After reading all of the pieces, I would say that there is basically one, overarching theme that is consistent throughout. The specific structure seems to consist of: a little bit of backstory, sometimes pertaining to the author’s previous experience or maybe even just backstory that surrounds the idea or the main dish that the author is planning to talk about, a connection between those aspects and the main theme (or recipe), the actual recipe itself, and a conclusion. The conclusion usually consists of something that the author has drawn or taken away from the recipe and the backstory + the new previous experience. Although each chapter is different and holds different conclusions, I found the overall structure to be very present, at least most of the time. The only reason I even thought to bring up this subject is because we will be writing reviews in the future. I guess I’ve never really read food reviews before? Besides of course, on Yelp and right before I pick which restaurant I will be eating at, and I doubt those hardly count; an explanation of what kind of food is on the menu, what number did customers rate the food, what number did they give the service, and usually a cute little story about how their child said his/her first words at the restaurant, or how Grandma is an extremely picky eater and only likes that specific restaurant’s spaghetti and meat sauce.
I didn’t know that so much went into a review. I thought you simply explained the taste and how it compared to other places. But, I really have begun to appreciate all of these pieces throughout the book, especially how magical and meaningful some of them are. I enjoyed reading these pieces because I was easily able to tell how much passion the author had for the food or backstory in which they were talking about. I loved “The Secret Ingredient” the most, for how special and unique it was. I got the sense that Fisher was taking an almost childlike concept, but made it beautifully written and not childlike at all. I know that was a really confusing statement, I hope that it made a little bit of sense. I can understand why the entire book is named after this piece.
Abby, your observation that there is a basic structure to almost all of the readings is very perceptive. I did not notice this trend but I think you are correct. I have been trying to take note of anything that will be helpful for the food review we will have to write because I also have no idea how to write a food review. I agree that the pieces that we read were much more enjoyable to read if there was passion throughout the piece. Perhaps it is important to show passion in our own food reviews.
ReplyDeleteAbby,
ReplyDeleteI can also understand why the book was named after "Secret Ingredients," as that was also my favorite essay we read. I've also had similar experiences with reviews. I use Yelp occasionally before I go out to a place I've never been, and the reviews are definitely less than professional. I think reading these pieces and having to write our own will really open our eyes to the world of real food critics.
Abby,
ReplyDeleteI think it's incredibly useful to analyze the structure of these pieces. You're exactly right: while each piece deals with a different cuisine, the basic format of the restaurant review is the same across the board. This will be very valuable for writing our own reviews!
Abby,
ReplyDeleteYes, I liked Fisher's works too. I know what you mean in "childlike". In this part Fisher is completely captured by the seacret ingredients, like a child. Her emotion changes very much corresponding to Bertie's acts. But she describes them beautifully and maturely, so we don't think it is awkward. This work is written in a childlike rich sensibility and muture expressions, maybe this is the reason we are attracted.
Abby, I didnt notice the similar structure in all the essays, boy now, thinking about it, it is completely true. I appreciated these essays too because they not only talk about food itself but everything that surrounds it and that make the pieces more valuables. I liked your perception.
ReplyDeleteAbby, I didnt notice the similar structure in all the essays, boy now, thinking about it, it is completely true. I appreciated these essays too because they not only talk about food itself but everything that surrounds it and that make the pieces more valuables. I liked your perception.
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ReplyDeleteAbby,
ReplyDeleteNow that I have read your response, I can see how there was a basic structure to these chapters and reviews. They are definitely much more professional, thought-out, and insightful than reviews found online, and I think the stucture has a lot to do with this, as well as the fact that the authors are experienced. I also loved the Secret Ingredient piece. I agree it was almost childlike and I could relate to it.
Abby,
ReplyDeleteWow thanks for breaking down the structure you've noticed in our text. For whatever reason, I have not thought to do the same. I do appreciate how you noted that these essays, while talking about food, were simultaneously talking about emotions or experiences that went further than how the food tasted. That's something to think about also, as we start to write our own reviews: how our experience is impacted yes by the quality and presentation of the food, but also by the atmosphere and sense memories we encounter.
Thanks!
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