Food Wars

The one thing I didn't expect to adjust to here would have to be FOOD. Who knew?
Not only is the food different, but the attitude toward it and the way it is consumed are opposite of what I've grown up with.
That is to say, in New Orleans, the motto is, "Others may eat to live, but we live to eat!" And proudly said at that. If there is a salad to accompany pork laden red beans and rice, it's probably some iceburg lettuce topped by a tomato slice and drenched in Italian dressing. At least that's how they would serve it at the school cafeteria.
And pity the soul who doesn't know the basic Louisiana staples: Gumbo, dirty rice, jambalaya, the red beans and rice already mentioned, which could also be any type of bean known to man, potato salad and fried chicken. Of course the more advanced cooks, i.e. moms and dads with grown kids, expand on this basic repetoire. And can be counted on holidays/social events to contribute their personal specialties.
In Cali, eating is just a nuisance to be dealt with quickly. A growling stomach is to be shushed with the utmost efficiency in order to get to more important things, like surfing...Ok not completely fair. Maybe mountain biking or kayaking, or just plain hiking.
Back home, cooking is a celebration of life-bringing family and plain ol' hungry folks together. I remember going to my grandparents' house on Sunday afternoons. Some food was always offered, even if it was bread and butter or fudge. And to my poor mother's consternation, I very much preferred "ma-ma's" cooking to hers. She marveled that I suddenly was starving as soon as we pulled up to their house, when I refused dinner at home! Eventually, she went on an, "I'm not cooking for this family anymore" strike. The results of which I can't really remember. What a shock to come out West and be invited to peoples' homes! You may be offered a drink and a snack, but God help you if you're hungry! I soon learned to eat before social gatherings out here, unless it's a barbecue. Even then, I may eat lightly before, because food is sometimes a long time in coming. I remeber one of my first visits in Cali. I went immediately into the kitchen to see what was on the stove. Ah, nothing. I soon felt very akward, as if I was a snoop. The hostess kindly escorted me to the counter where coffee was provided. Yum yum...
Cooking traditions also allow the older generation to pass down their knowledge and wisdom to us younger women;Known as keeping the culture alive. After expressing my ignorance in frying chicken, an older church friend of mine offered to spend an afternoon teaching me how to cut up, season, and fry a bird. No small offer from an experienced woman known in the church as a good cook-whereas her peer group of other experienced church ladies tasted and approved of her delicacies-by passing muster at church events.
All this is not to say Cali eating doesn't have its fine points. I've never had such an appreciation for fruits and vegetables-or such a variety! It's just different. Whereas Louisiana culture emphasizes community through eating, Cali emphasizes togetherness in other ways...namely wacky juvenile games I have never heard of and can't recall at the present time.
C'est la vie! Or even better, "Laissez la bon temps roulez, California!" And pass the salad dressing!