the world at table

Food is my passion. This blog was originally created to keep track of all my culinary experiences both in and out of the kitchen. Yet, as I started it, and stopped, and started it again, I found myself a bit disillusioned by the purpose of the blog. Yes, I wanted to be able to share my love of food and recipes, but something was missing. After stepping back for a while, and allowing myself time to think, I figured out what was the issue.

It’s more than just about food. It’s not the final dish that is important but where the food came from, hot it got to the table, and how it will affect the person eating it. And that can be said about the clothes we wear, the places we go, the products we spend money on. Many of us are already living in a way that seems “globally responsible,” whether it be using organic and free-trade products or driving hybrid cars. And this is great! Except it is becoming another clique in and of itself. I see many of these “alternative lifestyles” as becoming their own big brands (think Whole Foods-mentality), and recreating another “bubble” in which people can hide themselves from the outside world.

What we do today was caused by what happened yesterday, and will influence what will happen tomorrow. Not just here, or there, but everywhere.

In today’s global community, we are more interconnected than ever before, but we are living worlds apart. It’s time to become one.

And food can take us there.

 

 

 

 

Questions about the Author:

What is your name?

Silvia Patalano

Where are you from?

New York

What is your favorite food?

Lentil Soup and Rice….only because I’ve eaten it at least once a week since I was born and I never get tired of it.

Are you a REAL cook?

Not necessarily. I mean…who is a “real” cook anyway? Yes, there are those that are trained, and there are those that aren’t. I consider a person that can make a meal (successfully) a cook…a chef, rather. Because that person can create something for another that is unique and comforting and delicious. Not to say that I haven’t grown up in a restaurant family with a grandfather chef and homecooks all around me, but I’ve watched and learned and recreated what I liked and changed what I didn’t. So am I a “real” cook? Let’s just say I’m someone that wants to make you some good food.

How do you rate restaurants?

First off, a “restaurant” can be anything from a catering hall to a pizzeria to a vendor on the street. It does not matter where I can get good food from, just as long as it is…well…good.

So since I grew up in one, I have an eye for certain things when it comes to these places. Here is my checklist (it may vary based on each particular location):

1. Atmosphere (5 pts) – includes decor, lighting, and theme

2. Waitstaff (10 pts) – includes demeanor, ordering, attention to detail

3.  Table Setup (5 pts)- includes silverware, presentation, and condiments available

4. Menu Selections (10 pts)- includes variety of dishes

5. Food Presentation (10 pts)- includes how it is served and plated

6. Food Quality (20 pts)- includes taste and texture

7. Price – based on a two-person party and generally including one drink each, an appetizer for both, two entrees, dessert to share, and  gratuity of 15%.

$ (< 50), $$ (< 100), $$$ (< 150), $$$$ (< 200)

Where do you get your photos?

Unless otherwise noted, all photos are from Flickr under the Creative Commons Collection. All photos are attributed to the author. All other photos are mine and watermarked with “www.theworldattable.com.”

Any more questions, send them my way!

theworldattable@gmail.com