The night before our presentation day, we all decided to gather for one last food experience. Tonight we enjoyed a lovely array of pita with hummus, freshly made samosas, and a platter of various cheeses
 accompanied by olives and pickled peppers.
We hardly made a dent in the food presented before us because we were too busy talking about school and how much our lives revolve around food.
A moment in our conversation that really stood out to me was where Joyce asked if we should post our favourite recipes and Erin responded that she doesn't have a go to recipe because she never makes the same thing twice.
Something about that statement resinated with me, most people generally do make the same things twice and or have set meals for specific days of the week. So when we live every week eating the same meals on the same days are we in fact living life to the fullest?
Why not spend each day experimenting with different ingredients and creating meals that you have never eaten?
Food is the one thing in life that we cannot live without, so why not make it an adventure everyday, step outside of a comfort zone and tantalize our taste buds.

Final Thoughts

From this project, through self-reflection, research, a critical analysis of food in society, and most importantly through dialogue with Joyce, Sarah and Allison, it has become apparent that food both mediates and is mediated by our experiences. Therefore, food serves as an excellent vehicle for life narrative. Indeed, the idiom 'you are what you eat' can be read as a much larger statement than the commonly interpreted meaning that if you eat healthy, then you'll be physically healthy. I think the truth in 'you are what you eat' lies in the way we have internalized this and the value-judgement that has been attached to it. I think it can also be extended to read 'you are who you eat with, where you eat, how you eat, and so on'. But this is not to diminish the intimate relationship between food and our bodies; it is to situate food consumption and our bodies within the broader culture.
In looking back at our posts, I've noticed that our shared dark table experience reflections reveal that we did take notice of and feel similar things, although there were a lot of differences, for example in sensation and in our comfort levels .While we were at the restaurant, I felt that in a way we were narrating the moment, and I wondered how much this would affect our reflections. To a certain extent I think this did influence what we each produced. I also noticed in reading others' posts that there were a few details that I 'mis-remembered'. I decided not to make edits and celebrate the ambiguity of truth in life narrative!

In our group dialogue, there were a lot of other experiences and topics that we covered which we did not include on our blog. One thing that we noticed is how if one of us described a food experience with the group, there was usually a point where we could each weave in our own narrative. For example, at our pot luck, we all had a story to tell about the issue of food-related anxieties.

It comes as no surprise, then, that food memoir is an established literary genre. As well, cookbooks, food blogs, and instagramming food are often autobiographical. There is simply so much we can each speak about our selves, experiences, and identities through food.

Eating My History

       Being a first generation Canadian, I was constantly battling my mother about what we would have for dinner; Example: I always complained about how I hated rice because "its all we eat", and wasn't afraid to talk about my disdain for okra because, "who the hell eats that anyway?" I used to always talk to my friends about how I didn't like the food my mom made and always telling my mom to make 'normal' food which other kids were eating. I was so wrapped up in fitting in and eating what the other kids at school were eating, that I started to ignore my roots. I guess I forgot how lucky I was—and I am lucky for many reasons.

         My family is from Haiti--a country located on an island in the Caribbean. This means that my whole life, I have had Caribbean food at my disposal! Unfortunately, amongst my selfishness, I didn't realize the negative affects this had not only on myself, but also my mother. Since my sister and I didn't like eating Haitian food my mom stopped making it.  For years, she too ate the food we ate--spaghetti, chicken, potatoes or Shepherds pie. I guess I didn't realize that in a sense we were erasing her memories, and her culture. It wasn't after I entered university, and was self sufficient, that my mother started cooking exclusively for herself, and started making Haitian food on a regular basis. Eventually—due to my non existent cooking skills—I caught myself sticking my fingers in her food, grabbing a spoonful of rice and peas, or grabbing a chunk of 'Morue a Banane' (Salted Cod with Plaintaine)--I guess I could say, I forgot how good the stuff was!! I was so caught up in fitting into a cultural homogeneity, that I forgot about the awesome food I was missing out on. Not only was I missing out on the food, but I was also missing out on the history of the food; what it meant to my parents; what it meant to me; and possibly what it would mean to my future children. I forgot how interesting it was to learn the history of the food—for example, a lot of Haitian food derived from the days of colonialism, where slaves were stuck eating whatever they found, or whatever was available to them. At the time, pig was the animal that was mostly available to slaves, and that's why Haitians include a lot of pork into their meals. Learning this not only blows my minds to pieces, but it also shows me how my ancestors survived turmoil and political unrest, and  how—through food—they survived (or tried to survive), which is why I am here today.

