Deep Thoughts

November 2019 · Chef John Reed, CEC, CCA

If you remember the SNL Video Shorts, Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy, here is my homage to Phil Hartman.

I was really trying to think about the subject, but my mind was wandering to so many places. So, I just decided to give you a list of my random thoughts on the world of food that I love so much.

I am not going to preach the health benefits for not eating them in your food-you have pop culture, your doctor and the grocery aisle to tell you that. I am going to give a few of my favorites dishes that rely on these ingredients.

On Food

Anchovies are under-rated and really delicious
Mayonnaise on everything. Travel the world and you will understand that ranch dressing doesn’t reign supreme
There is never enough salumi, wurst, pate and real cheese, but all in moderation
Stay away from the canned aisle or frozen food section of the grocery store unless it’s frozen peas or condensed milk
German Halb and Halb Kartoffelknodel are a bitch to make
Bread should be baked every day and not put in a plastic bag to sit on the shelf until your next birthday
Great ingredients and simple techniques win the day every time
Pizza is everywhere, and it means something different to everyone
Eating fish off the bone is just as good as ribs off the bone
There are some pretty awful burgers around the world
Some of the best steaks aren’t cooked in the US
Some of the best meals don’t have to be cooked
There is too much food on the grocery store shelf when parts of our society struggle to put a meal on the table

On Drinks

It is ok to have a drink at lunch time. You are an adult and should be able to control yourself
Beer is perfect for breakfast
You can always find a bar with great beer, the blues and burgers somewhere in the world
Porter and Stout are the same thing!
Lambrusco should always be stocked in your fridge
Always serve something with a cocktail

On Dining

Eating with your fingers should be encouraged in western society

Fine dining is not very exciting anymore, and I can get a better meal in a local diner where it’s not about the stars but value and honesty.

Seeing a smile on a person’s face when they taste something great is worth the 12-hour days in the kitchen

Fast food restaurants are manufacturing facilities

Sometimes hospitality can’t be taught in school; it’s in your heart, you just have to find it

It doesn’t matter what the language, people love to talk about food. Pictures definitely say a thousand words

Eat outside more often and be willing to share it with the birds

US airline food is really bad and getting worse

Eat at more restaurants with women chefs, as they deserve just as much or more credit than men in our industry

Don’t try and make any sense of this, but what I want you to do is to spend a little more time looking at the food and beverages around. What you do with it affects other people. For most of us, our lives are surrounded by food and drink in excess; we need to stop and share what we have with others in kind, in spirit and in random thoughts.