It is still alive:)

The last post declared that dinnertime is still alive and I am so happy. The holidays usually bring about an increase of family dining, and let's keep it going into the new year!

The Associated Press: AP poll: Family dinnertime in America still alive

The Associated Press: AP poll: Family dinnertime in America still alive

Stirring up Memories!

This has been a special summer. I have been spending a lot of time, stirring up memories with my children. I am writing a book about how our fellowship at the table has helped establish this great relationship we have. We stirred up many memories this year. We learned how to ride a bike. We went on a train trip to the nation's Capital and went on a tour of the Capital Building. We tried many different foods, and got so much exercise, even I needed a break. We even earned new bikes!

Part of having a culinary conversation is to have something to talk about and I can not think of a more stimulating topic than the fellowship between a parent and children, especially in today's multimedia communication environment. Share some table time, and it is OK to eat with your hands!

Cycle Friendly

I just returned from a 10.6 mile walk in Chicago, while waiting for my train to leave. While I was out, I saw another food truck, BQ Afro Root Cuisine, Nigerian Food (see previous post).

I also saw hundreds of people using bicycles for commuting. Really. I have heard it was bike friendly, but to see it was amazing. There were signs to tell drivers to yield to cyclist. And they did.

When I return tomorrow, my kids and I will be on our bikes and I hope everyone joins us in some form of exercise of moderate intensity.

Keep on Truckin'

As I hurried to the bus station to begin my journey back home from Kansas City, I passed a row of food trucks of different cuisines--gyros, mexican and Lutfi's Fried Fish. It must be good, there was a long line!

Ironically, I recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal, titled, "Food Truck Nation". It chronicled the new boom of food trucks across the nation, in cities of all sizes. In DC, there are the organically themed, "On the Fly" trucks. The "Green Truck", serving fish tacos in vegetable oil fueled vehicles. And Kogi BBQ, serving Korean-styled tacos in LA, and powered by 28,000 followers on twitter, using bankrupt Chrysler subsidiary Global Electric Motorcars! And make sure you follow metwitter.com/culinaryconverse!).

As you can see, these are not your traditional roach-coaches. This is often high end fare that cost more than a hot dog but less than the same food in a sit down traditional restaurant.

The street food movement is not a new phenomenon. Pepper Pot street vendors in Philadelphia in the 19th century popularized food for people on the move!

All of this reminds me of food trucks in my locale, "Wilsons Hot Tamales", Mississippi Delta-style cornmeal tamales. They are great and recently I ate them with a glass of Riesling wine. You have to try this. they will keep you truckin'!

Generational grubbing gems

I am returning to St. Louis to visit my 97 year old grandmother. She has been a picture of health for all of her life. The she fell and life is getting complicated.
I stayed with my Aunt Liz and she worked as a professional cook, so I got to taste some of her simple yet tasteful and healthful offerings. In a short period of time, all while talking to my father and I, she made her meat loaf, macaroni and cheese and smothered cabbage. She cut the cabbage, and peppers,placing them in a pot of hot oil. She the reduced to heat and allowed the vegetables to simmer. The process will allow its own juice to be produced. Seasoned to taste, this dish really set off our dinner. Then we had a culturally competent culinary conversation. . .

The Ides of March

The Ides of March were sighted in Shakespeare's, Julius Cesar, where bad things can happen. The calender moving from February to March could not be bad for a Midwesterner. The snow is pretty, but dangerous to commute in. So I look forward to the milder weather. I do still love what February has to offer. We are into the Lenten season, for those who celebrate such a season. Valentines day has passed and I hope everyone tried to out serve their mate by preparing a wonderful meal as a token of ones affection for one another.
We move on to March, National Nutrition Month, and check in to find many offerings that benefit the body in the upcoming days.

Historical Inauguration

Today, Barack H. Obama was sworn in as the 44Th President of the United States. This Culinary Conversationalist, a former U. S. Army Medic, American of African Descent, and male gendered father, is especially proud today. There are some aspects of President Obama that you can emulate from the table as well. Mr. Obama has a routine where he makes meals for his daughters. His specialties are tuna sandwiches and cheese toast. Whole wheat bread would make those wonderful choices for growing children. He personally loves fiber rich chili, broccoli, spinach and good ole H20! This president stays fit by playing basketball and working out, so while everyone is so excited about his Presidency, how about following his lead by working out and choosing healthy foods during this new administration and beyond!