Eat Arkansas

Ah, yes. The "picture of health."

I know this is sacrilegious as a born-Southerner can get, but I don't even like barbeque. Not even occasionally.

Good uses for barbeque (sauce): one or two tablespoons in homemade chili. Esp. when you deglaze your cooking pot with beer. Glazing grilled chicken breast. That's all I've got.

JenJens, it's wonderful that you feel compelled to comment on the state of Southern food. Hats off to ya.

However, the good folks that run the Hickory House BBQ (like those who run Skip's on 43, which you also commented on) are good, honest folks trying to make a living. They provide a service in the community, by bringing yummy vittles to the table. These sort of restaurants function as the hub of a community -- a meeting place where even the most weary wanderer can come sit down, have a good meal, and share good times.

I admit, the food might not be the most healthy. But it is nourishing -- and in moderation, isn't going to do you any harm. If pointing out another family-run business worthy of a look-see is a crime, I'm guilty. Lock me up.

On the other hand, while you have a right to publicly ponder the "sinful" act of eating tasty food that might not have vitamin freaks and vegans lining up on the sidewalk, I also have the right to praise and laud American cuisine in all its guises. I don't hide behind a pseudonym, and the Times doesn't pay me to share my experiences at these restaurants. The restaurants themselves don't feed me for free -- I pay just like everyone else. And if I want to post something on my own blog (on a website for which I purchased the rights) and if the Arkansas Times staff sees fit to post a link to it on Eat Arkansas... I think it deserves a fair viewing for all readers who pass this way.

I notice you leave these comments on Eat Arkansas and not on Tie Dye Travels. Have you actually clicked through to READ about the restaurants you've eschewed?

For all other readers -- have a beautiful day, and hope you enjoy the article.

I still think that JenJens needs a chill pill or a medicine change. Enjoy the travel articles. It is great to see someone write about the folks that are out there that are off the beaten path. Dont let this negative nellie take away your good. Keep up the good work.

Why do I have the distinct feeling that JenJens is single and will remain that way for life. If a review of "unhealthy food" elicits this type of response, can you imagine what sort of response she has to normal day to day problems. If she does have a significant other, I feel sorry for that person. Kat, I love to read about your travels and look forward to visiting some of the off the beaten path restaurants that you visit.

"That's all I've got."- JenJens

Somehow, I don't believe that.

While we're piling up on Jen Jens, I can't resist the urge to jump in.

I concur with many of her opinions. Her favorite places to eat are uniformly excellent. I really wish I could find more healthy choices at area restaurants, and not just f*ing salads.

I, too, cook well and can usually cook a more healthy, tastier meal for less money than if I went out. I was a vegetarian for years. I've been a practicing omnivore for 20 years now, but I still don't have to have to eat meat to feel like I've had a meal- I may go for days without eating meat and not even notice. Enough about me.

JenJens won't win many (if any) converts to good nutrition or fine dining by posting her judgemental, sactimonious condemnations of everything that won't grace her plate. Opinionated is fine--this is a blog, after all-- but the didactic, know-it-all approach is beyond off-putting. It puts me (and apparently lots of other folks) on the defensive, even when I might be inclined to agree or appreciate some or all of her point.

Michael Pollen's books are among my favorites this decade. What's the best diet for human beings? See the thesis in Pollan's "In Defense of Food:" Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.

He nailed it.

Pollan is right, but we're also hard-wired to enjoy sugar, carbs, and fat. What's the most enjoyable meal? It's the one I just enjoyed, whether it's a taco stand burrito, rack of baby backs, or a veggie stir fry fresh from my organic garden seved on brown rice. The best wine is the one I happen to like, whether it's Post Muscadine or Opus 1. And when I fall short of what's "best," I'm fully qualified to realize it, cop to it and reap the consequenses.

But I may just enjoy it anyway.

And that's all I have to say about that. (Gump, Forrest)

Wow.

Since the theme of defense seems to be the new trajectory of this particular posting, here goes. Just because I don't embrace most of the types of food this blog usually trumpets doesn't make me unworthy of companionship (thanks, The Hog- how very kindergarden of you. Teacher says to stop crying because someone stole your Snak Pak at lunchtime- your Mom is on her way to pick you up from school). More importantly, it doesn't mean that I am not entitled to my own opinions, which are admittedly strong when it comes to food.

I shouldn't have to point out the obvious, but I am not attacking any ONE- I am only voicing an opposition to practically glorifying southern staples, which are TYPICALLY unhealthy. The food, fellow bloggers. THE FOOD ITSELF.

And for the record, Kat, yes. Yes, I have visited your blog, read your reviews. I've read about the bathrooms, the setting, the prices and the plates. Thanks for the newsflash, but I realize that you don't get free meals or reimbursement from the AR Times for contributing to this blog. I think it's fabulous that you have the opportunity to travel and write about your food finds. My two greatest interests in life: food and travel. Food is a way of life, a hobby, a passion, a form of art and clearly, a stimulating subject of debate.

And to Kat, everyone else, Mom, Dad, my 1st grade teacher and anyone else who feels compelled to reprimand me for not building a shrine to Peter Brave or for being perturbed by the endless of parade of unhealthy food lauded on this site, may I kindly point out your own glaring hypocrisy?

You judge me for my food sentiments, implying that I have no empathy or understanding for "good, honest folks trying to make a living." I mean, are you seriously pointing that out to me? The insinuations are so ridiculous, I can't even form a response to that.

