My obsession with Food Network (and the many series it plays on repeat all day long) is a bit out of hand. It began last summer when I found Cupcake Wars on Netflix and finished the collection in less than three days.
From there, I found Guy’s Grocery Games, Everyday Italian, and, my absolute favorite, Pioneer Woman. It soon became very clear to me that this wasn't normal when I didn't change the channel on my TV for over a month. I mean, the fact that I know what a coulis is AND how to actually make it is a bit ridiculous — especially since I was absolutely clueless in the kitchen until about two years ago when college forced me to learn how to make more than just cereal and eggs. My vocabulary of food terminology is now quite extensive and honestly a little useless.
The terms I learn from the many series I follow are not words used in everyday conversation. I find that I am now highly critical of any food presented to me, whether it be a home cooked meal or a dinner from an expensive restaurant, I can always hear Bobby Flay or Giada De Laurentiis in the back of my mind, critiquing the presentation and the amount of salt. As if I wasn’t picky enough already, this “knowledge” makes going out to eat just that much more difficult.
There are a few really great things that have come from this new obsession, however. I have become so much more adventurous with what I eat, something I’m not sure anyone could have anticipated, considering my diet consisted of cereal and chicken fingers for the better part of my childhood. I love to explore new ways to make a meal different than before. This also saves me some dollar bills that I’m not spending at local restaurants for every meal. I also get to explore my neighborhood in the UES, especially when I have visitors because I either stumble upon a new restaurant or I’ve actually seen it featured on Food Network or on Facebook.
I often forget how unifying and relaxing a meal can be when shared with others. I often feel very wrapped up in school and work. It’s nice to take a moment to enjoy a meal with friends or family and remember what really matters (and no, it’s not the amount of salt.)
