Since the readings have been talking about the art of food, I decided to research the topic of fast food, since I think that most of us have agreed that fast food cannot be put into the category of art. The idea of fast food was first started in 1872, when a small kitchen was put into a horse drawn carriage to bring hot food to workers. It continued to develop and in 1940, the first McDonalds was founded. McDonalds is the chain that is most commonly associated with the term fast food. Back then a hamburger cost 15 cents! This walk up McDonalds stand kept quickly becoming more and more popular and finally in 1961 McDonalds was made into a national business. The concept became more and more popular and more and more fast food chains were created. The concept of “take-out” food was also introduced, which is food that takes a little bit longer to prepare than fast food (which isn’t saying much).
Many people have begun to lobby against fast food because of recent health studies and the growing problem of obesity in our country. I believe that fast food isn’t good for you, but I know that it’s not food for me and therefore do not eat it. I believe that the whole “Fast Food Nation” controversy is unnecessary because there is not one person in this country that isn’t aware that fast food is bad for you.
Now, onto the real issue here… the issue of food as art. Fast food does not fall into the category of art because there is no way that it takes any actual time, effort and energy to create. When food is to be looked at as art, you have to take into consideration the time and effort that went into making the food.. and of course the appearance which is less than satisfactory in fast food.
One of my favorite things to do since 8th grade has been to watch Food Network in my spare time, while I’m working on homework (it’s on right now!) and while I’m getting ready to go somewhere. I really, really enjoy watching food be created, despite my lack of cooking skills in the kitchen. It’s funny how much I have learned about cooking and little tips and things since I began watching this channel. I love all of the shows on Food Network, but one of my very favorites has always been Iron Chef. My favorite Iron Chef is Bobby Flay, because I think that he makes the most normal looking, best tasting food of anyone. (Plus he is cute!) Every Sunday night my family and I used to watch this show together.
The idea of the Iron Chef first originated in Japan, and soon was brought to America by “the chairman”, who’s name is Mark Dacascos, who is the nephew of the original chairman of the Japanese version. There are also two floor reporters, Alton Brown and Kevin Brauch. There are five Iron Chefs: Bobby Flay, Mario Batali, Cat Cora, Masaharu Morimoto, and Michael Symon. (Symon is a new chef on this past season, founded on the show “The Next Iron Chef”, which was a mini series that had competitors compete to win the title of an Iron Chef.) On the show, which takes place in “Kitchen Stadium”, the Iron Chef and their challenger have sixty minutes to prepare and plate a minimum of five dishes which all must revolve around a “secret ingredient”. There are always three judges, which are found in different places in the food world. Some are magazine editors or restaurant owners. The judges judge based taste, plating and originality.
I absolutely love this show because it is different than any other show that is on the network, because it really gives the Food Network audience insight on the topic of fine cuisine. This show is the epitome of “food as art”. It makes you forget that what you’re watching is food, and instead convinces your mind that you are watching creative art in action right before your eyes…