        I am Canadian, and living in a place where there are hardly any other Haitians, so it's important for me to remember my roots. I now understand that through food, I am able to keep my culture alive and have the ability to pass that on, not only to my future children, but as well to those who are close to me. I hope that one day, I'll have the courage to cook Haitian food for friends (if they sign a waiver first), and show them part of my families history. I have learned that food is an important way of learning history and developing the future, and so I take it upon myself to learn the dishes which my mom cooks....

.....even though she says I am a hot mess in the kitchen.....

I only hope that my children will take advantage of the opportunity to eat their history, and will avoid being brats about food like I was!

                                                     Griot, with Riz A Pois & Banane Peze.

Pan-STARRS GAzin'

I find it liberating to celebrate (with food and drink) occasions other than traditional Holidays.  For example, May Day/ Beltane if you like summer, the spring equinox, my birthday, etc… Most Sundays, my partner and I go to my parents’ house for dinner. It’s great because my sister and her boyfriend cook awesome vegan food and my parents load up the bar fridge. A few weeks ago, the comet Pan-STARRS was making an appearance. My sister decided to make this the theme of our Sunday dinner. Her menu consisted of: borscht cloud and potato pan-STARRS ( latkes).  My partner and I were assigned to bring dessert. Pictured below is our original ‘comet vomit with stardust’ (3 types of sorbet and shimmery sprinkle topping with store bought vegan/gluten-free cookies). We were lazy.

Right before we ate, we brought the telescope out, but unfortunately we missed our chance to see the comet. The moon was nice, though.

Semiotics of the Kitchen

I discussed in my first post the shift that has occurred since the 1960s in terms of feminisms attack on expectations of female domesticity. I thought I would post this performance art piece by Martha Rosler that comments on the social pressure women faced in the 1960s. This was created in the same year that Laura Mulvey published 'visual pleasure and narrative cinema'.

On the piece Rosler states: "I was concerned with something like the notion of language speaking the subject,' and with the transformation of the woman herself into a sign in a system of signs that represent a system of food production, a system of harnessed subjectivity."

 I wonder how this could be updated to reflect the contemporary situation in western society. Is woman's subjectivity 'harnessed' into the system of signs that represents food production in the same way? Is Rosler trying to speak the frustration of an entire generation of women or just her own? Personally I think this system, though not unchallenged, remains in tact. My own response would have to be a mixture of both frustration and pleasure.

Food in Film and Television

There are certain movies and TV shows that I can not watch on an empty stomach. Besides the obvious explicitly food-related shows (No Reservations, Top Chef, etc) The Sopranos, with its generous family dinner table scenes is certainly one of them. But aside from making me salivate over a bowl of noodles that are probably half-cooked, or a resin-cast caprese salad, interactions over food are really effective in mediating dialogue, getting into characters, and establishing power relationships, and I feel like this could also be said about 'real life'. In one episode of the Sopranos, for example, I remember Carmela commenting that she felt 'used' by Father Phil who lusted excessively over her baked ziti. I've actually made Carmela's baked ziti (modified to be vegetarian), using the recipe from the Sopranos cookbook my friend gave to me a  few years ago after I became really really obsessed with the show, and I will admit it is good. However, I think in this instance, food is sexualized, and consumed, and by extension so too is the woman who made it. Though this is a fictional representation, I think this consumption of 'the other' (sexualized or not), occurs regularly via food, even outside of the Sopranos world. Another notable interaction that occurs over food in the series is the final, ambiguous scene where the family is sitting at a diner enjoying the simple pleasure of a basket of onion rings. I'm still not too sure of the signification of these tasty fried treats. I remember someone saying they ate them like communion wafers, but I'm not convinced. I'm about 90% sure Tony Soprano got whacked though.

