Slow Food Sensation?

Home cooked meals. The phrase itself conjures up a sense of well being and comfort, a memory of a time when you had time. This was a time before college and the endless pizza boxes paired with studying. Before late nights and early mornings when McDonald’s covered breakfast, lunch and dinner. Before you spent twelve hours a day running around and only thirty minutes stopping to re-fuel. There was a time…

We apologize if that little trip down memory lane left a bad taste in your mouth, but there is hope! There are others that are taking a stand in the name of ‘slow food.’ These anti-establishment eaters are forgoing fast food to make a statement about the current dining culture. These are ‘stop and smell the roses’, or rather, ‘sit and taste the food’ kind of people, and their movement is catching on.

Conceived in Italy as a reaction to a McDonald’s trying to open near the Spanish steps, the Slow Food Movement has become a global, grassroots practice with the philosophy of what they call “eco-gastronomy.” In their words, this concept recognizes the connection between plate and planet. It is their belief that everyone is entitled to a pleasurable meal, produced in such a way that does not harm the environment, animal welfare or one’s health. That being said, ‘slow food’ is bringing back the experience to eating! Those who choose to participate can join in local events aimed at improving a community’s food system, construct their own home-cooked and nutritious dishes or  support local produce industries. All this aids in the satisfaction of truly understanding and immersing yourself in a meal, and adds to the enjoyment of eating.

Whether you’ve been a victim of fast food addiction, want to jump on the organic bandwagon or simply want to snack guilt-free, the Slow Food Movement is for you. Let us know what you think in the comments, or go forth and experiment with slow food…then come back and share your experience!