When I was growing up in San Diego, we rarely walked to a good restaurant. I lived in a suburban area; there were none nearby. Instead, we sat in our cars, drove fifteen miles, and searched for parking. The five-minute walk toward the destination was considered a defeat: “I had to park three blocks away!” … Continue reading »
Category Archives: Food Writing
Street Food
Apparently, Senegalese street food pales in comparison with what is available in other West African countries. But we have to make do with what we have. Here, a random sampling of things I encounter on the streets in Kolda. I never discovered the rich, complex taste that mayonnaise is supposed to have until now. Homemade … Continue reading »
Ramadan via Food Porn: My Unlikely Discoveries About Homesickness and Desire
Ramadan started last week. As you probably already know, Ramadan is a time of fasting and contemplation, a time when denying yourself your physical needs brings you to a higher level of spirituality and compassion for those who do not have enough to eat. Indulgence of any type is discouraged, which is probably why my … Continue reading »
A Food Diary
Here are 7 photos. One week’s worth of lunches. Depending on your point of view, this may look varied, or monotonous. My host mother is an excellent cook. Continue reading »
Mutton Dibi and Candied Macadamias: A Holiday Food Memoir
The overarching motive of my work as an urban agriculture volunteer is food security. Mirroring that is the overarching theme of my daydreaming: food. Food that I cannot have. Food that I could buy in the market here and transform into something familiar. I should say that I’m disgusted with myself that in my work … Continue reading »
