Is There More to Life Than Food?
“There must be more to life than food and drink,” I thought to myself when I was diagnosed with a myriad of food sensitivities. After all, the goal of eating is to nourish our bodies, not to simply entertain our taste buds. We should focus on eating what is healthy and makes us feel better, rather than just what tastes delicious.
These ‘to die for’ foods that we can’t stop eating are contributing to a worldwide obesity epidemic. According to the World Health Organization, the number of obese adults has doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled. In 2022, one in eight people in the world was clinically obese.
There are so many things that can fulfill our lives — nature, work, helping others, and friends. We should draw satisfaction from these instead. With that in mind, I grabbed my computer and headed out to the patio to write this introduction to Utah Stories October issue. I brought along a cup of coffee with just a drop of cream and a piece of Milka chocolate I got from European Tastees. After all, a bit of coffee and chocolate will help me focus and make the work more enjoyable. My loyal dogs follow me to our little piece of nature, and as I see their eager faces, I head back to get them treats. Then we settle in and start working.
I finish my square of chocolate too soon and start daydreaming about the Chocolate Pots de Crème I recently enjoyed at Hatch Family Chocolates. It would pair perfectly with the slight bitterness of my coffee. And wouldn’t it be even better if someone made me a crepe?
Salt Lake Food Scene Changes
Salt Lake City has come a long way in the last three decades. Once known as a food desert famous for funeral potatoes, fry sauce, and pastrami burgers, the city was ranked 30th best foodie city in the US in 2022, according to WalletHub. We also ranked 24th for food diversity, accessibility, and quality. Interestingly, despite our predominant religious culture, Salt Lake City has more coffee shops per capita than any other city in the US.
Downtown Salt Lake City is home to over 60 bars and lounges, and we’re not just talking about places to grab a cheap drink. These establishments offer fancy meals and upscale cocktails. The city is also home to a surprising number of people whose job is to take pictures of food and share them with the world — a growing and lucrative profession. Some social media influencers, like Courtney Rich, have followings approaching celebrity status, with over 600,000 followers. Yet, I still wonder what the appeal is of scrolling through endless food pictures.
Indeed, there is much more to life than food. But there’s no denying that good food makes life more enjoyable. Visit Utah’s local food establishments and thank those who go to such great lengths to prepare it and make it special.
Bon Appetit!
Feature Image created using AI.