Sopranos Cookbook

Sopranos Final Scene

Quentin Tarantino, discussing the relationship of food and power in his films:

A Brief Survey of a Male Vegetarian

The following is a little Q&A I had my partner do. Last semester I wrote a paper about PETA's attempt to masculinize vegetarianism (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/05/stay-firm-and-fresh-peta-_n_2076499.html and http://www.xojane.com/issues/peta-campaign-bwvaktboom-domestic-violence) as an answer to dominant narratives that equate meat with masculinity, and (by virtue of our culture's dualistic mode of thinking), vegetables with the feminine.  I thought it would be interesting to look at the micro-politics of the daily life of a vegetarian man through personal narrative. It took the form of a structured interview.

How long have you been vegetarian and what are the initial reasons you chose to remove meat from your diet? Have these reasons changed?

I have been a vegetarian since I was about 12 years old. I can’t remember precisely. I never enjoyed the few meat items that I had been forced to try and decided finally to remove the little that I might eat to be a “real” vegetarian. I am still a “real” vegetarian because I don’t like the thought of killing animals unnecessarily.

Can you recall any early food-related memories?

The earliest I can remember is an incident where I was compelled to eat scrambled eggs to attain the prize of one of those chocolates at the end of a short white stick. I was disgusted immediately and did not receive my prize.

What is/are your favorite food/(s)?

Pizza is the scientific pinnacle of food assembly. It has all the necessary components of deliciousness and satisfaction.

How do you think vegetarianism is represented in popular culture?

Vegetarians seem to me to either be represented as naïve bleeding hearts, or as morally elitist snobs, or simultaneously as both.

How do you perceive the relationship between masculinity and vegetarianism and how does this affect your understanding of food, sexuality, identity and self?

The fiction of the authentic male is definitely largely informed by what he eats. Real men lose all mental function over the allegedly orgasmic experience of bacon and are invigorated by bloody steaks the way that Popeye is by spinach.

How does your vegetarianism affect your interaction with others, including friends, family, acquaintances, wait staff, etc?

I make a point of being one of “the good ones” who don’t remind people that what they consume is an animal killed not for subsistence but for pleasure, and killed without any dignity or experience of an actual life prior to slaughter. Despite this commitment, I judge, uncontrollably, all meat eaters as to some extent morally deficient, or intellectually incapable of comprehending the reality of their actions. Although such thoughts are not constant and I am typically capable of enjoying the company of meat eaters without thinking too much over their shortcomings. That said, vegetarians instantly get a few extra points of respect from me.

Describe your personal patterns of food consumption and relations with food production. Do you cook, care about the source of your food, etc?

I am learning to cook and enjoy it quite a bit. My relations with food production are typically zero however, as they are with most people, given the division of labour in the food industry. It would be nice to know that the garden that grew your food is just around the corner, but failing that, I suppose the closer to the city something is grown, the better.

Would you ever date an omnivore? Why/why not?

Not seriously, I would not want meat products in my home or the smell of burning meat filling the air within it. Although eating meat does not cause me to “write someone off” entirely, as I am used to knowing and forming relationships with meat eaters.

A Dark Experience

We began our group project with the idea that we would premise it on a shared experience, which we could all reflect on, in order to illustrate both the diversity and commonalities in the way we each draw on our memories to construct our personal narratives (ie. what we each take notice of, and feel is important to include, and how we present these narratives) After a couple weeks of brainstorming, Joyce suggested we try blind dining. I had never heard of it before, but we were all immediately interested in the idea both as a 'scholarly experiment', and because it sounded really cool. So, sometime back in March, we all met up on a Wednesday night to check out the 'Dark Table' on W. 4th. Our experience began in the lobby where we each placed our order. All of us opted for the surprise dinner. We were then introduced to our server, who learned each of our names, and told us his. "If you ever need anything" Rudie said, "just call my name".

He then told us to form a train and we were led into the dark. I started to panic a little as I tried to ‘adjust’ my eyes to the darkness, realizing that there was only adjusting my mind and my other senses, because it was pitch black and it would stay pitch black. I took deep breaths to calm myself. 

As we settled into our spots, we began chatting and observing our surroundings. Touch seemed particularly important as we felt around for our water glasses and cutlery. I realized that I was seated next to a wall, and I could almost 'visualize' what the space looked like. I had a moment where I was really thankful that they didn't serve alcohol because I would almost be guaranteed to forget my purse, or half its contents at least.

