There is nothing that will cause me to fly in to a rage more than cutesy words people have created for things. I am a food nerd, I am not a foodie. To me, when I think of a foodie I think of someone who eats things to impress others. I don't know why, it just is what it is. Also, I don't eat sandos, fro-yo, brekkie, and I wouldn't say "yummers" if you held a fucking gun to my head. I do love great food, and cook from scratch, so I am totally a nerd for food. I am most certainly not a foodie.
There are people who will call me when they are planning a dinner and say, "Hey Melanie, we're heading to San Francisco and we want to pay _____ and have _____ kind of food. Where should we go?" I have no idea how I became the authority on where to eat all over the state, but I like it and it's fun. For some reason I can do research and always end up at a place that is absolutely perfect for what we wanted to have that evening. Some people in town who make far more than I do, and have great taste, will be in a certain neighborhood and text me, "Hey! We're near Fruitridge and Florin and want lunch. Where should we go?" and I laugh and give them a few suggestions. So yes, I am DEFINITELY a food nerd. And I wear the badge with honor.
There is a Vietnamese restaurant I go to specifically for the spring rolls, one I go to specifically for the pho, one specifically for the banh mi. There used to be one that had passable soup and sandwich where I could go if I wanted both and not have to go two different places, but it's gone downhill. I know the Mexican place you should go if you want a torta, but it is not the place to go if you want a taco. You want chilaquiles? I can send you there, but don't get the aguafrescas there because you need to go to this other place for the best of those.
Sometimes I look back and think the reason I got so enthralled with Dave is that when I went to Oakland he was exactly the same way. He was like, "That truck has the best pupusas, but that other one has the best _____." I immediately felt a kindred spirit. I take my food choices VERY seriously. I also think that because I can actually cook, I am far more picky than most people. I know what good carnitas are supposed to taste like. Don't give me a dried out tamale with very little pork in it. If you have "burger" in the name of your establishment, your burger better be legit dammit.
I know that there are some people in my life that don't get it. They're like, "That place makes a perfectly passable ________." Umm, if I am paying you to make my food, passable doesn't cut it. Not at all. If I am paying you to make my food I better leave there with a smile on my face. Food is for nourishment but it's also one of my few vices so I want to enjoy every bite of a meal.
The Murder City Devils are playing in San Francisco next month. I immediately texted Suzie, my SF girl date galore, and told her if she got tickets I'd get dinner. I tried to call and book a place called State Bird Provisions, but Bon Apetit magazine named it the number one new restaurant in the country and totally spoiled any chance I have of getting in there any time soon. I tried to book Frances but their bacon beignet was just featured on a Cooking Channel show so that was screwed. I got us in to my third choice, AQ, which was named in the top ten new restaurants in the bay. It looks promising and I'm excited to go. It's not until December 21st. That's another thing about being a food nerd. I'm a planner.
I booked a nice dinner in Sacramento for Sean and I the 17th of this month at a restaurant I LOVE but it's spendy so I probably haven't been there in about six months. The owner is this awesome guy who is very in to sustainable and local foods. He also makes whimsical desserts based on movies like The Big Lebowski, or whatever season it is. I'm hoping for something cute and pumpkiny when we go. But I digress. I am most definitely one of the biggest food nerds I have ever met. But whenever I overhear someone saying, "I'm a total foodie" it makes me gaggy, and I have no idea why. Why do I care? I don't know, but I obviously do.
Happy picture of the day: JD Salinger. Because I could read his three books over and over and never get sick of them. Plus, how suave was he? Pretty damn suave.
Argh! You have me drooling! I forgot lunch today between going to vote and dealing with car issues. So I'm sitting here eating my crackers and almond butter, which is perfectly fine, and then I innocently read your post and now I'm yearning for something fabulous! At least I have a delicious spaghetti squash bake waiting for me for dinner :)
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to research something yummy for.our girl blogger weekend!
Today I had yogurt and flax seed for breakfast, I'm having 2 oz. of lunch meat, 2oz. of cheese and raw almonds for lunch, and a beet salad and garlic bread for dinner. Not all that exciting.
DeleteI will totally fin something awesome for us in Fargo.
foodie! such an obnoxious term!!!!!!
ReplyDeletei am very particular about almost everything in life (which i know can be annoying, but whaddya gonna do). if i am going out and paying for a meal at a restaurant or even a food truck, i want it to be awesome. amazing! one must take note of the good and bad and keep it for future reference!
i have friends that always want to meet at a mexican place called EL COYOTE. el coyote HAS THE WORST MEXICAN FOOD I HAVE EVER TASTED. i simply cannot stand it. true, they make an incredible margarita, but you have to down several of them before you can stomach their food. IT DRIVES ME CRAZY! i know many other great mexican restaurants, but they always want to go to the worst one ever. i just bow out when invited to this place. life is too short to pay for gross food!
Totally with you on all counts!
DeleteWhen I get asked to dinner I ask where they're going. If it's someplace I don't care for I tell them to have fun.
I occasionally end up yucky chain places with my dad but they foot the bill, and I don't spend much time with my folks so shitty food here and there so I can hang out with them won't kill me.
Your entry has made me very, very hungry, and all I want now is a burrito :D
ReplyDeleteHaha! I'm more a sope, huarache, or torts gal if I'm eating Mexican. Or a great street taco.
DeleteWhen I worked in Public Relations, I had to take a variety of people out to eat, as part of my job. (#1 reason why I loved my job.) But it became very tricky when I had to feed a very diverse group of people. Because of this, I am the one everybody calls, when they need a restaurant recommendation.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I am especially particular about ordering Italian food, since that's what I am. My mom can throw down better than any 5 star restaurant! We are so spoiled. My kids are like,"No way am I ordering that out. I'd rather call my nonna and ask her to whip it up." Which she will absolutely do, for her grandgirls, day or night, with joy.
It kind of feels nice though, doesn't it? I like being the one people call.
DeleteI am particular about EVERYTHING because I cook from scratch on a regular basis. The only food I haven't perfected is Vietnamese, and it's one of my favorites. Luckily, it's also the cheapest. :)
Ugh... Why did you mention pho and spring rolls? I'm really craving them now... But it snowed really hard over here and there's no way in hell I'm going to be able to get to any of the good pho places. :(
ReplyDeleteThe best pho in town is ten minutes from me. And it doesn't snow here. :P
DeleteI know...cruel.