I think the community is fantastic as well.

I question whether or not it is wise of Chow to open up their forums to political commentary based on a slanted politicized menu. I stand by my opinion that it is very insincere to...+READ

I am misunderstood. I appreciate Chow for all the wonderful recipes, Chowtips, pop culture articles, such as table manners, and all the great restaurant recommendations. I think the community is fantastic as well.

I question whether or not it is wise of Chow to open up their forums to political commentary based on a slanted politicized menu. I stand by my opinion that it is very insincere to post a "celebratory" menu based on the actions of an unproven administration. I think Chow's decision sort of crosses a line that might be regarded as poor table manners. There are some subjects that we all might be wise about that just have a proper time and place. If this is a direction that Chow and the rest of their readers want to go in, so be it. I just hope that Chow doesn't take that route.

I cook as a way to release stress and have some down time where I can focus on my friends, family, ingredients and maybe a great glass of beer or wine. I need a little down time from politics as I am rather politically active.

Food is my art and the way I show people that I care. Food is a place where I can drop my ideology for a moment and focus on what we all have in common. All I am doing is asking Chow to reconsider mixing popular politics with everything that makes the site so great, that's all. Its not meant to be arrogant or to start a flame war with people I would probably enjoy sitting down at a table with.

For any negative comments I made, I sincerely apologize. It painted me in a negative light and that's not what I came here for. Its really easy to marginalize people when it comes to politics. It paints everyone in a bad light.-COLLAPSE

By zendrive on April 21, 2009 03:33 AM

radfem, I think you have spoken most eloquently, both in your original post and in your refrained reply to zendrive's attack...which is clearly a projection of himself. zendrive, I suggest you look honestly within...as your name implies you may know how to do.

Food has always been a metaphor for our lives; culturally, philosophically, and spiritually. And since polities affects all of...+READ

radfem, I think you have spoken most eloquently, both in your original post and in your refrained reply to zendrive's attack...which is clearly a projection of himself. zendrive, I suggest you look honestly within...as your name implies you may know how to do.

Food has always been a metaphor for our lives; culturally, philosophically, and spiritually. And since polities affects all of these...it's political as well.-COLLAPSE

By chefsilvia on April 20, 2009 06:39 PM

Zendrivel, no, I'm not a jerk which is why I didn't ask you if you were one for making such a silly, arrogant, unrealistic request. I was merely voicing my support for the political story, and I wasn't talking down to you for making a request. Your problem is not with cashing in on any bandwagon. It's with the idea that politics would invade your politics-free fantasy zone. The idea of food as...+READ

Zendrivel, no, I'm not a jerk which is why I didn't ask you if you were one for making such a silly, arrogant, unrealistic request. I was merely voicing my support for the political story, and I wasn't talking down to you for making a request. Your problem is not with cashing in on any bandwagon. It's with the idea that politics would invade your politics-free fantasy zone. The idea of food as purely escapist is simply dreamy. Someone had to grow, process, make, and serve your food so that you could escape. Etc.
andytee, the name is radfem not redfem, and with all due respect, this assortment of recipes is exactly what chow should be doing. Michelle Obama's cookie recipe has already been circulated, and frankly, she's not really a cook. So has the White House menu for Holiday XYZ, everywhere. And the Obama family life is also under a microscope; we've heard way too much about their personal lives. I'd much rather read some original recipes that result from a food professional's creative interpretation of an agenda, a history, a voting public, and a little pop culture thrown in.
BTW, some politician's wife shared her recipe when asked, and was accused of stealing it from a copyrighted source. So I'm sure that sharing recipes is on the list of political no-nos.-COLLAPSE

By radfem on April 20, 2009 04:30 PM

Food is also escapism from the things that are polarizing in life, such as politics. I read Chow because of the depth of knowledge about food, not for political commentary. Andytee was right on the money. Everyone is cashing in on the Obama bandwagon.

Refdem, what are you? Some sort of jerk? Talking down to someone because they make a request makes you...well, just like rest of the people in...+READ

Food is also escapism from the things that are polarizing in life, such as politics. I read Chow because of the depth of knowledge about food, not for political commentary. Andytee was right on the money. Everyone is cashing in on the Obama bandwagon.

Refdem, what are you? Some sort of jerk? Talking down to someone because they make a request makes you...well, just like rest of the people in government who think they know better than everyone else. Check your elitism at the door.

It must be hard balancing your head with that chip in your shoulder.-COLLAPSE

By zendrive on April 20, 2009 12:50 PM

redfem, i think food is very political, and didn't mean to imply that chow.com - or anywhere - should or could be a politics free zone. i reading about and discussing food policies and politics. but this menu has little to do with politics or the obama's. it makes highly spurious links in an attempt to cash in on media attention for the new administration. i'd love to see a menu that actually has...+READ

redfem, i think food is very political, and didn't mean to imply that chow.com - or anywhere - should or could be a politics free zone. i reading about and discussing food policies and politics. but this menu has little to do with politics or the obama's. it makes highly spurious links in an attempt to cash in on media attention for the new administration. i'd love to see a menu that actually has something to do with the obamas, whether old family recipes or a menu from a white house chef, but this is really just an assortment of recipes with the obama name pasted on. this is just not interesting.-COLLAPSE

By andytee on April 20, 2009 06:08 AM

I liked this story and am quite surprised that people do not think food is political. We have government agencies that set food policies, regulate food quality, and help to distribute food. We have numerous people employed by food industries. Food is an important cultural artifact and eating is an important social ritual.

Julia Child's career as a chef and cookbook author was a direct result of...+READ

I liked this story and am quite surprised that people do not think food is political. We have government agencies that set food policies, regulate food quality, and help to distribute food. We have numerous people employed by food industries. Food is an important cultural artifact and eating is an important social ritual.

Julia Child's career as a chef and cookbook author was a direct result of her job as an operative in the OSS.

Chow.com is great because it engages with all of those things: food as sublime, as ritual, as social, as pop culture, as history, as politics. If you want a politics-free food zone, maybe you should go back to reading cookbooks from the 19th century.-COLLAPSE

By radfem on April 19, 2009 11:55 AM

seconded. it's one thing if there is an actual, legitimate connection, something about food actually served at the white house, but this is specious and not very interesting.

By andytee on April 18, 2009 02:09 PM