International Relations

Food for Thought

Want to understand a foreign culture? Check out their cuisine.

By Daniel Stone | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Jul 28, 2008 | Updated: 12:04  p.m. ET Jul 28, 2008

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  • Posted By: mzawojska @ 08/12/2008 12:14:42 PM

    Maybe the guy that ate only soy ice cream was lactose intolerant? You should have been more sympathetic to his bum stomach.

  • Posted By: mbuitron @ 08/08/2008 3:28:49 PM

    They way we look at food (or things like music and art) from different countries is also a way to look at the cultures and people themselves. So perhaps the next step in understanding would be to explore the world of fusion cuisines as a way to appreciate compliments and commonalities. I returned from a dinner at el Bulli which had elements of Catalan, French, and Japanese cooking. http://imoralist.blogspot.com/2008/07/dinner-at-el-bulli-critical-analysis.html

  • Posted By: mbuitron @ 08/08/2008 3:26:52 PM

    They way we look at food (or things like music and art) from different countries is also a way to look at the cultures and people themselves. So perhaps the next step in understanding would be to explore the world of fusion cuisines as a way to appreciate compliments and commonalities. I returned from a dinner at el Bulli which had elements of Catalan, French, and Japanese cooking. http://imoralist.blogspot.com/2008/07/dinner-at-el-bulli-critical-analysis.html

  • Posted By: justthefactsma'am @ 07/31/2008 2:02:11 AM

    I totally agree with Melfairy. If wine isn't from Champagne it should not be called Champagne. Elitist you say. OK how about if I import pork from some Chinese firm I found on the Internet, and market it under the brand name, say, "Pride of Memphis BBQ". Should I be allowed to do this?

  • Posted By: Melfairy @ 07/30/2008 4:52:12 AM

    I am assuming that the author is American and therefore doesn't quite understand what an AOC is.
    Appellation d'origine controllee which guarantees the product is carefully selected, made and so on using only local and high quality products sometimes with a technique that dates back centuries making it the top product in its category.
    And when one spends their lives making the best product they don't appreciate when someone else comes and names their product the same when its not half as good. The product loses its value and the honest and hard-working baker, cheese or wine maker loses money because some guy named his product the same even though it isnt half as good.
    My point is sparkling wine is not champagne because last time I checked it wasnt made in the champagne region or with that cepage and a french baguette has its own recipe, just like Brie de Meaux isnt just any Brie.

    • Posted By: martham11 @ 07/30/2008 1:55:44 PM

      I think you just made her point for her.

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