WHEN DID FOOD GET SO FANCY-SCHMANCY?

By Mary Kennedy                       
                                                            
 I must admit, I'm a big fan of simple food. Pasta, fresh veggies, cheese and salads. I've noticed that lately restaurants are featuring foods that are way too fancy-schmancy for my taste. They're out of my comfort zone. I remember the "small plate" trend of a few years ago. As far as I could tell, you needed at least half a dozen of these to make a meal. Check out the plate below. My cat (actually any of my cats) would eat this in one gulp.                                                          I guess the idea is that just a taste should be enough, but seriously, it isn't! Of course, I guess that's the idea behind tapas, you order several little dishes.    And the latest trend for "vertical foods" drives me nuts. Why does anyone want their food arranged in a little mini-tower?                                                                I like to see what I'm eating!                                                                
Here's another example, I have no idea what this is!

                                                            
 I guess I'm not a "foodie," or I don't have refined taste, because I really like simple food, well cooked. Soups, stews, and of course, pasta.                                                                                                             How about you? Are you a fan of nouvelle cuisine or do you like the tried and true favorites? Inquiring minds want to know! Bon appetit, everyone! Mary Kennedy