On Cooking

And it wouldn’t be surprising if, with a little exposure to the kitchen, Mrs. Obama took to cooking herself. Her progress could be our progress. After all, great cooking involves a blend of curiosity, determination and style, all traits she possesses. And with those arms, she could out-whisk anyone.

Wonderful op-ed from Amanda Hesser about the importance of cooking. Ed Levine agrees, but they share a common blindspot - why wouldn't Barack be the chef?

Comments

[Adriana]

Here are two comments from Ed's post that point out the glaring blindspot in Hesser's argument, which Ed also doesn't see:

http://www.seriouseats.com/2009/06/michelle-obama-cooking-local-healthy-food.html#313274

http://www.seriouseats.com/2009/06/michelle-obama-cooking-local-healthy-food.html#313355

My issue with Hesser's piece is the suggestion that "talented young chefs" could be part of a task force to inspire Americans to cook. There is an underlying classism to this idea, one that I find frequently creeps up in "food culture," particularly food culture in NY. The rise of quick meals also coincided with increased work days, the disappearance of lunch hour and the long commute. Unfortunately, having time to prepare a meal--with raw ingredients no less--has become a privilege, one that is reinforced by this image of "young chefs."

[Matt]

I was thinking the same thing! It's unfortunate they never considered Barack.