My first course was a salad of mixed greens with a balsamic dressing, roasted red peppers and goat cheese. For some reason I could not figure out what the pepper was, even though I recognized it as something so familiar and regular in my diet. Allison revealed its identity to me and it was a little anticlimactic. I was so close to figuring it out and I was sort of disappointed that I didn't get to have the 'aha' satisfaction.

My main course was a large portobello mushroom with balsamic glaze and a mix of roasted potatoes and sweet potatoes. Like the salad, it was nothing exceptional, and I wondered how much sight accounts for the pleasure I derive from food. Near the end of the meal, we all admitted that we were no longer using our utensils. I was thrilled at this possibility, because I hate utensils. At home I use chopsticks or my fingers (nature's chopsticks) for everything possible. Around the mid-meal mark, I think we had all begun to compensate for the darkness. I heard myself talking more expressively, and there were a lot of mmhmmms and oral 'nods of agreement'. We were also more comfortable with each other, having 'broken the ice' and we talked about the direction of our project, as well as our lives outside of school. This is what prompted us to begin to frame our project as an exploration in the possibilities of food and life narrative.

 Finally it was time to leave and we were escorted back to the lobby (in train formation), where we were told we would have the opportunity to find out exactly what was on each of our plates. In the lobby, however, we were informed that the chef had already left, and so the mystery remains!

Here we all are at the Dark Table:

Erin's Introductory Post

What was the role of food in your home when you were growing up?
As a child , both of my parents worked full time, so we really only ate together on weekends. Even that was  rare, between all the activities my younger sister and I were signed up for. During the week, we were looked after by a woman who my mom knew through work (from the time I was born, until the start of high school). We ate dinner at her house everyday, and it was delicious. When I look back, I realize that she had about 7 different dinner meals that she would prepare, and these dishes would NEVER change (although she is more experimental these days).  Her husband is Italian and she is Fijian-Indian so her dishes ranged from basmatic rice with daal to gnocchi with tomato sauce. She also had a couple standard 'white meals'  that were incredibly bland (so I guess she got it right!). Dinner time was the best. She has two kids (we consider ourselves siblings) and I just remember talking about the rudest and most immature subjects (mostly farts) and laughing so hard, and then getting in trouble for not eating our food. We were not allowed to leave anything on our plate.
When I was 14, I became vegetarian, and after that I primarily cooked for myself, which was not a big deal since I was always very independent (I made my own lunch for school since I was 6).  Even though my mom liked to attempt to prepare meals for me, her cooking has always been hit or miss (sorry, mom).

What is your first memory of cooking?
I have a vague memory of sitting on a bar stool at the counter of my parents' old house in Burnaby. I couldn't have been older than 4. I remember my mom giving me a bowl, and various baking ingredients, and how satisfied I felt adding the different powders and liquids at my own discretion, and mixing it all together to form a thick paste. When I asked my mom about this the other day, and whether I was 'cooking', she replied: "you thought you were, I think".

Describe one of your worst food experiences
I had an extremely traumatic childhood 'food' experience. When I was about 8 or 9, my parents bought my sister and I an Incredible Edibles Gross-eries Maker . Basically, it comes with molds that you pour liquid into. We probably didn't follow the instructions properly, because we couldn’t get the liquid to set. Instead of throwing it out, we decided to eat the goo, thinking it would taste like candy. It tasted like chemical shit.

 Globalizing food markets have meant an increase in food options, particularly in western countries, be it in the aisles of the grocery store or on restaurant menus. Have you noticed your food habits changing? Are you eating different foods than what you grew up with?  Do you think there are cultural/ political implications of trend? 
Yes, I have noticed in the past decade or so that there are many more food options, and my diet has changed as a result. In terms of implications, the western taste for the 'exotic' and our consumerist ethos does not come without consequence, particularly in regards to economic, social and environmental systems. Quinoa is  arecent example of how increased demand for a food in western countries, (which was once considered a nutritious dietary staple in areas of Peru) can have complex effects that can be understood as both positive and negative. I also find the growing taste for 'ethnic' foods really interesting, as food is often the only contact people have with other cultures. I think that taste preferences can be a way to project 'worldliness' and this is used as a form of cultural capital.

