[mudbug]

Speaking of favorite magazines, here's a new one some of you might be interested in checking out...

University of California Press is proud to introduce Gastronomica: The Journal of Food and Culture, beginning publication in February 2001. Combining a keen appreciation for the pleasures and aesthetics of food with the latest in food studies, Gastronomica is a vital forum for ideas, discussion, and thoughtful reflection on the history, literature, representation, and cultural impact of food.

In each issue you'll find:

Provocative Analyses - the latest interdisciplinary research from noted scholars that considers the relationship between food and culture throughout the world

Lively Features - from news to techniques, design to reviews, poetry to prose, Gastronomica presents a mix of articles and features by culinary professionals, historians, architects, photographers, poets, artists, and others

Sumptuous Images - photographs, illustrations, and art depicting the richness and vibrancy of food and our joy in preparing and consuming it

Issued quarterly, Gastronomica draws together a rich variety of academic investigations, accessible features, and gorgeous imagery - all focused on food as an important source of knowledge. The journal's wonderfully eclectic explorations of food as a serious art and as a vibrant, sensual experience provide a vital resource for anyone interested in the intersections of food, culture, and society.

Web Site: http://www.gastronomica.org/

[mudbug]

Papa,

Thanks for your input. On the contrary, I don't have an opinion of this periodical because I have never seen it. The description is a quote directly from their website...

[shroomgirl]

I've read the latest issue and there were articles on both sides of the GM issue. I chose to support sustainable agriculture, but also want to read the opposing arguments....for argument sake.....
I've found there to be a larger controversy now over larger companies going organic for the $ and trying to boot the small guys out of the marketplace....REALLY UGLY.

[Papa]

Dear Cchiu:

I have to agree with you that the presentation of Gastronomica is one of the best. I also have to congratulate the writers who contributed to the sample of the first issue that I received for their excellent writing skills.

Unfortunately, I do not share your enthusiasm about the magazine. I could say that this is an excellent example of the cover being great but the soul being poor. The following will explain the reasons for my disapointment from this publication.

I contacted Gastronomica four months ago because I wanted to place an advertisement in their first issue promoting my olive oils. They sent me a beautiful sample of what I should expect their first issue to look like. I called them back and I expressed my concern that out of the three stories they were presenting, one was about promoting fast food culture and the second was about promoting genetically engineered foods. I telephoned Gastonomica's marketing department and I asked if that was just an accident (that 66.66% of the stories presented were issues that I feel very strongly against) or if that was a reflection of the philosophy and principal believes of the publisher. Although the Gastronomica representative promised to respond to my concerns, I never heard from them.

I think it is important to hear both sides of a debate - how can we expect to offer an informed opinion if we are not informed. I think it is excellent if any journal takes food seriously - far too many food magazines today seem much too keen on promoting lifestyles or listing dozens of recipes you're never going to use instead of bringing up issues for reasoned debate. Like this organic thing is scary if the small guys are being driven out. The small guys only got started because "big agriculture" was ignoring customer opinion and giving us a whole bunch of chemicals we did not want or need in our food, just to help their bottom line.
Diversity in food and methods of production is the way will get a balanced diet - not over-processed pap. Anything that lets us look at the arguments rationally is to be applauded, although not having seen Gastronomica yet I don't know whether it has succeeded - is it available at the bookstall?

Everyone knows what the word "gastronomy" means, right? hehe, I know what it means since I tried to homeschool for gourmet cooking, but I wonder about everyone else. Tell me what it means, people! (hehe, never mind, I'm just teasing you all; I have a sense of humor and I often like to tease my friends, even my boyfriend!)

[Papa]

Dear Afra:

Gastronomy is one of the about 2,750 Greek words that are used in the English language. I guess that gives me an unfair advantage.

Gastronomy is actually two Greek words put together. "Gastro" means the stomach and "nomos" means rule or law. The Greeks put the two words together into one to describe the "art of good eating".

Ya, it also means, "The art and science of eating", Papa hehe That's what the school told me "gastronomy" means !hehe

[foodnfoto]

The latest issue of Saveur discusses the emergence of this new food perodical and recommends Gastronomica as a good read. I haven't read it, or even found a copy yet, but it looks interesting. Surprisingly, Westchester Co., NY has a dearth of good grocery stores or comprehensive book stores. You'd think with all the money up here that I wouldn't need to drive into Manhattan to find the stuff I need, but go figure....

[Papa]

Dear FoodnFoto:

I read that review too in the latest issue of Saveur. It was very complimentary of Gastronomica.

I like reading both sides of a story as well. My criticism of Gastronomica was based on a personal experience that I had with one of their representatives. She seemed way too eager to get hold of my marketing funds but not considerable enough to respond to my concerns. Again, this might have been an unfortunate encounter that I had with a member of their staff. I am willing to keep an open mind.

[foodnfoto]

Papa-I didn't know until today that Gastronominca was a new publication. I would chalk up that rep's response to their growing pains and ask to talk to the managing editor. Oftentimes, the managers of new magazines are as sure of themselves as young internet kind og weak on diplomacy and follow through.

[shroomgirl]

I can see the difference between reading and placing an ad...(in my mind that then is supporting the publication)....It's nice to read a food magazine with some depth to it.
I get really bored with much of the trite dribble published...or "soundbites for chefs" Most are written to a 5th grader's level.
my two cents...

[Nick.Shu]

so, like what would be the definition of a a "Gastronaut"?