Ryan Should Learn to Wash Dishes Honestly

 

Recently Paul Ryan, the Republican nominee for Vice President of the United States, chose to stop at a Youngstown, Ohio charity food kitchen run by the Mahoning County St. Vincent De Paul Society to show his support for the poor and wash some dishes.

Only there was one problem with his visit, one which was quickly spotted by members of the Hospitality Industry as they viewed the photo-op images his staff quickly released, as seen in these photos...

 

• Ryan is not wearing protective sanitary gloves.
• The sinks are not full of soaking water or any water.
• The dishes look amazing clean for ones that have just come from food service.
• No center kitchen staff seems present.
• Soap is being poured from a large container, not into waiting water, but onto a sponge.
• And who, washing dishes, wears an expensive watch? 

Any doubts members of Industry might still have that something about these photos just don't (pardon the pun) hold water, were confirmed when Brian J. Antal, president of the Mahoning County St. Vincent De Paul Society, later told shock reporters (all of whom had been restricted from the 'wash-up), that:

• Ryan did NOT pre-arrange to visit the Center.
• His staff only gained entrance to the empty and very clean kitchen by persuading a confused staff member to let them in. 
• The Mahoning County St. Vincent De Paul Society does NOT support any political party or point of view. They have been and always will be a non-political organization serving all in need no matter their faith or political party.

In short, the photos released of Ryan's 'good deed' were a partisan hoax, staged by his political team to project an image that, at its best, was not honest.  

What is honest is the wonderful work done the many organizations founded by St Vincent de Paul. This great man, who many consider a saint, dedicated his life to helping the poor and to reminding those blessed with wealth and power that they had a great responsibility to others less fortunate and in need.

This great lesson of true and honest commitment, rather than simply exploiting others, is something Ryan should perhaps learn from Father Vincent and then wash some dishes honestly.

 Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012 

Baby Tryouts for Future Chef Positions

Every once in a while there is a video that surfaces on YouTube that is just too cute not to share. Check out these babies tasting a lemon for the very first time. Can you spot which ones will be future chefs?

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012  

When Coffee Becomes Art

Many years ago, while in a small Italian cafe, I had a cup of coffee so delicious I had, like a tourist, to ask the name. With a smile, the waiter soon brought a small silver can to my table, enscribed with bold red lettering, labeled "Illy".

It has been my favorite coffee ever since. To my delight, this fine coffee is now enjoyed around the world. For you see, Illy has made enjoying a cup of coffee as memorable as this elegant ad aired in Hong Kong.

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012  

French Dinner Rhapsody Is All About Food and Family

French Dinner Rhapsody or, more correctly, Rhapsodie pour un Pot-au-feu, is a charming short animated film about an average French family getting ready for their nightly meal together - no snacking allowed, please!

Created by Charlotte Cambon, Soizic Mouton, Stéphanie Mercier and Marion Roussel, we meet the whole family, starting with mother who shops daily for the freshest ingredients.

Then there is dear grandmama, who can't help tasting and adding her touch to every cooking pot. After all, she's been cooking (and tasting) longer than any one else there. Respect, respect.

Dishes and linen are, but of course, required but not the son's cell phone - not at the table, thank you. One must have standards!

Our only regret on viewing is that we can't enter the film and join in this very French feast of food and family, for la 'Joie de Vivre' often seems forgotten by so many these days. In short, we often miss the magical music of a life joyfully lived amidst the wonder of the common everyday.

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012 

Wine Spectator App Now on iPhone and iPod

Finally! Wine Spectator has just released their WineRatings+ app for all of us who cannot live without our iPhones and iPods. 

The new app offers both a mixture of free and premium (yes you pay) but it's worth it content.

For you see, Spectator's helpful new app includes over 270,000 insightful reviews with famed ratings and expert tasting notes, supportive articles and videos as well as detailed vintage charts that all in all cover 55 of the world's leading wine regions and grape varieties. 

Such an array of information should definitely improve wine selection and encourage new discoveries for everyone from guests to sommelier. 

You can also easily mark your favorite wines and then share the info with your family and friends. Not a bad bargain for $2.99 USD.

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012