At the same time there is also a growing movement advocating for sustainable choices which I support except when it does so on a moral high-horse where it becomes an individual consumer issue, rather than a systemic one. People who go shopping (at the farmer's market, of course) as their sole form of activism (aside from bragging about it) are the worst. When it comes to these people I see no difference between their brand of food snobbery and the kind so adequately represented in Bret Easton Ellis' novel, American Psycho. In fact, I bet if I coated a urinal puck in chia seeds and called it a bliss bar, they'd gobble that shit up.

Recently feminists have begun to 're-appropriate' certain values of domesticity such as baking, knitting and dressing in 'cute' dresses. One could argue that the image of the cupcake has become almost representative of this new brand of what some have deemed 'cupcake feminism'. How does this resonate with your own feminism?

I recently discovered that The Feminine Mystique and Julia Child's cookbook, a seemingly antithetical pair, came out in the same year.Both became bestsellers. I think we've come a long way since 1963 in that I don’t think that feminism and taking pleasure in domestic femininity are seen as mutually exclusive by many feminists. I  do, however, think that promoting this type of 'cupcake feminism' as inherently empowering for all women, essentializes women in a similar manner as the second wave did (which third wavers really love to ‘other’ for this reason) .  Just because some women have the privilege of enjoying the domestic space, doesn't mean this extends to all women. Many still feel  the kitchen is a space where their labour is exploited, and many do not feel traditional femininity resonates with them. Therefore this type of feminism can be alienating. On the other hand, I do recognize the subversive aspect of embracing and celebrating everyday cooking, as it has traditionally been devalued as feminine, and out of ‘love’, while ‘real’ gastronomy is associated with men and ‘work’. But I think that reinscribing everyday cooking as feminine might also risk continuing the cycle. I also accept that feminism means something different for everyone, and I value this multiplicity. For myself, I would not frame the pleasure I take in cooking as necessarily ‘feminist’. I acknowledge that my preference is likely shaped by socialization, and that middle-class privilege, the achievements of feminism, and lack of children contribute to my positive feelings about cooking. I think that the meaning attached to women cooking is diverse and mutable, but will always remain situated within a social and historical context.

The Dark Table

I had such a great experience at Dark Table. I thought it would be a cool experience eating in the dark however, it ended up being much more than that for me. Because it was dark, it allowed me to let go of some of my insecurities. I felt more free to relax and be myself. I also felt more comfortable to talk about stuff that I would not have been able to so easily if we could see each other. My experience eating the food was significant as well. I told the girls I felt like I was having an intimate relationship with my food. I chose to get a surprise meal and I ate with my hands. I felt the textures and flavours of the food so acutely. I really appreciated my experience at Dark Table. I think it gave me awareness to certain parts of myself I would like to explore.

Allison

Just a thought

This project has made me think a lot about my food habits, and how I am not adventorous with my food choices. There are a few staples that I stick to--beef,bacon, potato, brocolli, peppers, cheese and most pasta's. I've always been called a picky eater, and recently I've been trying to decipher what it is that has made me have these eating habits. I think part of it is that I like food that I can obviously tell what ingredients are in it. This is primarily because I have a thing for expiry dates (I am very conscious of expiry dates on food--which is probably why I don't like leftovers) and so I like food where I know that if it's due to expire, I will be able to tell very quickly. After Erin mentioned that she never really cooks the same thing twice, just like Sarah, it made me think--I realized that I do the complete opposite, I am stuck in a food routine.

Does this day something about me?!?

 I think so. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I don't like to take risks or chances--when I go to restaurants, I order the exact same thing I ordered the last time I went to that restaurant, and most of the time it is pretty similar to anything else I eat. I don't venture outside of chicken or beef, and as for chicken I only eat it in particular preparation (grilled/fried). Seafood? NEXT.
I could go on forever--down to the point that I avoid certain types of food because they have pits, seeds, or have a weird texture.


As I write this I'm realizing how ridiculous I sound, and how there are people in this world who would dream of having some of these foods--but I can't stop myself. It's just the way I am conditioned. I guess that is what's interesting about food, it reflects the type of person you are to a certain extent. I guess I didn't realize how food was so important beyond its basic purpose: Survival.

