(Not shown Guy Fieri riding Paul Prudhomme as a bouncy ball)

Between the Simpsons and Ted Allens recent video mocking “Pretensions Foodie Bullshit” it is becoming clear that foodies may have crossed the line into obnoxiousland.

The very term has been debated and discussed buy such luminaries as Chris Onstad and Mark Bittman. (OK maybe calling Onstad a luminary is stretching it but Achewood is awesome)

For some,  foodie is definitively an amateur status, someone who not only likes to eat food, but desires to know more about the food they are eating and preparing.  As with any hobby, when someone gets to a certain depth of knowledge they can come across as a know-it-all jerk who sounds like they are talking down to you about their topic of choice. Though with more of a niche hobby you may not have as much opportunity to talk about it. I mean seriously how many casual conversations can you shoehorn your in-depth knowledge of insect reproduction into? Everybody eats though, so any time there is food in front of you, it can seem like an invitation to discuss your knowledge of that food. I find myself, (Hi I’m Mark and I’m a Foodie) thinking through my words before I comment on food to be sure I don’t come off like said know-it-all jerk. Sometimes it’s hard, especially when you have some pretty passionate ideas.

For others, foodie is a general term used to describe anyone, who is not a Chef, that has something to say about food. As Mark Bittman says, people with a demonstrated knowledge of food that were not chefs were referred to as gourmands or more simply food critics, but have now been lumped into the big foodie bucket. As a result professional food writers can be easily dismissed as “just another foodie.”

Particularly in today’s climate where food and politics are so closely intertwined it would be a disservice to all involved to disregard the writings of someone like Michael Pollan or Marion Nestle because of their perceived foodie status.

Not to say that Pollan and Nestle are necessarily correct but you can’t have an intelligent debate without both sides being well represented.

On the opposite side of the fence you have writers like B.R Meyers who have begun a Moral Crusade Against Foodies. Articles like this shine a spotlight on the complicated issues than surround food and the  culture of worship that has grown around it.

Food, like any seemingly simple topic that has experts involved, has become a difficult conversation to have in some circumstances. Who would have thought that in addition to religion and politics we might have to exclude food from polite dinner conversation.

Me I’ll take my dinner conversation with some locally raised, slowly braised pork belly with some roasted root vegetable puree.

Note from the Editor (Eick): We’re excited to share with you the first post from our newest writer…Andy! 

This week the colonel delivered a TKO on a China based fried chicken chain.

KFC took the breading gloves off and unleashed its own brand of elevens herb and spices of justice on the Beijing based Obama Fried Chicken.

OFC has been using a cartoon caricature of  President Barack Obama sporting suspenders and a bow-tie, which blatantly riffs on the iconic Colonel Sanders image that has become a staple of KFC branding, and at this point, Americana.  Some say it has taken it one step further, noting that it perpetrates a dated racial stereotype.

They’re also using the tag line “We’re so cool aren’t we?”  Which some say can be perceived as a sarcastic political statement towards the U.S. considering the President is front and center on their signage.

Of course I could be reading far too much into the selling of hot wings and things.

A spokesman for KFC who are said to be very displeased with this restaurant chain issued this statement:

We’re considering legal action as it is a knock-off and has nothing to do with us and it infringes on our brand trademark…We find it distasteful.’

Based in Beijing, OFC is a three store chain which serves up Chicken, fries and burgers.  It was incorporated by a trio of college students as a venture to help support their families. When contacted regarding the copyright infringement one of the co-owners, who came up with the logo cried oblivious to anything being wrong with the much maligned branding.

When word came that they could be besieged by the best fried chicken copyright lawyers on Earth, the owners quickly began changing the signage to UFO instead of OFC. Perhaps the chances of being threatened with legal action from E.T. seems unlikely?

There was hope that this quick fix may be perceived as an extended olive branch. However, it seems they have missed the main contention that KFC has. That being  the copyright infringing picture of the President which currently remains as part of UFO’s look.

It would be worth noting that KFC China had previously used an Obama look-alike to sell the USA brand in a commercial that aired on Television. So KFC appears to have no issue with linking the President to selling more Double Downs, just don’t mess with their iconic Southern Gentleman’s cache.

Update (from Eick): The site is subscription only, but the latest snippet from Shanghai Daily reads:

“Obama Fried Chicken,” complete with a cartoon of a smiling US President Barack Obama as its logo, has been shut by its owners

Hmmm…..

