Jul
10
Our Genetic Predisposition to Drink
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[Editor's note: From time to time leading up to the launch next month I may post stories here. This is one of those times.]
You may or may not agree with his politics, but George F. Will has some interesting things to say about one of our favorite beverages, beer.
In response to a piece in Investor’s Business Daily inquiring about the continued strength of beer sales in an otherwise slowing economy, Will writes that “[t]he development of civilization depended on urbanization, which depended on beer.” A fascinating thesis, and somewhat supported by Steven Johnson’s intriguing 2006 book The Ghost Map.
Jul
7
Welcome!
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Welcome to The Centre Gourmand! (You’re a little early, but welcome anyway!)
This site has been a long time coming. I began thinking about it over a year ago when I was considering moving back to Centre county for a job opportunity. I grew up in Centre county and always enjoyed my return visits. From the farmer’s markets in Boalsburg, Millheim, State College, and Bellefonte, to the various restaurants hidden away around the area, I was anxious to come back.
I originally envisioned writing a series of restaurant reviews after anonymously dining at various restaurants. In the year since I’ve been back in the area, I’ve dined out on occasion, but I’ve found myself cooking at home more often than not. Cooking is one of my passions, and I try to do it at least three nights per week. Some nights it is a simple pasta dish or even burgers or bratwurst on the grill, but there is always one overriding requirement: taste. If it doesn’t taste good, it simply cannot be fine dining. The essence of fine dining is enjoying good food prepared well. If you do that, taste will follow.
With that, a somewhat limited — but I hope enticing — insight into my culinary philosophy, I will welcome you to my site and bid you bon appetit!
