59. Meatloaf
April 2, 2009
There was never a greater culinary anachronism than meatloaf.
Do people in the 21st century still eat this awkward centerpiece, and if so, why?
Modern health science has shed light on many discoveries: tobacco is carcinogenic, cocaine is not suitable for cough drops and the Atkins diet will lead to a quick demise. Where our better judgement fails, science intercedes.
A recent article in the National Post suggests that red meat is linked to cancer. Only Western nations consume high quantities of red meat, and this article is not the first to point to potential health risks. Chicken, fish, tofu: these are the cows of the 21st century. We must engage them. The Soda Shoppe age has come to an end, and with it, so has 1954.
No longer must we coat our arteries with butter; no longer must we accept heart disease as a given.
And, most importantly, no longer must we eat a loaf of meat, as if we were a nonagenarian with no better options.
Our parents’ parents may have cooked this up, but for us, there is no need. With the robust range of less nefarious options, we can consume protein without acting like an 92-year-old named Blanche.
The people eating this obscenity are likely still impressed by colour TV, washing machines and space travel.
*Picture courtesy of a superb photographer
I disagree with this, vociferously. First, why assume that it is made from beef? Ground chicken and ground turkey both make very nice meatloaves; so too does ground buffalo, which, while still red meat, has far less fat than beef. Secondly, as a post-gastric bypass patient, I still find it easier to process ground meats than solid chunks of meat, and patties get boring. Third, it’s comfort food, reminiscent of Grandma’s kitchen, even when jazzed up and slimmed down. Viva meatloaf!
Wow! How arrogant! Meatloaf may not be gourmet, but it’s so delicious. And what is gourmet? “Panini?” I am Italian-American, and I can say that panini are not authentic Italian cuisine. We eat way better food than that. Try Pignolatta or Braciole, Canolini or a nice beef cutlet and tell me Panini are authentic Italian. Meatloaf is not “slumming it” at all, it’s a real dish and a good one is rare. If you can make a good one, I think you are a good chef.
Randy, stop eating meatloaf you fat stupid yank.
Surely, the gastric bypass would have clued you up but no. Fucking stupid fat yank like every other stupid fat yank.
Meat loaf like anything in moderation,is good for you. My grandma cooked a delicious loaf and lived to a ripe old age. When are these bores going to stop telling healthy people whats is good for them to eat and what is bad? And by the way, What is wrong in being impressed by space travel.Dear me, You always get the one
As an easy-to-prepare, wholesome food, cheap and filling, I find meatloaf to be a great once-in-a-while dish. So did my housemates, whom I introduced it to this week. Sadly, i’m not a 90 year old named Blanche, but I’m sure my opinion still stands.