Cultural Food Assignment

Choose one of the following fieldwork assignments. Complete the assignment as indicated and construct a well- written essay that is minimum of 500 words discussing your assignment findings. Answer all questions found within the option of your choice, and make sure you are detailed in your responses. 

There is often a particular dish that is a favorite in a family. Where did this come from? Whose recipe is it? Why is it important? What are the ingredients? What is the method? How is it served? When is it made? Is this a written recipe, or made from memory? Interview a family member about the recipe and its significance. If possible make the recipe yourself and reflect on the significance of this enculturation. Explore the importance of this recipe for you and your family, and when you would eat it together. You will need to describe your family background, and briefly note the occasions when the recipe is used. Must attached family recipe (does not contribute to minimum word count).

Think of the politics of food advertising—remember someone is trying to convince you to eat their product, by making appeal to health, nutrition, price, nostalgia—through some means. Take your local newspaper and look at the food advertising contained in adverts and flyers. What messages are being communicated? Are certain foods advertised to attract different age groups, genders, ethnic groups? What tells you this? Do some carry misleading messages? Do they suggest a certain lifestyle, health benefit? Are they convincing? Must include 3 cited sources (within your essay and on a seperate works cited page).

This is not about writing a critical review of a restaurant. Instead, it is about giving you the opportunity to go and taste the cuisine of another culture. You should choose a restaurant providing a style of food you have not tried before. Do some research into the cuisine, so that you begin to learn the standard dishes, and styles, and then compare your research to the real thing. You can explore this form of culinary tourism with a friend, if you wish, and you may include their experiences and thoughts. You will need to draw upon the characteristics of cuisines, notions of authenticity, and domestication. You may write about the cuisine your presentation will be focused on. Must include at least 5 pictures of the restaurant and the food you tried (can attached seperately or place within your essay).