gas.tron.o.mer (g-strn-mr)n
gas·tro·nome (gstr-nm) also gas·tron·o·mer (g-strn-mr)n.
A connoisseur of good food and drink; a gourmet. Also called gastronomist.
Although this title sounds daunting, I feel I fit the description on some level. I am definitely not a food snob by any means, but I can taste a good risotto when I get one or sadly a really bad one. Over the past 5 years or more I have noticed a pattern in my life that leads me to one sure conclusion about myself and that is..I am in love with food. The eating it is great but the cooking of it, mastering (said very loosely) of it excites me even more. Here are a few of the things I have noticed about myself that I thought were normal but are perhaps more indicative of my gastro tendencies.
- I read cookbooks in bed..for fun, like a novel
- I have saffron on hand and a million other spices that take up one cupboard plus a special box for ‘Indian Spices’
- I log onto food network at least 3 times a day and religiously buy the magazine.
- I have watched Ratatouille more times that I would like to admit.
- I take pictures of all my food mesmerized by the beautiful art before me.
- I collect all manner of cookbooks, garage sales are my favorite.
- I bought a cookbook at Pearl Harbor of their cafeteria food.
- The thought of eating at Applebee’s, the Keg, or Red Lobster sends me into a bought of depression.
- Kraft Parmesan cheese looks like something out of the dark ages.
- Kitchen gadget and appliance stores should be sending me thank you cards for the endless amount of supplies, gadgets and cooking paraphernalia if have spent over the years. In another blog, I will pull all these out. I must say the sushi maker was a train wreck.
- I feel sad right now because I don’t have a high tech food processor…that would seriously complete my life
While of was wogging the other day (jogging and walking) I thought of the very first pie I ever made. I was 23 years old. I decided I wanted to conquer what I considered to be a grandiose feat. I have always been a very erratic cook, especially in my 20’s and I set about making a pie. I did not check any of my equipment but part way through I realized I did not have rolling pin. I still remember, painstakingly trying to roll that dough with a couple of candlesticks I had found. Today I am still that girl only I own a rolling pin and the equipment that I improvise with is way fancier.
Finally, my forgetfulness (burned more effin coconut flakes while trying to toast them that I am mad just thinking about it now), erratic cooking, small town roots (where Mr. Mikes was fine dining), and my appreciation for all foods makes me a gastronomic with a heart. Hawaiians love spam, who am I to criticize? I desire to respect all food, appreciate the diversity of people who cook it and not allow myself to turn up my nose at anyone’s cooking. There, lets cook!
One Response to “gas.tron.o.mer (g-strn-mr)n”
Leave a Reply
Secured by
Hi BJ,
We seem to have similar passions, except with me its the pine nuts I burn trying to toast them, and I decided I don’t really need all the gadgets after visiting my friend who is a chef. His kitchen had: *very* sharp knives, a kitchen aide, a rolling pin, a whisk,a few assorted wooden spoons, flippers etc. and not much at all in terms of gadgetry. So I’m trying to go more minimalist on the gadgets, we’ll see how that goes, or if I’ll be back at Ming Wo.
PS- there are Chantrelle’s everywhere in the forest right now…