In the world of politics, people have long memories. This is an unfortunate fact for faux-presidential candidate Rick Perry, who is a master of making himself look like a first-rate boob.

Whether it be calling climate science a “contrived phony mess,” suggesting that Texas might secede from the US (which it legally can’t), or killing a rogue coyote with a laser-sighted pistol while exercising in his neighborhood (jogging holster, anyone?), “Rick Perry” and “good judgment” have never appeared in the same sentence.

Therefore, when I heard about a remark regarding barbecue that Perry belched out back in 1992 that has popped back on the radar – and opened an old wound in the swing-state of North Carolina – I took notice.

You see, they take BBQ seriously in the Tar Heel state.

As the story goes, upon tasting an eastern NC-based restaurant’s BBQ, Perry said, “I’ve had road kill that tasted better than that.”  (You can still hear the collective gasp pushing out over the Outer Banks.)

As the self-appointed embodiment of Texas, Rick Perry thinks that the only true form of BBQ come from beef.  Conversely, North Carolinians like their BBQ to come from pork.  Having lived in both locales, I can frankly say that Rick Perry lives up to his reputation, not only in picking the wrong smoked meat, but also for making his thoughts audible. For when you question NC BBQ, you question the hearts and minds of the state.

I know the beef vs. pork issue can be disputed (although it shouldn’t), but not Perry’s overall track record.  If only this candidate was as humble and unadulterated as tender, juicy, vinegar-based pulled pork, he might have a horse in this race – and frankly, that might be all he has to chew on back at his ponderosa when the country starts to take notice, that is, if he runs out of road kill.

What side of the fence are you on?  Beef BBQ? Pork?

I was recently reading about the action in Ames, Iowa, site of the every-four-year straw poll to determine the front-runner for the Republican nomination.  This year, the key factor that decided the event flew under the radar… it was the food (probably).

Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty was looking good at the start.  He brought in Famous Dave’s barbecue for his tent, and people were lining up.  Dare I say, but there was buzz in the air.  People wooed by the smokey siren song of pit BBQ were only too weak to file in in droves.  But then this tweet broke: “Crisis alert: Pawlenty tent has run out of BBQ. Repeat: no more left.”  Simple as that, with the disappearance of the food went Pawlenty’s chances in the race.  Empty chafing dish = poor decision-maker, no commander-in-chief potential.  He would pull out 24 hours later.

So who did that leave?  Minnesota Representative Michelle Bachmann.

Bachmann seized upon her opportunity, despite having food that was several rungs below the aforementioned candidate.  Bachmann had “giant corn dogs and trompe l’oeil ‘beef sundaes’ that consisted of a scoop of mashed potatoes topped with chunks of beef, a ladle of gravy and a cherry tomato.”  Perhaps it’s not a shock that she didn’t run out of food.  Seriously, beef sundaes?  I know this is America’s heartland, but this is the type of catering that brings in the swing voters?

Despite the questionable choices, Bachmann kept the deep fryers and ice cream scoops going, and managed to win the contest.  No word on what second-place candidate Ron Paul had in his tent, but you can be sure it was expressly authorized by the Constitution.

As for the dark horse, Rick Perry… he don’t need no stinkin’ tent.

The spot has been a favorite of Michelle & their daughters, who have been several times. However, the POTUS himself had yet to stop by, despite having twice visited Ray’s Hell Burger in Arlington. Obama ordered a regular cheeseburger, fries and a salad, while the table shared a round of milkshakes. No word on Obama’s favorite milkshake of the bunch, which wedge salad he ordered, or if he tried any of Good Stuff’s 4 dipping mayos. Good Stuff is already slammed every time I go in there anywhere near lunch or dinner hours, but this visit from the POTUS can only give the burger join more press as they prepare to expand to Crystal City and Georgetown.

Last May, So Good sat down for a 1/2 hour phone interview with Minnesota Governor, and 2012 Republican Presidential candidate, Tim Pawlenty.

“The biggest sandwich I ever ate? Probably about this big”

No matter what your politics, anytime you get a prospective Presidential candidate to sit down and talk to you exclusively on a subject matter like  food it’s going to make for an enjoyable conversation. This interview was no exception. Gov. Pawlenty was friendly, engaging and very open and candid about his eating preferences and preferred food policies.

