u.s. dept of state diplomatic culinary partnership

[soupkitten]

on the one hand, wow. chefs have come a long way, from invisible servant to "chef ambassador." on the other hand, mike isabella as a pseudo- dignitary to turkey... really? (hey mike, please don't embarrass us as a nation by serving your famous pepperoni sauce to your muslim hosts) on yet another hand, it is hard to argue with the xi jinping/ming tsai anecdote-- food as a natural vehicle to convey respect and cultural common ground... very chowish.

interested to hear comments

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2012/09/197375.htm

http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2012/09/08/s...

[Veggo]

When I worked abroad for the Dept. of State in a narrow capacity, I ate and drank like a king. Almost every day. It was part of business.

[mucho gordo]

On my dime or some foreign dignitary???