Recently we came across an article by blogger and food writer Monica Bhide. In it, she explains her reaction and response to a reader who was conflicted over a career decision: to pursue public service or food writing, which would have less “worldly impact.”

Monica admits that as a food writer herself she was offended by the suggestion, but also forced to question why she had chosen food writing as a career (for personally fulfilling reasons), and whether or not it was an endeavor that could hold greater impact. The answer is yes: food writing is a meditation on our personal habits, families, and cultures, leveling a anthropological truth.

The food world, which often includes restaurant meals toting a hefty price tag, is sometimes labeled as frivolous or without gravity. Yet for both the same personally fulfilling reasons that Bhide cites (chefs and cooks find themselves drawn to food for reasons far more than a desire to make something tasty) and for the social truths embedded in our meals, we agree with Bhide that food and food writing certainly matter.

Read Bhide’s article here.