Obviously every person and situation is different but my concern is misrepresentation of someone’s culture (especially with food blogs gaining popularity, I’m thinking more along the lines of unintended consequences).

We can all have opinions about whether or not we think something tastes good but to follow your lead… Did it taste good? No. Was it “authentic”? Yes, I should probably respect someone else’s palate and established way of doing it. Maybe I’ll avoid it in the future but at least I know that other people like it that way and I’m simply not a fan.

In reality, no one probably thinks about this stuff (I have a tendency to overthink things), but I appreciate the discussion

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

As a white chick who grew up in a community where I was the minority, I have to say, I don’t give two fat flying figs about food being “authentic”. In fact, that term is a huge turnoff for me. I think when people use it they mean NOSTALGIC. They want something that is made the way they know and are familiar with and brings back memories for them. I don’t think people would enjoy eating the truly authentic meals of their ancestors. I care more about taste. Did it taste good? Yes! Was it “authentic”? WHO CARES?!

My favorite example is when my friend took me to this godawful bar, claiming how authentic it was. A real AUTHENTIC English pub! And how he really loved AUTHENTIC English pubs! My interest was piqued. “Oh, have you spent time in England then?” I didn’t mean it as a challenge. I genuinely thought he was recalling a time in his life he was fond of. Turns out, nope! Never even been there. So what makes it authentic? That they served Boddingtons and fish and chips. Seriously.