pike's place market

So, on our first Friday off, me and some of the other kids on my hall decided to explore seattle a bit. Hopping on the #73 bus, we traveled to the infamous pike's place market! I had been there before, but this time I was keeping in mind how we had previously in class talked about fresh foods, locally grown foods, and knowing where everything had come from. I paid special attention to labels and fresh ingredients- seeing where everything comes from like honey from a certain area, fruits grown fresh, oragnically, locally, and fish caught in freshwater or saltwater.
It made the already bustling market more interesting now that I had started to take extra notice to the little details put into each homemade item. Such as the difference between clover honey and regular honey. Or why certain fruits are more expensive than others, be it becasue they were grown in a certain area, or grown with a certain method. I noticed the ones grown fresh and organically with no chemicals tended to be pricier, yet looked smaller and less appetizing than the large, brightly colored ones grown with pesticides and other chemicals. I took more note of the way things are grown and the difference it can make in what you are putting in to your body by eating it.
I love the colors and smells of the fresh famers market. And just the fact that you are told where everything is grown and how, already gives all the produce and products a step up from anything you could ever buy in a store. I can definetly see why people would choose to spluge on the fresher, more natural products and why it would be worth it to make sure and go to a restraunt that buys locally and fresh.
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cultured?

I am 3/4 chinese, and 1/4 native polynesian/native hawaiian. Plus, growing up as the thrid generation, I think that i have been given the perfect balance between american culture and my native cultures. And now that i think of it, all of these factors play a huge role in what I eat.
From my dad's side, I get my little bit of Hawaiian. One of my favorite meals is hawaiian bbq. I have memories of being at my aunts' houses, dining on the traditional rice, poi, salad, and macaroni.
My main culture influence is definetly from my Chinese side. My mom's parents are the only grandparents that I have, and I am very close with them. My grandma is an infamous chef, cooking traditional Chinese dishes for all of her friends and family. Her recipies and secrets have been passed down to my mom, who cooks for us. Traditional chinese food is a staple in our everyday cuisine.
I think that I am perfectly centered as a third generation child. While I am still very close with my culture, I am also opened up to American culture as well. And as a definite plus, I am lucky enough to have parent that love to travel. Every summer, my family takes a big trip. we have experienced Hong Kong, Japan, Italy, China, Spain, and Australia among other places. My dad and mom are huge food lovers, so whenever we go anywhere, they always make sure that we have native dining and that we try everything possible.
SO, after all that, I do think myself to be very cultured. And from that, I am able to take samples of very different foods, to see them indiviually, and to even bring a little of each together!

anthropology of food

The first question we were asked yesterday was "why did you sign up for this class?"

Just the word "food" in the title was a big part of me choosing this class for EFS. I didn't really know what anthropology was, or what we would be studying. But i was pleasantly surprised after going over the course descprition and syllabus. I mean, who really thinks about what they are eating? Who knew that there are so many different levels and personalities to food?!

I think what I am most interested in the the connection of food to culture. How, worldwide, we all use the same basic ingredients, but the difference in a certain spice or the way it's

cooked and put together will create a completely different dish. I mean, a chicken is a chicken, right? No matter where you are in the world, that will always be the same. But what it's cooked with and how can associate it with any culture around the world. And to think of the history and meaning behind each careful preperation or ingredient connected to its orgin, and those cooking it.