Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain coined the phrase "Food
Porn" when he
noted several physiological similarities when watching culinary
television or adult videos. He described the salivary and circulatory
responses while anticipating good food as akin to intimate arousal. The
transient sensual pleasure of consumption is both a biological
necessity as well as a mild hedonism. Food and travel shows, he noted,
are designed to deliver the same voyeuristic pleasure that adult films
do. Bourdain's own show, No Reservations, does a fantastic job of
conveying exotic culinary indulgences from every corner of the globe.
For a resident of the most isolated location on Earth, such as
myself,
Bourdain’s show serves to both agonizingly stimulate and mildly satisfy
my inevitable wanderlust. However, although isolated, Hawaii, being the
crossroads of the Pacific, is also one of the most unique culinary
destinations in the world. Where else can you find the cuisines of
Hawaii, China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Portugal, Vietnam,
Thailand, India, Greece, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico, Ireland, Italy,
France, the American South, and many others, all authentically
represented and enjoyed by everyone? Furthermore, because of our
isolation, the immigrant populations of Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and
others who have lived here for a couple of centuries, have created
their own styles of their respective cuisines which are almost
unrecognizable by visitors from their motherlands. Finally, picking the
best of and occasionally the fusion of all these different flavors, has
resulted in what we call our own “local” cuisine, which is a unique
entity in of itself and endemic to these islands.
As Bourdain shared the indigenous cuisines of the world with us, so
my
pride in my island home compelled me to do the same with our own unique
culinary landscape. While my first attempt at this endeavor, my blog,
Goo Grindz (http://googrindz.blogspot.com),
was academically insightful
and heartfelt, I learned that no matter how colorful the verbiage,
prose is never as provocative or attention grabbing as direct visual
stimulation. So, although comparatively neophyte at photography, I set
out to explore my backyard and capture the spectrum of flavors that
inhabit these islands. I wanted to share not only the classic dishes
that I grew up with, but give exposure to my favorite, often little
known eateries that in my opinion offer the tastiest, most authentic
versions of these dishes. It is a story not of culinary technique and
delivery, but of the history and culture of the people of Hawaii.
So please, sit back, relax, and allow me to tantalize you with the
colors
and textures of our local culinary delights. I hope that, in your
mind’s eye, the essences and aromas will be freed of the page and in
that brief, ephemeral taste, you will understand how special it is to
be a part of this place. Aloha,
Justin M. W. Goo