In perhaps the funniest moment of the interview, I quizzed the Governor on what food(s) his wife wishes he ate less of. Expecting an answer based on health – i.e. not so many salty snacks, red meat, etc. I was holding back the laughter when he explained:

“It’s not so much what I eat, it’s sometimes the disgusting manner in which I eat it.”

Providing context, Pawlenty explains:

“She gets mad at me when… if I eat peanut butter – and if I eat it out of the jar that disgusts her – you know? I’ll take a spoon and eat some stuff out of the jar. She doesn’t like that at all, for understandable reasons…”

So Good also inquired about the popularity of Michelle Obama’s organic vegetable garden, quizzing Pawlenty on if  he would keep it were he to become President. Expressing a preference for a garden on the White House grounds, he explains he has maintained a garden of his own in the past and finds incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into cooking “a real joy.” But when asked if he would keep the garden organic?

“As to organic, I’m not real hung up on the organic vs. chemical thing. I’ve always used fertilizer, I use fertilizer on my lawn, I’ve used fertilizer on my garden, so I would not require it to be organic.”

Keep reading for Pawlenty’s thoughts on food politics & policy, his fast food preferences while on the road, his love of spam and the So Good “quickfire” round.

Knowing it can be hard to eat healthy  on the campaign trail, So Good asked about Pawlenty’s strategy for doing so. Admitting he has “no particular strategy” he says he tries to eat healthy and watch his fat and salt intake on the road…but it never works out that way, adding, “it gets to be disgusting.”

“We have become, unfortunately, during the campaign season, fast food aficionados. It’s unhealthy, but I have to say, I do like it.  We were at Arby’s this afternoon and had the super potato cakes…not bad.”

Asked his favorite fast food to eat while on the road, Pawlenty mentions three different chains that made the Elite 8 of So Good’s Fast Food Bracket.  A few years ago his answer would have definitely been Taco Bell, but lately he’s been most enjoying eating at Arby’s, even giving a sure-to-rapidly-increase-business-immediately shout-out for its “Five-for-Five” deal.  I guess I need to move to middle America and find these quality Arby’s locations, because Arby’s Final Four finish in the Fast Food Bracket and the Governor’s ringing endorsement flies in the face of my long and storied disgust for Arby’s.  Not to forget another road food he enjoys, he also threw in a shout-out for KFC’s chicken strips with honey mustard. Mmmmm…..honey mustard.

Our conversation  included an in-depth discussion about a Minnesota institution and a food that Gov. Pawlenty loves to rep: Spam.  The Spam museum is located in Austin, MN and is a place you “absolutely should visit.” For Pawlenty, the delectable meat is at its finest when, “cooked on a really hot grill or frying pan with lots of butter. Flash fry it until it gets a buttery brown outside and then serve it as a sandwich on a good sourdough or Texas toast.”

Proving his knowledge of Spam is no talking point, I pressed him on what this  “mystery meat” contains and how it’s made. He didn’t hesitate to declare that it is not, as many people think, made with “leftover parts.” Spam, he asserts, is made from “pork shoulder, ground and crushed up with some spices.” Much to my amazement, Spam is actually packed into its can, THEN cooked, while still in its final packaging.  Hmmm…that kind of sounds the opposite of appealing. But hey, at least I’m learning something.

So Good also asked the Governor to make some quick, on his feet judgment calls about his food preferences and food policy positions in the So Good Quickfire Round:

• What do you call it, sub, hero, hoagie or grinder? Sub
• Coke or Pepsi? Coke
• PB&J or grilled cheese? PB&J
• Ketchup or mustard? Ketchup
• Lemonade or Iced Tea? Lemonade
• Doughnuts or Bagels? Dougnuts
• Favorite Foods? Pasta, Mediterranean
• Favorite or best dish you cook? Spaghetti Carbonara
• Weirdest food eaten at MN state fair? Bacon dipped in chocolate
• Soda/junk food tax? Oppose
• Mandatory nutritional menu labeling in restaurants? Oppose

On the topic of obesity, Pawlenty  “applauds anyone” who makes an effort to educate people about eating healthier and exercising, but opposes “government mandates” and “micromanaging” of people’s lifestyle decisions, adding that we don’t need a “nanny state” on the subject of food.  In short, Pawlenty wants more information in the hands of consumers and supports voluntary efforts to do so, but opposes any sort of soda tax or menu labeling.  He defends this position by noting that OF COURSE consumers know sugar is bad for you, fat is bad for you and that a double bacon cheeseburger is bad for you.  However,  people are going to eat these things even when they are aware they are unhealthy simply because they taste good.

