We're Number One? Really?

Magazine called Cooking Light, which runs "supper clubs" around the country in addition to printing a monthly collection of recipes, picks Seattle as the nation's number one city for healthy eating, just ahead of Portland. Strange, cuz their suppers are sponsored by Benefiber, Tums and Viva paper towels. Their most recent local event was held at that temple of elegance and haute cuisine, The Edgewater.

Aw, c'mon, Cornichon! Don't be such a frigging cynic! Magazine's editorial heart is in the right place (see below the jump), even if the marketing department sometimes seems to be on a different wavelength. Happy to learn that our legions of restaurant cooks are making a living wage. ¿De veras, muchachos? ¿Realmente?

Cooking Light's criteria:

We ranked major metropolitan cities on the following 15 criteria, calculated on a per-capita basis, then grouped into categories--eat smart, be fit, live well--and factored on a four-point scale.

Does the city have critically acclaimed food professionals? Source: James Beard-nominated restaurants
How do its restaurants rate? Source: Zagat Survey
Is organic dining a part of the local dining scene? Source: LocalHarvest.org
How many chefs work in the city? Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Do they earn more than a living wage? Source: BLS
How many farmers' markets does the city have? Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmer's Markets Directory; LocalHarvest.org
Do residents make use of fresh produce? Source: CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
Are gourmet ingredients available via national chains? Source: Trader Joe's and Whole Foods locations
Are residents in good health? Source: BRFSS
What are the cities with the lowest rates of diabetes? Source: CDC and BRFSS
What are the cities where residents maintain healthy weights? Source: CDC and BRFSS
How important is exercise to the city's residents? Source: CDC and BRFSS
How much green space does the city provide, and is it well maintained? Source: The Trust for Public Land
Is the city easy to explore on foot? Source: American Podiatric Association

The International Kitchen
Cooking school vacations in Italy, France & Spain.

The International Vineyard, a new way to learn about wine in France, Italy and Spain: three-night programs for wine lovers in less-traveled regions.

The International Kitchen, the leading source for culinary vacations in France and Italy.

French Word-A-Day, fascinating lessons about language and daily life in Provence

Belltown Messenger, chronicle of a Seattle neighborhood's denizens, derelicts, clubs, bars & eateries. Restaurant reviews by Cornichon.

Small Screen Network, where food & drink celebrities like Robert Hess have recorded terrific videos.

French Chef Sally is my friend Sally McArthur, who hosts luxurious, week-long cooking classes at the Chateau du Riveau in the Loire Valley.

Local Wine Events.com, the worlds leading Food and Wine tasting calendar. Spirits and Beer events as well. Post your own event or sign up to be notified when new events are po sted to your own area.

VinoLover, Seattle wine promoter David LeClaire's bulletin board of tastings, dinners and special events.

Wine Educator Dieter Schafer maintains a full schedule of Seattle-area tastings and seminars for amateur wine drinkers and professional alike.

Nat Decants, a free wine e-newsletter from Natalie MacLean, recently named the World's Best Drink Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia. Wine picks, articles and humor; no ads.

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