How disturbing...the truth behind the food we eat ?

Last night, I sat down with the dog on the lap to watch a movie that gathered some good reviews: Food Inc. I was engrossed, and grossed out, for 90 minutes. Even the dog was quiet!

You see, Food Inc is not so much a movie as it is an investigative documentary. Think Michael Moore with less drama and more plain facts. The whole premise of the documentary is to "lift the veil over the whole food industry". Basically the consummer is being blinded by packaging, with the intention of disconnecting, say the animal from the finely sliced piece of red meat. With no more bones in view and a cute smiley cow face on top, it's hard to think of the living and breathing animal who gave it all. But the director did not dwell much on that particular issue. He was more interested in how the food industry evolved to accommodate the mass market and the consequences that are plaguing our society today. For example, the movie swiftly demonstrates the connections to rocketing mass food poisonings, increasing diabetic population, the loss of consummer choices and even illegal immigration. With only a handful of big corporations controlling the food market, a lot of power, both financial and political, is shared by a few, and their actions, entirely motivated by money and business, basically control what we eat. No big surprises here to hear it is a business. But when the dots get connected to direct society and health issues, that's when it gets scary ! And the tactics employed by some companies (think GMOs !) to make farmers comply are plainly disgusting.

The movie does, however, have a positive message to give to us, the consummer. Be more alert of what you eat ! State your preference for fresh and healthy by buying organic and local foods ! The food industry is still a business and they will listen to what the consummer wants.

I can say this movie transformed my attitude towards grocery shopping. I won't turn vegetarian yet, but I'll question the meat I buy, definitely leaning towards grain-fed chickens and grass-fed cows. This is what I like about a small country like France, where local and small farming has still a huge impact on the food chain, thanks to huge government subsidies. It's still not a perfect system, but that's what creates all those lovely farmer's markets around the country. We can have it here in this country too if we, as consummers, band together and state our preference.

A local french cuisine to remember...

Today the action is not in my kitchen but in Chef Olivier Bioteau's from Farm House Cafe in Normal Heights, San Diego.

I have been eyeing the local french restaurant for over a year, with the silent vow of discovering their menu as a celebration for getting a new job. This week my wish was granted ! My faithful sidekick Arnold and I went on Friday, two starving adventurers on the prowl for french food.

Reservation in hand, we got a table on the patio. In retrospect that was a good choice. Too noisy inside for my taste. We got to enjoy the sunset and a night breeze while sharing the charcuterie plate, accompanied with a full glass of Vacqueyras, a french full body yet supple red wine from Provence that will make your head spin. If you like Chateauneuf-du-Pape, you have to try Vacqueyras. The charcuterie plate had several cold cuts from mild to spicy, including garlic sausages, cured duck, and pate, easily shared between two or three people. I wished the bread was better, but you may have to be in France for that :)

For the main course we both chose the alaskan keta salmon. What sold me was the basil puree on top to impart that extra flavoring I like so much. It was served with fingerling potatoes cooked in a broth with onions and spices. The fish was seared, cooked on both sides yet still soft on the inside. As such, it melts in your mouth. Don't make them cook it through !

I was ready for dessert ! I had already drooled on their website in the morning. Setting foot in the restaurant I knew what was going to end a delicious evening. The Almond Panna Cotta ! The website picture exactly depicts what was delivered in front of me. Spoon in hand I dove into pure creamy bliss. Texture reminded me of a thick and firm custard. Very sweet and with a definite almond flavor. I slowly enjoyed every bites. Arnold got the peach upsidedown cake with lavender-infused ice cream. It was good, but I liked mine better :)

We were winding down our dinner experience when the hostess, Rochelle Bioteau, generously offered us some champagne at the bar. Our table needed to be prepped for the next guests. Friday is a busy night at the Farm House, and it would be shameful to deprive others from the delices Chef Olivier Bioteau serves in his fine establishment. Then I could not resist, I asked her to try a small piece of her husband's homemade chocolates. She gracefully complied, with a knowingly smile. Ah, yes, our evening was truly complete. Try the chocolates if you can!

Olivier, Rochelle, you'll see me again but I won't wait for another job opportunity to steer me your way.

"Julie & Julia" - Must-see movie for all foodies !

Tuesday, I stepped out of the kitchen and into a dark room to see the latest Meryl Streep movie about Julia Child, famed French cooking advocate, and Julie Powell, foodie enthusiast who blogged her way through Julia's cookbook.
I love Meryl Streep, she is one of the most gifted actresses of her generation, regularly nominated at the Oscars for her memorable roles. I bet her turn as Julia Child will be no exception.
I plainly and simply loved the movie. It was charming, witty, funny, and I quickly rooted for and empathized with both main characters as they went through their lives with a culinary obsession. My favorite parts in the movie are many, especially Julia's affair with french cooking. Or just french food (ah, brie and cheese...). What started as a pasttime for bored housewife quickly turned into the focus of her life. Her fierce determination to prove that she can be as good a cook as any other male counterpart was plainly demonstrated in the onion sequence, where she practiced cutting a huge pile of onions until she got it right, tears and all. Her sheer focus is further exemplified in the gruesome translation of recipes for english cooks and the numerous edits over the years to get it just right. Back then it was all typed with carbon paper !
I admit I did not know Julia Child, I am too young for her shows and I don't even have her cookbook (why would I, I already know how wonderful and delicious french cooking is...grin). This wonderful gem of a movie opened my eyes. I discovered an exceptionally strong-willed being who infused her life with her passion for cooking, breaking gender and cultural barriers to master a sensual art and make it available to anyone.
The movie was truly inspiring. And when the credits came rolling in, boy, was I hungry !!!

Two thumbs up and a growling stomach !!!