Well So Good readers, what do you think of Gov. Pawlenty’s thoughts on food, food policy and eating on the road? More importantly, did you enjoy this interview, and if so, would you like to see So Good attempt to start a series of candid interviews with prospective 2012 Presidential candidates?

Now obviously this is supposed to be Obama. Duh. Besides the change banner behind him, this guy looks A LOT like him. Which makes me wonder, is this an actor, or is this one of those high-tech computerized creations designed to look just like Obama? Check out the full 10-second commercial for yourself:

As many careful readers know, we here at the So Good HQ closely track affairs of state – especially when they involve food.   Regarding the current administration, we have covered Obama’s every bite from his first meal in office to his ridiculous birthday cake.   Despite being in office for two years, the president hosted just his third state dinner this past Wednesday, with the guest of honor being President Hu of China.  As you can see from the offerings below, is was very much an American meal – meat/potatoes/apple pie – perhaps at Hu’s request, since he probably wants to see what he’s getting for his money.

THE MENU

First
D’Anjou Pear with Farmstead Goat Cheese Fennel, Black Walnuts, and White Balsamic

Second
Poached Maine Lobster
Orange Glaze Carrots and Black Trumpet Mushrooms
Wine: DuMol Chardonnay “Russian River” 2008 (California)

Lemon Sorbet

Main
Dry Aged Rib Eye with Buttermilk Crisp Onions
Double Stuffed Potatoes and Creamed Spinach
Wine: Quilceda Creek Cabernet “Columbia Valley” 2005 (Washington State)

Dessert
Old Fashioned Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream
Wine: Poet’s Leap Riesling “Botrytis” 2008 (Washington State)

Does anything on the menu surprise you?  For me it was the double-stuffed potatoes, which I’m sure were delicious, but seem a little informal for the occasion.  They were probably intended to be a good metaphor for the American physique.

H/t to Huffington c/o the AP for the picture.  And for those craving an exclusive Obama foodie experience, check out the blog Obama Foodarama.  There’s niche, and then there’s niche.

The latest initiative by Ben & Jerry’s, announced in February, is that the company plans to be fully fair trade by 2013. What this means is that any ingredients used by Ben & Jerry’s that can be purchased through fair trade sources (not all foods/ingredients can or need to be fair trade sourced) will be.  The company uses 121 chunks and swirls and 11 base ingredients, and they have pledged to change any vendor agreements necessary to ensure that by 2013 those ingredients will be fair trade. Across the pond they are even further ahead of the game – all Ben & Jerry’s ice cream produced in Europe will be fair trade by the end of 2011. The company has set up a page on its website in order to promote this new initiative.

I myself am a big supporter of fair trade – just slightly higher payments to farmers can make a huge difference in their lives. However, as a blogger, I have to think about the average consumer. Many consumers don’t give a hoot where the ingredients in their food come from, they are concerned primarily with taste and affordability. With this in mind, I asked some tough questions of the Ben & Jerry’s team – how much would this raise overall production costs for the company? Would this mean an increase in the cost of a pint for the average consumer? What is the net price increase that would need to be implemented for the company to maintain the same profit margins they currently have? Members of the Ben & Jerry’s PR team were emphatic that this wouldn’t result in higher prices, and the company was ok taking smaller margins on each pint sold in order to contribute to the greater good. I was a little skeptical, but this message was re-emphasized when we met THE Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, and Ben stated:

Buying cheap materials abroad to sell products at home for a high profit margin is unethical and unfair.  What may just be a few pennies to us makes huge differences abroad.  We want people to understand that you can make a decent profit and still pay decent prices to your suppliers at the same time.

Ben & Jerry themselves, although removed from the day-to-day operations of the company, still serve as symbolic figureheads with an active interest in the way the company is run, and they stated strongly their belief that the company’s shareholders would be willing to accept slightly lower profit margins in order to advance the overall fair trade goal.

What do you think So Good readers? Do you care about fair trade? Do you ever actively try and buy fair trade products? What is the maximum price difference you’ll pay in order to support fair trade products? What do you think of this decision by Ben & Jerry’s and how it might affect other companies?

Also, tune in next week for a Ben & Jerry’s fair trade giveaway, where you can win 6 months worth of free ice cream!