A challenge for Paula Deen fans

So the Times had Moskin write a thing on Deen. Evidently diabetus is right up there with Brooklyn stroller controversies when you want to get Times readers engaged: 

Evidently, "an interesting discussion" is NYTimesese for "shit is all hamhamcraycray." 

There is something vaguely unsettling about coming out as a diabetic, whilst announcing a new partnership w/ a diabetes drug co. on the Today Show, but that may be me. However, this is the moment that's the sticking point for the Cod: "But she said in an interview with the “Today” co-host Al Roker, “I’ve always encouraged moderation.”

This sounds a little bit like Andrew WK insisting that Franklin's Art of Virtue has always governed his behavior, but I'm willing to give it a chance -- in the comments, please share your favorite instance of Paula Deen encouraging moderation. Deen herself, Deen compadre Libbie Summers, Lady and Sons fans, etc, are all welcome.  Have at. 

 

Comments

[Todd Price]

I've got nothing on the Deen and moderation query. But this kerfuffle raises the unspoken rule of the fooderati that fat is OK for us but not "those people." When Bourdain can praise Au Pied du Cochon but condemn Paula as the devil, then something involving class is clearly going on there.

Personally, I'm not across the board opposed to elitism. Maybe informed eaters can handle fat, rich food in a way that Paula Deen's audience can't. Perhaps they self-moderate. But can we at least be honest about the paternalism in that stance?

(Writing this as someone who's still a little stuffed from two rich meals this weekend. And for the record, it was the classic butter sauce on the fish for lunch that did me in more than dinner at Emeril's NOLA.)

[carol g]

Little dismayed that Bourdain chooses to criticize Deen, yet because of his body type and metabolism, has the appearance of someone average and healthy. remember he was a 2-packs-a-day smoker who dabbled in cocaine & heroin and continues to drink to stumbling excess. how can he condemn her recipes yet continues to consume "any meat in tube form" and "potatoes french fried in duck fat" while taking CHOLESTEROL medication? how about some condemnation of the 52-course El Bulli meal and Chicago Silver Palm "Three Little Pig" sandwich containing 3 types of pork. hypocrit!

[Marco]

As I age in the the wine cask of time out of time, I feel more and more that it's all a crap shoot.*

*Unless you eat at fast food chains in vast quantities often.

[Kkennede]

Carol, I think there is a distinction in that Bourdain is essentially a court jester who is clowning around with exotica to amuse us, not feed us, whereas Deen actively uses her show and brand in general to push unhealthy food to the masses.

I likewise view Deen's comment as possible lip-service. As far as examples of moderation, it does appear that the sons are moving in a healthier direction. Smart both health-wise...and business-savvy.

[Marco]

Oh, and like Ben, I also advocate not drinking in elevators.