I savor lying on the couch and reading the New York Times on the weekend; it’s a rare treat. I came upon two food-related articles that I wanted to share with you.
Nicholas D. Kristof grew up on an Oregon farm. In the opinion page, he writes about helping to raise the animals his family ate. The op-ed praises the changing tide in the legal and corporate worlds regarding animals kept in cruel confinement. I was moved by Kristof’s firsthand experience with Chinese white geese; the family eventually donated them to a park. On the other hand, Kristof loves a good burger.
Photo by Adrian van Leen
I relate to his position in that I eat animals, but I try to learn about where my meat and poultry come from. I don’t mind paying more if I know that the animals had a nice (and I know this is relative) life before they were slaughtered. As a result, I eat less meat, which feels healthy to me.
When I was visiting a friend in Mongolia, the family we stayed with slaughtered a sheep for a special dinner. In Mongolia, the animals roam free around the family’s ger, eating grasses and whatever else they find. I witnessed the whole process from the butchering to the draining of the blood to the sausage making. Of course, every part of the animal was consumed.
Mongolian family herding their horses, as sheep graze in the background.
It wasn’t easy to watch, but at the same time, that was probably one of the happiest animals I’ve ever eaten and I appreciated that. I can live with and enjoy eating animals if I feel I do it mindfully and without waste.
Kristof’s article has generated tons of interesting comments. Kristof calls himself a hypocrite for supporting animal rights while eating meat. I disagree. One commenter sums it up succinctly: “Is there hypocrisy in being carnivorous and yet being repulsed by cruelty to animals?”
Dinner Parties in the Street
On a lighter note, I also read an article about New Yorkers taking over public spaces for a few hours to throw dinner parties. One architect holds an annual summer dinner party on a tower of the Brooklyn Bridge; other folks take over the sidewalk in front of their apartments. One man who camped out in Times Square says,“ I would encourage people to test their boundaries. I think there are a lot of things you can do, even though you are meant to think you can’t.”
I’m in love with the idea of taking full advantage of our public spaces. I’m marinating ideas for fun, unlikely dinner party spots here in South Florida. There are so many beautiful outdoor locales like parks and beaches that I take for granted. I can imagine turning one of those small neighborhood parks that are often ignored into a beautiful summer afternoon party complete with lanterns and music. Now that Fairchild Tropical Gardens and Vizcaya are having some free weekends, those would be nice picnic spots, although it is sooo hot. Once it gets cooler, maybe a floating waterway lunch?
I’d like to imagine beyond this. The depressing condo canyon by Dadeland could be turned into a long row of tables for a BBQ block party, but I’m not sure whether that’s a public place. I’ll be back with more on this. In the meantime, I’d love to hear your ideas for fun and unlikely dinner or lunch party spots. Have you ever shared a meal with others in an unlikely location?
Special Wok Star Offer for Adoptive Parents of Asian Kids
Locally, Eleanor Hoh is holding her first Wok Star cooking class at the fancy digs of The Grateful Palate in Fort Lauderdale. I wrote about attending her fun and filling class here.
This particular class is special because parents of adopted children from Asia or the adopted children themselves (12 and older) can attend this class for free. Hoh will teach four dishes, which class members will help prepare and taste. Wines from the Grateful Palate’s cellar and Tiger beer will be served as well. Advance registration is necessary. Check out the Wok Star website for details. The class is Tuesday, so if you are interested, act quickly!
When: Tuesday, August 5, 7 pm to 10 pm
Where: The Grateful Palate, 817 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale
How Much: $65 per person, free to adoptive parents of Asian children and/or adopted Asian children
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