Something else I realized that I love about food is realizing how great it is in situations where you can't eat it--like if you have a cold and can't taste, or you have tonsillitis or strep, and can't swallow. I think that's specifically when a person realizes how the taste of food is so important to living--they do say you don't know what you have til it's gone right? This reminds me of a specific time when I attended a pizza party. Unfortunately,  I was extremely sick, meaning that when the pizza arrived I couldn't smell it, taste it, and could barely swallow it--that didn't stop me. I knew what pizza tasted like, and I knew that even though I couldn't taste it, or enjoy its aroma, the fact that it was pizza made me happy. Basically, the symbiotic relationship which food has with taste, sight, smell and touch as well as with memory is so impressive; it's something that many people take for granted, which I tie in with our blind dining experience. Not being able to be visually stimulated by the food kind of sucked--it still tasted good though!

I recently went for dinner at a little place called Rosa's Cucina Italiana in  Port Moody. The little front street restaurant has a reputation for its traditional italian cuisine and charming service. When you enter the restaurant it is full, busy, and you are comforted by the aromas of fresh baked bread and melted cheese with pasta.
A server approached our table with a friendly smile and just enough sass that made us all laugh. After a few exchanges of charming banter the server handed us the menu. As I opened the menu, a wave of my past came over me. A reminder of living in a 2 bedroom condo with 6 other people in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast of Australia. Pasta was our staple meal while living 3 months of that year in Australia. It is cheap, lasts a great deal of time, and heck it's delicious. However, my relationship with pasta forever changed after that time. 

When I finally came back to the present I decided to give pasta another chance. Looking at the options on the menu and there it was...manicotti, I again took a trip down memory lane. 

When my siblings and I were all teenagers, we became responsible to make dinner on certain nights of the week. Our most favourite meal to make together was manicotti. Pasta stuffed with ricotta cheese, sauteed onions and peppers, covered in tomato sauce and sprinkled with parmesan. So delicious!

Back to the menu and making my meal decision. Manicotti was the obvious choice, and I knew I would not be disappointed. I overcame my past distastes with pasta and enjoyed every bite. 

A Dark Table

Here is 1 of 4 experiences shared by our group: 

As I sat outside waiting for the rest of the group members I had no idea what to expect. So being the un-adventurous woman I am, instead of doing the surprise main, I opted for the steak (I was really hungry that day). I did want to take advantage of the situation so I went for the surprise starter and surprise dessert. As we entered the dark, we were introduced to our server  'Rudie', an energetic, kind and gentle server who informed us that we were safe under his guidance—being dependent on my own eye sight, I was highly skeptical. One of the first few things Rudie said as he led us to the tables was that there was  “no need to worry, as there were no stairs”—I automatically panicked and assumed there were, of course.

As we got to the table, there was nothing but pure and sheer panic coming from myself, as I have never even attempted to eat in the dark. As our starter—what we guessed was a salad—came we had a lot of fun guessing what was in it. Erin seemed to really be aware of the veggies and sauce that were on it—perhaps it's because she is vegetarian, I on the other hand—a pure carnivore—could not guess for the life of me what was in that salad. One of the first things my best friend told me about the experience of eating at Darktable was that I would quickly give up and start eating with my hands, being a germaphobe I refused to let myself eat in such a way—I soon realized that it was hopeless; gave up; and began my transition. By the time my steak had come, it was game over. If someone had turned on the light they would have discovered a massacre. Not only did I miss my mouth more then a few times, but I also left greasy evidence on my clothing and face. Needless to say, I ate that shit up like an animal—no regrets. Lastly, I had a surprise dessert. It was  lemony but I later found out it was some sort of orange cake or something along those lines—either way it was damn good.

At the end of the dinner (and after paying of course) we were escorted out of the restaurant. Walking towards the light felt so amazing, and the experience felt like it happened in a flash (even though we spent 2 hours in there). Overall, I would do it again because I feel it would be a completely different experience depending on whom I am with. With my group, it was great because we didn’t know each other too well at the time, and we couldn’t see each other, so instead of awkwardly looking away as we tried to make small talk (like in most groups) we had to talk, and we had some really funny topics too! 

Joyce's Introductory Post

What was the role of food in your home as a child?

