Manuel's Bread Cafe

After Zumba classes on Saturdays, my friends and I typically gorge our ravenous appetites on fast foods such as pizza and other fast foods. I admit, it’s not the healthiest activity after a fitness class, but, in our defense, we do emphasize moderation. However, this week I was feeling more guilty than usual for my poor food choices and decided to eat at Manuel’s Bread Café.  Once my friends and I arrived at the restaurant, we were taken aback by the architecture of the building itself. It was simple in its design, yet it contained an almost mesmerizing quality to it. Once we entered the building, I immediately noticed the immaculate, organized, and calm quality that the interior presented. Again, there was nothing too fancy about the place, but the structure and cleanliness of the restaurant coupled with the hospital, kind nature of the employees left an impression on me I don’t typically feel within other restaurants. One of my friends advised that we should all order salads. I reluctantly agreed, but my reluctance didn’t last long because I had to admit that the salad selections did appear quite appetizing.

One noticeable characteristic of Manuel’s Bread Café is the significance of food awareness. This includes consumers being aware of where their food items come from and how they are produced and handled. This knowledge has a profound effect on an individual’s food choices. This concept is discussed in Julie Guthman’s article “Fast Food/Organic Food: Reflexive Tastes and the Making of ‘Yuppie Chow’”. Within the article, Guthman discusses the effects of the Slow Food Movement in relation to consumer food patterns. She asserts that consumers remain attentive and monitor how their food items are produced. This ultimately influences their preference toward foods they perceive to be healthy (46-47). A similar notion is seen in Manuel’s Bread Café.  Most of the dishes provided at the restaurant are direct yields from the Blue Clay Farm. The foods cultivated each year at the farm are carefully planted and regulated for optimal growth. Therefore, