Why “Thinking Man’s Kitchen”? At the simplest level, it was a name that popped into my head as I was trying to come up with a website name, and it turned out that the domain name was available at a cheap price. So, I went with it.
On a deeper level, though, it is a name that came to me as I thought about the things I like to do, the things that are important to me, and the things about myself that I actually like.
I like to cook. Specifically, I like to cook for other people, particularly those whom I love: my wife, my children, step children, and the grandkids; my siblings, although the opportunities are unfortunately rare these days; and my friends. Although this is true and high-minded sounding, it is also true that I am a cooking whore. I will cook for anyone who I think will appreciate it and give me the feedback and instant gratification to which I am addicted.
I liked the way we were able to eat, when we lived in Southern California. We had a choice of five or six Certified Farmers Markets, on various days of the week, all within 20 minutes drive time or less from our home. Most grocery stores have significant varieties and quantities of organic products, as well as non-GMO (I’ll write about my views on this sometime; I have mixed feelings), and sustainably- and humanely-raised options. Whole Foods Market wasn’t our only choice for these types of food products.
Our eating and food shopping habits are much the same in Southern France. Every town or village has at least one street market, although these are not really “farmer’s markets” and have more limited quantities of organic or “Bio” foods. Of course, there are some differences in the varieties of products that are available, but not as much as one might think. There is much to research, experiment with, and write about here.
I like the whole science-technology-medicine-health-fitness thing. I love to read about space shots, physics, autonomous cars, DNA mapping, gut biomes, healthcare systems, exercise, diet and nutrition, and the latest studies and discoveries regarding any of these and more. I have been an avid user and early adopter of Apple’s computers, tablets, phones, and services since the late 1980s. I’m not a zealot; I just like the toys, and I like learning abut them. Recently I’ve started playing with home automation (still very frustrating).
We like to travel. Separately or together my wife and I have been to all of the 48 contiguous states, 13 European countries, Mexico, Canada, and several of the Caribbean islands. We travel to explore the geography, history, architecture, art, culture, and the food of familiar and unfamiliar places.
So I plan to write about these things. At first it will be mostly about food and cooking, but I hope over time to share my interest in all of the other areas I mentioned. I hope you enjoy my ramblings.
Finally, a little disclaimer: Nothing you read or see here should be construed to be me telling you how you should eat, exercise, shop, live, think, or anything else. I write about what works for me; YMMV. I am certainly not qualified to give advice to others about anything except maybe some areas of technology and science. Also, you will see ads on this site. These should not be interpreted as product or service endorsements from me.