ESG and other food fights

 

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I was intrigued today by an article in the WSJ from Mike Edleson and Andy Puzder, about ESG investing. Is it moral or amoral?  Sensible?  Profitable?  Suffice it to say, one can make a reasonable case for or against ESG investing depending upon measurement criteria, objectives and definitions.  Personally, I believe it's much like the debate over whole life or term life policies. In my mind, life insurance and investments are two separate pursuits. Other people like to conflate them.

Another polarizing topic: foods and beverages.  Here's a tasty sample of seven culinary flashpoints suitable for debate.

Pizza & Hot Dogs

Possibly America's favorite food, I must have thin crust pizza with cracker crisp qualities and zesty toppings (toppings is a whole topic for another post).  To my friends in Chicago; please forgive me, but what you call "Deep Dish Pizza" is actually a deeply satisfying tomato casserole.  However, Chicago can lay claim to the finest hot dogs (and I agree, no ketchup on a dog allowed).  For store bought beef frankfurters; I'm partial to Nathan's or Hebrew National brand.

Bacon

Make mine crisp.  This iconic cut of meat from the hog's belly should not be served limp, chewy, or with visible fat globules.

Coke vs. Pepsi

Talk about polarizing debates!  Cola devotees might not patronize both giant beverage makers, but I do.  Diet Pepsi is not only wildly superior to Diet Coke, but I find Diet Coke almost undrinkable. Regarding Coke Zero vs Pepsi Zero -- I'll give Coke Zero the edge.

Gluten

Follow your own Doctor's or Nutritionist's advice.  Gluten doesn't affect me.  

Peanuts

When did this onslaught of Peanut allergies begin?  Why did it begin?  I love these little legumes and Virginia Peanuts are the best I've found.  Please do not serve me the un-salted type and consider serving them cold.  That chill factor is something I learned from a close friend with a serious weakness for chocolate covered Peanuts.

Charcoal and Smokers vs. Gas Grilling

For purposes of taste comparison -- there is no comparison.  Charcoal is best.  I sometimes hear the argument about the speed of Gas Grilling, to which I normally respond, "What's your hurry?"  The same principle applies to smokers vs. gas grills -- smoking is well worth the wait.

Orange Juice

There are few things in this life I find as gratifying as a glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice.  Unfortunately, every substitute for the fresh variety I find distasteful.  Take McDonald's, I've long believed that their orange juice is the worst-tasting item on the whole menu.

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