Food Protectionism

http://www.econlib.org/library/Columns/y2011/LuskNorwoodlocavore.html?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4d2606ed53774f09,0

Really strong essay taking on many of the arguments of the locavore movement. Though I do think that there are some good elements that usually come with it that extend beyond simply buying local. Locavores tend to pay a lot more attention to the food they put into their bodies. While the values with which they judge the food I may not share, it's hardly a bad thing to be a more educated consumer (in two senses of the word, I guess). And buying local may help instill an appreciation for one's own culture, which I think can have positive benefits for that person and their relationships with those around them.

But on the economics, they knock this one out of the park. It's international protectionism writ small. To their credit, I suppose, the application of protectionism (imports are bad!!1) within a national economy for the 'benefit' of local economies shows that not all protectionists are xenophobes. One doesn't often hear, "I don't want to buy no tomato grown by no Californian!" the same way one might hear, "I don't want to buy no car made by no Koh-Ree-An!"

One of the amusing parts of the locavore movement, though, is how easily the principles are set aside. The theme of this month's issue of Saveur is 100 favorite things sent in by lots of favorite chefs. Included in the list are some up-and-coming chefs recommended by more established chefs. A common compliment is that the chef has built their restaurant around the principle of buying locally. And then many other items are where chefs have written in about their favorite, exotic ingredient from around the world. What are the environmental impacts of flying in authentic Japanese ingredients? And how does that "keep the money in the local economy?"

The locavore movement has also unfortunately attained some of the more annoying trappings of similar such issues (like recycling). Like the litmus test ("What do you mean you don't buy local!?") and the orthodoxy ("What do you mean grass-fed beef causes more pollution!? You're a right-wing, knuckle-dragging, science-hating cretin!"*). And like similar such issues, where persuasion fails, the activists threaten to turn to coercion. Everyone should be free to buy locally. No one should be forced to.

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* or, "What do you mean recycling plastic is a net negative for the environment!?"

FTR, I think recycling makes sense for some things. Just not everything. Of course, I'm adding this disclaimer because I fear the social scorn that comes with hinting that recycling everything that you can isn't necessarily the best thing, economically or environmentally. And that's what the locavore movement is turning into.

(cross posted from my Facebook page, but fleshed out a bit more)

A shameful admission

I've long harbored a poor opinion of many casual dining restaurant chains. Don't get me wrong, it's not a matter of principle. Chili's, Outback, or even Olive Garden have very good choices (even if they don't represent authentic cuisine from Italy, Australia or... um... Chile?). But I've had nothing but bad experiences, for the most part, with places such as Applebees and Ruby Tuesdays (with the exception of going specifically for its salad bar). Don't ever order a steak at either place. But, because of the salad bar at Ruby Tuesdays, it is a good option for when my girlfriend and I are looking for a place to eat.

So we're at Crabtree Mall tonight, and we settle on the Ruby Tuesdays there. I'm not in the mood for a salad, and I recall seeing numerous commercials for their triple prime burger. It's ground from three prime steak cuts: sirloin, filet, and I think ribeye. Probably in sirloin heavy proportions, but it's still a good concept, as I once learned from watching a cuilinary cuilanary culinary cooking genius.

I have to say, it was delicious. The cheddar was too sharp, and overpowered the meat flavor. So I peeled it off. So it was just lettuce, tomato, and garlic mayo. But it was good. Like real good. Like I'm-so-ashamed-I-liked-a-Ruby-Tuesdays-offering-this-much-but-I-feel-like-telling-someone good. Seriously, I want to keep hating them. Especially THIS Ruby Tuesdays. This is the Ruby Tuesdays that, on the day of my 21st Birthday (for a friend's 21st birthday celebration.... mine was the day before), gave me what had to be, at most, a 4 oz sirloin. And no, I was informed, they did not actually bring me the petite sirloin that was on the menu. I seriously had as much meat on my burger tonight as I had on my plate that night. And it tasted better tonight. So next time you're at Ruby Tuesdays because your girlfriend/wife/parole officer wants to get a salad, give it a try.