20 Comments
User's avatar
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Yeah, I was all set to disagree with you when you said America has the best food, but you covered it all, the pros and cons. Honestly, I think most Americans eat shit -- much, much less well than in almost any other culture. But it's true you *can* get fantastic food -- although it's either immigrant stuff or insanely expensive. I much much MUCH prefer eating out anywhere other than America. There is no moderation here at all, and there is waaaaaaaaaaay too much outright crap.

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Also, don't get me started on how food is meant to be ENJOYED and SHARED in other cultures, not Instagrammed and wolfed down. Suffice to say I'm not a big fan of my home country right now, not after being here a month. And coming from Thailand hasn't helped.

Expand full comment
Nolan Yuma's avatar

We feel the same way, Brent! Cooking and eating shouldn’t be a chore but a process to enjoy with others. But, I must admit, I am guilty of snacking in front of the TV at night and wolfing down food when I’m irritable (which is way too often).

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Well, im practically perfect in every way! 🤣

I often say: in America, eating with friends is a BIG DEAL, so, ironically, you don't do it often and it becomes a small deal. But outside of America, it's no big deal, you do it all the time, so it ends up being a much bigger deal overall. 🙂

Expand full comment
Nolan Yuma's avatar

Well said.

Expand full comment
Marple's avatar

The best food I ever ate was in South Africa.

Expand full comment
Nolan Yuma's avatar

Ooo, what are some specific dishes you liked?

Expand full comment
Marple's avatar

I mainly remember the fresh food - sea food - we had on a trip and it really was delicious.

Expand full comment
Michael Jensen's avatar

Every time we return to America, we are shocked by portion sizes.

And from Harvey Girls to Hooters... Who knew?

Expand full comment
Nolan Yuma's avatar

Maybe my jumping from Harvey Girls to Hooters was a bit of a stretch.

Expand full comment
Michael Jensen's avatar

Mmmm, or maybe not.

Expand full comment
Dean Foster's avatar

Loved this article, Nolan. The “extremist” position of US culture is the result of the capitalist commodification of all aspects of life in ‘Merica. We certainly see it in politics. So why should food, dining , restaurant behavior, health, exercise, et al be immune from the intense commodification of late-Stage capitalism on every aspect of life in the US? Fascinating research articles, thanks for sharing!

Expand full comment
Nolan Yuma's avatar

Thank you, Dean! Also, I’ve often glanced over the term “late-stage capitalism” and just looked it up more thoroughly. It’s the perfect phrase for this.

Expand full comment
Nolan Yuma's avatar

Also, I just thought about your podcast episode where you talk about how to politely decline a meal if you really can't eat it. I forget which one it is. One in China. That's a great episode for people thinking about the importance of food diversity.

Expand full comment
Dean Foster's avatar

I’m eager to listen to your podcast episode on food and culture with your guest trainer. Very cool idea.

Expand full comment
Marple's avatar

A lot to like here!

Expand full comment
Nolan Yuma's avatar

Are you in Spain?

Expand full comment
Marple's avatar

No!

Expand full comment
Isha Yiras Hashem's avatar

Maimonides says that one should stop eating at 3/4 full.

I think, in general, self control as a value is rare .

Expand full comment
Nolan Yuma's avatar

With menu del día in Spain, I can’t pull that off! Those two hour lunches last me till the next day. I also have no idea how to tell if I’m 3/4th full.

Expand full comment