I’m speaking with Fabio Parasecoli about his new book, Gastronativism: Food, Identity, Politics, at the Museum of the City of New York at a session chaired by Krishnendu Ray at 6:30 pm. Information is here and the ticketing link is here. This is a preview of the museum’s forthcoming exhibit, Food in New York: Bigger Than the Plate (opening September 16) and is co-presented by MOFAD (Museum of Food and Drink).
by Marion Nestle
Jan
8
2013
A Man. A Plan. Panamá!
On vacation in Panamá, I found few visible signs of food politics.
I had asked to visit the mountain site where genetically modified salmon are being raised in the mountains (see previous post). Not a chance.
This made me even more curious. I conducted an informal survey of every educated Panamanian I met:
- Are you aware that genetically modified salmon are being raised in your country?
- Do you care?
The answers: No and No.
I found only two exceptions: (1) a government official impressed by what he told me were five levels of security to make sure the fish don’t escape, and (2) an associate of the soon-to-open biodiversity museum (designed by Frank Gehry) who hoped that the museum could be a forum for such issues.
Both confirmed that the newspapers said nothing about GM salmon and that few people knew about them.
A chef’s reaction: Panamanian salmon! He couldn’t wait to get some.
But I did see this Christmas display along the Avenida Balboa.
The Coca-Cola banner also says Alcaldía de Panamá: trabajando para ti (Mayor of Panamá City: working for you).
Happy new year! Happy to be back.