My mother being from Haiti, and knowing the struggles which children have finding food, food was quite important in my household. Everyday after school approximately between 4 and 5 we would eat a hardy meal to ensure that we were full and content after a long day at school. Since I didn't enjoy eating Haitian food so much my mom made sure to make the stuff that I liked, which ranged from shepherds pie, spaghetti, chicken and vegetables and so on. Looking back I guess food showed me how much my mom tried to please us when it came to eating—I guess we were spoiled in that sense.

What is one of your fondest food memories?

Refer to next question !

What is your first memory of cooking?

My fondest and first memory of cooking was when I was 8. It was mother’s day and I wanted to make something special for my mom. Since she made me breakfast every morning I thought I would return the favour; I got out the pan, cracked a couple of the eggs in the pan and waited—I failed MISERABLY. Not only could I barely reach the button to change the element, but when I did reach it I put it on the lowest setting—the result was runny eggs which I had waited only 5 minutes to cook. I was so scared my mom would get mad that I took the pan and dumped the eggs in the backyard—somewhere out there a raccoon got a really good breakfast, and my mom never knew; I think I made her a card instead.


Food-related anxieties have long affected women and girls (and increasingly men and boys) as they experience pressure to monitor their food consumption in order to live up to the socially-constructed ideal body. Have you ever struggled with these issues, and/or how do you think we can create conditions where women are able to develop healthy relationships with food?


I was fairly skinny when I was young, and so I thought I could eat whatever I wanted, so throughout my childhood, and adolescence I never EVER paid attention to what I ate. Since my school was next to the mall, I was constantly eating McDonalds or mall food. I guess I never really paid attention to what I was eating until after highschool when I began to gain weight. Now, I am more conscious that I have to eat fruit, or vegetables and cut back on fast food (although I do love to indulge at times). I can't say that I have ever really had an issue with my body and food. I do however believe that in order for women to have a healthy relationship with food there should be a focus on eating food to be healthy, not so much to look heatlhy.

Food, like other consumer products, is frequently gendered in advertising, popular media and in everyday discourse, whether it's skinny girl wine or a juicy steak for a 'real' man. How do you feel about this, and does it affect your choices?



Like everything else, unfortunately yes—food is gendered. Personally though, I don't really fall for that type of stuff like 'skinny girl' margarita and so on. I usually buy food based on how it looks or how I anticipate it will taste. Honestly, I would be highly persuaded by the juicy steak because I LOVE steak, rather then having pre-made low calorie steak or chicken marketed towards women. Basically, I eat what I want, as opposed to eating what I am told I want.

Globalizing food markets have meant an increase in food options, particularly in western countries, be it in the aisles of the grocery store, at private social gatherings or on restaurant menus. Have you noticed your food habits changing? Are you eating different foods than what you grew up with? Do you think there are cultural/ political implications of trend? 



To be honest, I am not eating much differently then when I was a kid, except for the fact that I now eat Haitian food more often, and fruit and vegetables a lot more then in my teen years—but this was already available to me. I do think that there are political implications of trends because certain foods may be available in specific regions in the world, and so a demand for this food may either increase the economy for that specific industry/country, however this may cause exploitation of labour within that area.

What was the role of food in your home as a child? 

The role of food in my household was either revolved around everyone eating meals together at the dinning table, and I mean every meal or family events and holidays. Every Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, my mother (with help from me of course) would make these extravagant meals, which included 8 or more pies of various kinds. Birthdays my mom would put together fruit and veggie trays along with her famous potato salad. Most importantly our entire extended family was always present for these occasions. Sometimes I wondered what all the work was for but as an adult I understand. Especially since my siblings, my cousins, and I all have our own lives; the times we spend together during those meals means the world to me.

What is one of your fondest food memories?

As soon as summer would start, my mom and dad insisted we contribute to the maintenance of our back yard before we were ever allowed to play with friends. On the days that my mom wasn't working she would be out in the yard with us picking weeds and planting new flowers. Those days were the best because she would always make us lunch. Lunch consisted of her deliciously creamy mac n' cheese along side a bowl of freshly cut peaches (from our tree) drenched in cream. 

What is your first memory of cooking? 

I had been cooking things here and there since I was 7 but that was always under supervision of my mom. I believe I was 10 or 11, one day after school I was feeling ambitious and decided to bake scones. Let's just say that this baking experience goes without saying that I am famous for not reading details properly. Instead of 1 1/2 cups of flour, I put that amount of baking soda. The scones were as hard as rocks and tasted awful. 

