Perhaps it came in more subdued tones than the high octane throw-downs quintessential of the season, but the slogan “Come to the Table” was proposition enough, as a cross-section of attendees gathered to experience the four day food festival designated Slow Food Nation ’08.
As a subsidiary of Slow Food USA and the international Slow Food Movement, there was no shortage of notable food scholars, including Alice Waters – chef/owner of Chez Panisse Restaurant in Berkeley, California – who is also the founder of the first Slow Food Nation.
While the expos and demonstrations included the likes of David Chang and Deborah Madison, those exploring the San Francisco hills were ignited more by the paneled discussions concerned with issues facing global nutrition and food policy, than the soulful lyrics of Gnarls Barkley – one of weekend’s entertainers.
The “Food for Thought” series rallied the audience to consider the world food crisis, building a new food system, re-localizing food, and the rights of farm workers. Those to participate in the panel included, president of Land Institute, Wes Jackson, economic critic and farmer, Wendell Berry, author of Fast Food Nation, Eric Schlosser, environmental activist, Vandana Shiva, Alice Waters, and founder of the Slow Food Movement, Carlo Petrini.