And OF COURSE you have the right to praise all American cuisine and again, I have never uttered a single word about food being "sinful," but thanks a heap for shoving words in to my mouth.

Furthermore, I am not a "vitamin freak" or a vegan or a vegetarian, for that matter. I eat red meat and I love it (on occasion). I happen to love Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and we keep it stocked in our pantry. I eat the ever-loving sh*t out of it. Drunken Goat Cheese (goat cheese soaked in red wine, available at Kroger, so good, go buy it), Brie and any cheese for that matter are a particular weakness of mine and I would eat cheese even if my doctor told me I was lactose-intolerant. Coffee, coffee ice cream and cheesecakes are favorite, albeit rare indulgences, as well.

But gee, if someone had only suggested to look up the word "moderation" in the dictionary prior to this very moment in my life, I would have been so much better off. I owe everyone here a sincere debt of gratitude for all of the abundant insight and wisdom you seem to have gained into the deep fundamentals of the mind of someone whom you have never met.

In all seriousness, I truly appreciate Amanita's well thought-out, intelligent response; because I couldn't agree more, except to be clear, I'm not trying to win any converts. If my style of argument is off-putting, so be it. I find the repetition of barbeque, fried food, and homogenous new restaurant openings to be off-putting. People can choose to eat whatever the hell they want. And say whatever they choose to say. Including myself. This isn't the food blog for diplomacy. It's a public forum and I will continue to stay on the march for healthier eating habits. For the record, I always enjoy Jenny's submissions- interesting and creative recipes, gorgeous pictures and the like- Joel Di Pippa is always appreciated, too.

I am amazed at the tenacity with which you jump on the defense on this- the AR Times blog- home to many forcefully opinionated bloggers. But hell, what ever generates responses can only be a good thing. Even if it less about food and more about whining (minus you, Amanita) about someone's opinion.

JensJens (and Amanita), I am glad to see that you responded to Kat's comment. I read the initial comment and the response 3 times yesterday before I decided that I was too dim or too tired to understand what warranted such a sharp-tounged and erractic response.

I have never felt that JensJens has been malicious in his/her comments, and I find the comments refreshing, accurate, and sometimes informative. I welcome any discussion on Southern food and health, because it's a serious issue. You know you taught me how to start cutting down on the crap thrown into Southern classics? That's right, my Southern-born grandmother. And my Southern self is trying to continue to do these things, one less stick of butter at a time.

Please stop with the silliness, there was no personal attack on anyone's blog or on small-town stops. And before anyone starts attacking me personally, I'd like to say that I am Southern-born and bred, have lived further South than most folks in Arkansas, my accent is thick as mud, I do not live at home alone with 75 cats, and I fully intend on eating HALF of a cheeseburger tonight.

Cheers:)

While I never thought I'd come to JenJens defense while reading some of her previous postings, come on people. Sure I've gotten a little disgrunted (ok, maybe offended and furious are better descriptors) reading her diss food and restaurants that I consider heavenly, that's no reason to question her viability as a human being! I myself gave a scathing account of Leo's in a previous thread. She's simply bringing a different perspective to the blog. Yes, it can be perceived as rather condescending, and maybe it's not entirely bad to point it out. But if you don't agree with her, ignore her postings or state your opposing view, but there's room enough in the foodie world for all of us without getting nasty.

Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to go have a BBQ and fried catfish plate for dinner.

Thank you. Thank you, sfintherock for agreeing (for maybe the first time in the history of Eat AR) that health and southern food is a serious issue. Or that health in America is on the decline, in general.

And thanks to Mordy, too, for encouraging free and public debate. I know I have offended people many times over on this blog, but I suppose that's just the nature of my opinion.

So I think people should really, really care about what they eat, how they eat and where they eat it. So what?

At least we're talking about it.

I'll agree with you on the poor health of Southerners, but I think you're a freak for not liking barbecue. But that's another blog, another time:)

Sfinthrock:

First: may I applaud your ability to be frank and direct?

(Applause)

And secondly: Here's more fuel for the fire. I also hate (read: LOATHE) chocolate ice cream, (most) pies, (most) cake, anything that involves too much bread and don't even get me started on "American" "cheese." You could seriously wave a piece of that sh*t in front of my face and I would vomit on command.

Barbeque just... bleh. I can appreciate the brilliant spices and flavors that make the sauce so exciting, so maybe it's just the pork and the bread? I'm not sure.

My favorite types of barbecue are bunless. It seems that you have a general disdain for carbohydrates, and well, that makes me cry just a little bit. Then I remember that means there's more pie and bread for me, and I love you again, JenJens.

I'm with you 100% on the American cheese comment.

Ironically, you've flung a craving for barbecue on me, so I think I'll stop by the newly opened Bird Dog Cafe.

Keep commenting, JenJens, I always enjoy your comments!

I recently had a lunch catered by Whole Hog Cafe in North Little Rock. It was fantastic. I'm trying to eat more like JenJen's, so I skipped the bread and just had a little pile of the brisket. It was the best I ever had. The fat was all trimmed off and the oogie stuff between the grain of the meat was also rendered out. The meat was falling apart tender and fatless. I did try a couple of their sauces and liked them, but I like almost any BBQ sauce. The pulled pork and chicken looked like they were also devoid of fat,

There is now a Whole Hog in Fayetteville, and I plane to eat there soon, for my next splurge meal.