Backstory: Southern discomfort food (Food Nazi Alerts

Yahoo! News ^ | 2/6/06 3:00 AM | Patrik Jonsson

[andie74]

At the Autagaville Cafe, a cinder-block restaurant in the heart of the Black Belt, Mary Wright shrugs off the food controversy, too. "No matter what we do, we're all going to leave here one day, so we might as well go happy and full," she says.

Preach it, sister. Moderation is the key to everything.

[Gordongekko909]

I've said this before, and I'll say it again: if anyone tries to take my boudin away, they'd better come armed.

[tet68]

In this historically poor region, food became entwined not just in stories of survival; it became a symbol, to some, of white persecution of blacks. The coining of the term "soul food" in the 1960s was a way to separate foods that originated with slaves and indigenous people from "plantation food." "What we may be seeing today in some African-American responses [away from Southern food] could be influenced by a pejorative association to a plantation diet," says Mr. Edge.

"And you know what I mean." Said Mr. Edge.

[hispanarepublicana]

I'd rather live 60 years eating Southern food and drinking beer than 90 years eating Sushi and drinking green tea.

[andie74]

and increasingly controversial in a health-conscious age.

I am so proud to know someone who is so controversial. But wait...it's low-carb. I think you're safe.

[andie74]

Can I steal that as my tagline?

[hispanarepublicana]

Feel free. I've got to go eat now.

[starfish923]

At the Autagaville Cafe, a cinder-block restaurant in the heart of the Black Belt, Mary Wright shrugs off the food controversy, too. "No matter what we do, we're all going to leave here one day, so we might as well go happy and full," she says.
Preach it, sister. Moderation is the key to everything.

You said it.
So is exercise. It lets one indulge every once in a while.

[andie74]

Life without indulgence would be...well, rice cakes, sushi, and green tea.

[Gordongekko909]

Actually, it's got rice. And it's traditionally eaten with crackers. Carbs GOOD!

It's also eaten with cracklins,

which are fried pork skin. And don't forget the beer. Preferably Abita.

[Gordongekko909]

Hey, I likes me some sushi. Mmm, octopus.

[Smokin' Joe]

The irony is that "plantation' cooks were commomly black, and the white folks ate much of the same fare.

The biggest difference today, if anyone cared to look, aside from metabolic variation, is likely found in the level of physical activity, the lack of which transcends racial boundaries.

I have to put another checkmark on the war against things 'Southern', though. Tobacco, the flag, the food, the history, and if you go up North, even the accent and the language.

[andie74]

That sounds like something I'd like to try.

As for the sushi, well, I'll admit that I like rare ahi tuna, but that is as adventurous as I get.

[patton]

I really miss southern food.

Of course, I also miss korean food.

Bipolar, I guess. LOL.

[CajunConservative]

I will join you in that battle! Actually boudin isn't that bad health wise. Boudin Balls on the other hand. ;)

Southern/cajun food can be made a bit more healthy without hindering the flavor. I modify things all the time.

[AnAmericanMother]

Dammit, there aren't any "chitterlings" at the Varsity. It's a hamburger joint on North Avenue in Atlanta, and what they serve is dogs, steaks (burgers), and BBQ sandwiches. Rings or fries on the side, you can get a pimiento cheese or chicken salad if you insist, and the thing to drink is an "F.O." (Frosty Orange). It IS cholesterol city, but it isn't soul food.

And, Mr. Jonsson, you ain't from 'roun' here, is you? It's chitlins, nobody but Damyankees says "chitterlings".

I hate it when reporters don't research their stories.

[Gordongekko909]

There's only one place to get it, and that's Louisiana.

And there's only one area in Louisiana to get it, and that's Acadiana.

And there's only one city in Acadiana to get it, and that's Lafayette.

And there's only one place in Lafayette to get it (well, actually it's right outside of Lafayette), and that's Best Stop.

I'm very specific about my Cajun food.

[stboz]

Chitlins....it's what's for lunch.

[Gordongekko909]

I had Boudin Balls once. It was in Houston, but it was Cajun owned and operated.

I swear, I could hear my arteries clogging up.

And since it seems that I've completely hijacked this thread anyway, why not fire off the Louisiana ping?

[CajunConservative]

Korean food is good. I love the BBQ and some kimchee. It's kinda soul food or should I say Seoul food. lol