One thing I learned when I first started riding a bike competitively, about 25 years ago is, it's not so much the quantity of the miles you ride, it's the quality of those miles.
The problem is, I see too many people adhering to just the opposite.
I see them at the gym all the time, people getting on the exercise cycle or treadmill, and then reading a book or magazine while they pedal or walk, both at very slow speeds. I could no more read a book or magazine when I exercise, than I could walk on water. Sure it may be better than sitting on the couch at home and doing nothing, but I still wouldn't call that exercise.
And as far as I'm concerned, the same goes for food and eating.
Every since going to France, several years ago, coupled with my love for the Food Network (especially Iron Chef America), I have gained a greater appreciation for how food is prepared and presented. I no longer care how much food is on my plate, more importantly it's how the food is prepared, presented, and of course how it tastes.
Last night was a good example of such a meal. We went to the Riviera at the Fireside for dinner with some friends. Now at one time, I may have considered this a great restaurant, but now it's just not what I want when I go out to eat.
I had Duckling a "L" Orange which was OK, but far from great. The plate consisted of a leg and a breast, bones included, and some rice and vegetables tossed on the plate. There was absolutely no thought to the plating. At least they could have deboned the duck, making it easier to eat. (You can read my entire review of the restaurant over at LA Wine Blog.)
The only reason I still enjoyed the meal, was the company of good friends, and the bottle of 2003 Laetitia 'La Colline' Pinot Noir, which I brought from home. It was one of the best pinot noir's I've had in a while.
Now if everyone in the US could only take a lesson from a competitive cyclist about exercise, and adopt the same attitude towards food, as those in France and some other countries, we might all be a lot healthier.
The problem is, I see too many people adhering to just the opposite.
I see them at the gym all the time, people getting on the exercise cycle or treadmill, and then reading a book or magazine while they pedal or walk, both at very slow speeds. I could no more read a book or magazine when I exercise, than I could walk on water. Sure it may be better than sitting on the couch at home and doing nothing, but I still wouldn't call that exercise.
And as far as I'm concerned, the same goes for food and eating.
Every since going to France, several years ago, coupled with my love for the Food Network (especially Iron Chef America), I have gained a greater appreciation for how food is prepared and presented. I no longer care how much food is on my plate, more importantly it's how the food is prepared, presented, and of course how it tastes.
Last night was a good example of such a meal. We went to the Riviera at the Fireside for dinner with some friends. Now at one time, I may have considered this a great restaurant, but now it's just not what I want when I go out to eat.
I had Duckling a "L" Orange which was OK, but far from great. The plate consisted of a leg and a breast, bones included, and some rice and vegetables tossed on the plate. There was absolutely no thought to the plating. At least they could have deboned the duck, making it easier to eat. (You can read my entire review of the restaurant over at LA Wine Blog.)
The only reason I still enjoyed the meal, was the company of good friends, and the bottle of 2003 Laetitia 'La Colline' Pinot Noir, which I brought from home. It was one of the best pinot noir's I've had in a while.
Now if everyone in the US could only take a lesson from a competitive cyclist about exercise, and adopt the same attitude towards food, as those in France and some other countries, we might all be a lot healthier.
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