Food-related anxieties have long affected women and girls (and increasingly men and boys) as they experience pressure to monitor their food consumption in order to live up to the socially-constructed ideal body . Have you ever struggled with these issues, and/or how do you think we can create conditions where women are able to develop healthy relationships with food?
Food-related anxieties started for me once I entered high school. Despite my highly athletic participation in high school, my relationship with food changed when girls around me became hyper aware of their bodies which made me conscious of mine and the foods I ate. Being the girl/women who has dealt with various eating disorders, I understand the importance of developing a healthy relationship with food. I believe the best approach for men and women to develop a healthy relationship with food is to recognize the root cause of their negative connection to food and instead practice thinking about food as a way of life. What foods give you more energy and make you feel good. For example since I started long distance cycling I see my body in a entire different light. My body is a wonderful machine, it is the only one I have been given, and I intend on fuelling it with only the best food out there.

Food, like other consumer products, is frequently gendered in advertising, popular media and in everyday discourse, whether it's skinny girl wine or a juicy steak for a 'real' man. How do you feel about this, and does it affect your choices?

 There has always been products that are meant to target a specific gender to maintain the consumption of a product, however I could be completely bias in saying that women are the major target audience for these products. Anything from weight loss diets to super foods that will keep you looking youthful, women are the consumers targets. On occasion gendered advertising affects my choices,  I would be lying if I said I didn't make a conscious effort to avoid products that have more than 5 listed ingredients, and in general overly processed foods.

Globalizing food markets have meant an increase in food options, particularly in western countries, be it in the aisles of the grocery store, at private social gatherings or on restaurant menus. Have you noticed your food habits changing? Are you eating different foods than what you grew up with? Do you think there are cultural/ political implications of trend? 

I have noticed my food habits changing depending on what area of the city I am residing and who I live with. South Hills of Vancouver does not have the same accessible food options like Kitsilano or neighbouring areas like Commercial Drive but there is a wide variety of markets that always carry fresh and local produce. Cooking for one has changed how often I actually cook and a lot of the time I tend to eat very vegetarian based meals.
I definitely eat different foods than what I grew up with. Growing up in a big family; food was generally very basic so to satisfy everyones preferences. 
Culture is extremely apparent implications of trend within Vancouver. Everywhere you go now you can find various places to eat and shop for asian, indian, european dishes, and more recently places that cater to gluten free intolerances. The options are endless. 


Blind Dinning Experience

 As Rudy led us through the darkness, my fear of the dark crept up on me. The closer we got to the table the sounds of chit chat, laughter, and the scrapping of cutlery to a plate filled the room; the dark wasn't so scary after all. Once we settled down at our table, I instantly started thinking about how strange I felt seeing absolutely nothing in front of me. It was so unfamiliar not to be able to observe other people at the tables around us, voices and surrounding noises were amplified by the void of sight. 
Once the appetizers arrived, I found it difficult to make direct contact with the food on the plate and even getting the food into my mouth. During the intermission between appetizers and entrees, I found it quite amusing that I could dance away in my chair and basically do anything without being seen by anyone. This brought me to an interesting question to ask our server Rudy at the end of the evening. Once we got our entrees I had yet another bad attempt at getting the fork to the plate, so I resorted to using my fingers instead. There is so much freedom to eating with your hands versus utensils. After finishing our meal and the plates were cleared, I realized how much my eyes had adjusted to the dark which made me notice the slightest bits of light coming from the kitchen and bar. Discomfort quickly came over my entire body. I was like a heroine addict yearning for a fix. I felt anxious to get out of my seat, out of the restaurant and into the light. Looking back on the anxiety I felt was knowing that I have the ability to see and that option was right outside those doors.
 As we payed our bills I felt compelled to ask Rudy if there had ever been instances of people canoodling at their tables?. Rudy replied, "canoodling, what is canoodling?, oh you mean love making", so I repeated to Rudy "yes love making". Rudy nonchalantly stated "well we can't see it happening and therefore nothing we can do about it". I laughed out loud and was thrilled that he did not hesitate in responding to my question. Overall, the heightened senses you experience beyond vision is worth dinning at Dark Table.