If you think back all the way to week one of classes I  remember the huge discussion on chefs and bakers being artists.  Quite honestly I still feel that they should deserve this title and I feel that Majakaur’s post who can create art somewhat helps support why.  In his post he mentions that “only those who are artistically skilled enough to incur change, cause disruption, or gain precedence (politically, socially or even economically) can create influential art.”  If you think about some of the greatest works of art they are all able to invoke great emotions through the combination of sensory stimuli.  Exquisite food products do just this, they invoke great smells, tastes, sights, feelings, and even sounds.  Just look at the picture attached.  These pastries have an amazing bright color and I am sure also can invoke great smells and other stimuli.  Those that create these products have to hone a lot of skills and must have great precision especially in baking.  The skills necessary in baking and cooking must be at least comparable to the skills required to drawing a great work of art.  Also the chefs and bakers that are most able to hone their skills are able to gain precedence over others as they get hired by more prestigious restaurants or bakeries.  For instance just look at Hell’s kitchen or any other shows about different amateur cooks, and then compare their cooking to that of professionals.  In this disparity of skill set and the creations that are being produced these people should all be considered artists.  As a baker myself I am personally attached to this idea and would love to hear feedback from anyone else on whether or not chefs and bakers should be considered artists.  

By the way, I really do intend on bringing in cookies to Monday’s class if Professor Drabik allows!

And finally on another note, there was a major shift in culture after tea and coffee started to gain popularity throughout Europe and the Middle East.  I remembered learning this years ago in global history about how this adoption of drinks actually had larger impacts than one might think.  Usually people of all classes would have met, consuming alcohol which as many know can cloud judgement.  After the introduction of tea and coffee many people of upper classes began meeting in local tea and coffee houses, and with the lack of intoxication they discussed many important political, social and philosophical topics.  The influence of these houses was considered to be a large factor in the start of the Enlightenment.

Check out this link: http://www.stephenhicks.org/2010/01/18/coffee-and-the-enlightenment/