Food, Inc. Movie Review

This movie did not play in my area, so I was glad to get it on DVD this week.

The movie explored the business behind the food we eat, and how the veil over how our food is processed is slowly (and luckily) being uncovered.

My biggest concern going into the movie was that it would be a shock movie, that would show you grotesque video of animals being killed inhumanely, and try and scare you into not eating meat again. They did a good job of showing some of the realities of the industry, without making you sick or grossed out. It is an ugly business, and most people don't want to know where their food comes from. However, unless we understand that companies are not looking out for your best interest, we will always be in the dark. The movie clearly explains that we need to start to question where your food is coming from, and start putting your money into food that is healthy and grown correctly, even if it costs more.

There were two main things I learned:

1) Wal-Mart started to carry organic food products because their customers asked for it. If enough people ask for these products, you can change ANY company, even one as large as Wal-Mart.

2) The government subsidies (gives money to) farmers to grow corn. That makes corn much cheaper than other food, which is why potato chips (for example) are so much cheaper than vegetables. So when you look at prices, you will always be choosing a food that is probably worse for you than what you should be eating. As you can see, this has serious consequences (obesity, diabetes, etc). I was shocked at the amount of food made from corn. It is also why corn is used to feed cattle (instead of grass, which is what they should be eating). You can add antibiotic, chemicals and other garbage into the feed, which is easier to do than with grass. Corn-fed cattle can be raised in smaller areas, since they don't need to roam, which means more profit for the meat industry. It's amazing what you find when you "follow the money"!

I highly recommend you watch this movie, if you haven't seen it yet!

Hurricane Wings and Grill - Eco-friendly Surprise

We weren't planning to find a very environmentally-friendly restaurant when we went to Hurricane Wings and Grill in Indian Harbour Beach, FL, but were plesantly surprised when we read the menu.

"We use all natural chicken, premium fresh beef that is certified Angus and our produce is sourced directly from premium growers. We are also very proud of the fact that our beverage cups are made from 100% corn, environmentally sustainable and 100% compostable. In addition, we continue to strive to use packaging supplies and paper products that are made from renewable resources and are recyclable. Our cooking oils contain no trans fats and a percentage of the oil is recycled into the making of bio-diesel fuel."

Now I realize that doesn't make it the best "green" restaurant out there, but at least they're making a serious effort, and that's all I ask, especially from a major Florida restaurant chain.

We ordered the wing sampler, which is 20 wings with your choice of 4 different sauces. Since they have 36 sauces to choose from, ranging from "Mild & Sweet" to "Seek Shelter". View all their sauces >>>

Overall, we had a good eating experience. The sauces were great with the large-sized wings, and we felt good about supporting a chain restaurant that is headed in the right direction.