Comments on: How We Eat

By: wotten1

wotten1 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 05:15:47 +0000

Could not agree more vigorously, Carolyn! Thanks so much — I’m delighted (and grateful) not only for your answer but to learn you read and respond to comments on topics over a month old. For sure the ripples generated by Waters and Cool have enriched those of us engaged in eating as well as those who create and prepare the food. You’ve only left out one important fact.

Those ripples more quickly influence wider audiences when they’re expanded by skilled and aware food writers. Well-written articles have the power to seize the attention of uninformed people like me, engaging us such that we want to walk the walk rather than nodding in empty agreement to talking points. So, we owe you, Carolyn —and other talented writers — appreciation and thanks. For that matter, so do Ladies Waters and Cool! ; )

By: foodgal

foodgal — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:58:15 +0000

Hi Wotten Wayne,
I think the answer is: It’s pretty darn close. According to Jesse Cool’s Web site, she started working as a waitress at the Good Earth Restaurant in Palo Alto in 1974, then became the chef-owner of Menlo Park’s Late For the Train in 1976. In contrast, Alice Waters and a group of friends opened Chez Panisse in Berkeley in 1971. See what I mean _ they’re not all that far apart in time.

I think we should just be lucky to have had both of them so passionate about the farm-to-table philosophy for so long. They’ve both influenced and educated many diners and cooks, who have gone on to do the same, much like ripples in a pond. And all of us are richer in mind, body, and spirit because of that.

By: wotten1

wotten1 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:03:58 +0000

Carolyn — I realize this is more than a day late and dollar short — more like over a month tardy and who knows how many dineros short but nonetheless (I’m recycling my excuse from last time about why I’ve not stayed current with food issues: the historic events in American politics currently have me by the throat — and eyes — and ears).

I’m like a fair weather fan with respect to attending events given by the Commonwealth Club and have pretty much cherry-picked talks given down the Peninsula vs those in at the main SF venue. When I noticed Jesse Ziff Cool was speaking in Palo Alto in early August, I jumped on a ticket and arrived bright eyed and — appropriately tailed.

What I failed to bring was my sorry memory: I had intended to ask a simple question on one of the comment cards always present at Commonwealth Club talks and the reason was because Alice Waters and Jesse Cool both championed eating seasonal, sustainable and where possible, organic local foods waaay before the movement was trendy.

Like identical twins in that quest, in proudly using products from their own gardens in their respective restaurants in Berkeley and Menlo Park and always singing the praises of “good” foods, etc., etc. OK, then what was the question I was _going_ to ask but obviously failed to? It’s the one I’ll ask you, Carolyn — which one was first and did the other independently move in a parallel path or what?

If you happen to see this “comment”, Carolyn, please let me know. I realize Waters is the more celebrated chef (Jesse insists she’s a “cook” rather than a chef) but sense Jesse would be more like David Chang than Jerimiah Tower — but who’s assigning culinary value points? This ain’t meant to be a battle of the Iron Heroines of Seasonal, Sustainable, etc., etc.!

Once more — which of those two creative creatures of California cuisines was first?

Thanks a green ton, Carolyn — your loyal (if erratic) fan — wayne wong

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:22:03 +0000

Holy cow, Carolyn, some of these events sound fantastic! Are they all in SF? Let me know if you want to go to any of them and we can carpool/train up together..