Teen Foodies
I've come to a terrible realization: none of my friends share the love of food that I have.
Granted, I am only sixteen and most of my friends are busy with other things, but I feel sort of alone. While other kids want to go out to a movie or a party, I would like nothing more than to go out to a nice restaurant. None of my friends have a personal, emotional connection to food that I do. I guess my question really is: Are there any other teenaged foodies (especially in the philly area) out there?
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20 Comments:
I was a teenaged foodie; I am now a teenaged 24 year old, but don't give up hope, you'll find like-minded people!
thedilettantista at 6:43PM on 08/29/09
I'm 19 and I think I qualify...but, alas, I'm in TN.
aspaaaragus at 7:19PM on 08/29/09
Hahaha, as you can tell from my username I'm in the same boat!
Living in NYC, I've been able to make the rounds at some really great restaurants. Usually with family, sometimes with friends (to the lower-priced places, because we're all a little strapped obviously). It's also great to make the best of your foodie-ness at home - shop farmers markets, cook a lot, read tons of blogs and cookbooks. Yay for teenage foodies!
I don't think anyone necessarily needs another person to enjoy food. Try going to some restaurants yourself, too - that can be really refreshing and relaxing. :)
teenagefoodie at 8:04PM on 08/29/09
do you like to cook? why not try your hand at cooking and invite your pals over to share in your creations.
i started out as a teenager who liked to cook -- and then went on to have a catering business and little cafe and then a little restaurant. you never know where your hearts desire may take you....
keep on the food track!
pooch at 8:39PM on 08/29/09
I'm a 16 year old foodie too! Although I don't live near you I feel your pain with your friends not realizing the greatness that food can be.
Lfoodie at 8:44PM on 08/29/09
I feel ya; I was a teen foodie lacking foodie friends.
But teaching myself how to cook was great fun (my mom didn't cook much), and in college I found some great friends who happen to adore food (though still not as much as myself!). So hang in there, and just think of your foodie-ness as a great hobby that no one else your age has gotten the hang of yet ;)
toasteebagel at 8:44PM on 08/29/09
yeah i cook as much as possible... if i dont then we get take-out (both the parents are at work till 6) but I think I need something more. Maybe a food "project" like cooking through a cookbook or magazine or learning about a new cuisine. I have been considering cooking for my friendsand think I'm going to organize that soon. It just sucks that whenever I want to go to a restaurant its with my parents, not other people my age.
foodieteen at 8:55PM on 08/29/09
I'm 18...been a foodie since 17. I feel your pain. My friends have no idea what I'm about when it comes to food....Although I live in an area lacking in any 'nice' establishments, so I like to cook. Due to my surroundings peoples, it makes it difficult to make anything other than meat and potatoes. D:
I hope you find a fellow foodie in your area!
eggyzhe at 8:59PM on 08/29/09
I was a teenage foodie, too -- though I'm technically not a teenager anymore. I did learn that my friends were definitely interested in eating anything I made. I also took a "culinary arts" class where through my HS, which was awesome. I met a lot of like-minded people that way. Maybe see if you can do something like that. :)
Skythe at 10:53PM on 08/29/09
Does your local paper have a food section? Call the food editor and ask for suggestions. Perhaps you'd like to start a community foodie group? How big is your high school? It's just about to start for the new year, so it's a great time to start an after school foodie group. Talk with your dean of students or student council about a school wide iron chef competition.
Here in Vermont a bunch of local schools have sponsored junior iron chef competitions, which could be a model for you. Is there a local foods movement near you? Maybe contact an area chef or two to see if they'd help you get contacts. If you google Chmplain Valley Junior Iron Chef you'll find a bunch of contacts, including a facebook group. Here's a URL for the competition:
http://www.jrironchefvt.org/
lemonfair at 7:19AM on 08/30/09
I'm 14...been a foodie pretty much since I was born. I have always loved all things food. My parents, friends and siblings are never interested in what I'm doing but they (at least my parents and friends will, my sibs are picky eaters) will eat what I make. I have yet to find anyone (adult or teenager) who shares my love of food. Guess in southwest Florida food takes backseat to golf and shopping.
SmartyPants248 at 7:54AM on 08/30/09
I used to host dinner parties for my friends in High school, it was a blast. I remember in sixth grade we had to do a poject presentation on a country. Being Italian I did pasta for a few school mates and my teacher. What a memmory. I still love cooking and think about all the time.
DELICIOUS at 12:06PM on 08/30/09
Im about to be 20, but I decided to go to culinary school when I was 16. I go to the John Folse Culinary Institute in Thibodaux, LA currently working towards my bachelors, learning so much!
If you want to enjoy food with your friends more often, I would suggest either going to get cheap, good food like burgers or something, or cook something awesome for dinner and invite them over for a movie or nintendo or something. Thats what I always did.
delilah at 8:32PM on 08/30/09
I'm 19 and from Williamstown, NJ, but now i'm at college in Birmingham, AL.
Cope215 at 2:10PM on 09/04/09
I'm a Philly Foodie, although a little bit older than you. To echo everyone else, there are ways to explore your love of food without having to go to restaurants. Get cooking, explore local farmer's markets, read or even write! Visit a library or used bookstore. There are a ton of fabulous books, magazines, blogs etc out there or you might even start your own blog. Take this time to learn about food and develop your own food philosophy for the day when you have your own kitchen. You might join an organization like Slow Food (http://www.slowfoodphilly.org/) or buy membership in a CSA. If all else fails, try facebook to connect with other locals.
wilma at 2:34PM on 09/04/09
You are not alone. Check out this article from Philadelphia Magazine http://www.phillymag.com/articles/trends_down_with_chicken_nuggets/ Of course, it's a typically sarcastic Philly Mag article, but maybe you can make some connections. Good luck!
Hungry in Columbus at 5:34PM on 09/04/09
I now it's late, still, for another opinion: it's not so bad being by oneself. There's certain autonomy in the kitchen attached when you're alone. Cook for family and teach people new stuff, it always works!
(FYI, nowhere near the philadelphia area right now).
mtgall at 6:37PM on 09/04/09
I just moved to Philly and I"m a foodie! At 22, I'm not exactly a teenager, but do find that many of my friends don't share my passion for good eats. Well, if anyone has good tips for a new-to-Philly foodie, please share. I'd appreciate it! In the four days I've lived here, I've discovered the Fitler Square farmer's market and the Reading Terminal Market. Would love to hear about more, especially in the West Center City area.
unpocojmoney at 10:05PM on 09/04/09
Ah, I feel like I'm really lucky when it comes to my situation. I'm 17 and just stepped foot in college but back at home, many of my friends, including my current boyfriend, are very open about food. I wouldn't say passionate, but they're all willing to try new things and appreciate it :) Thank God I grew up with a father who had me try many different types of cuisine. It's the one thing both my father and I really have in common, and makes me the "foodie" that I am today. After all, not too many teenagers I know are willing to consume Sheeps Brain, or have an almost-fetish for cilantro since it's so damn good... :D
forsheezy at 10:19AM on 09/06/09
I recently turned twenty, but all throughout high school and into college I have understood your dilemma! My friends think I'm crazy because I can spend hours at the farmer's market instead of the mall, or because I am constantly forcing my recipes upon them to try. Don't worry, you're getting a head start on a long life of knowledge and appreciation!
kalirugo at 9:03PM on 09/08/09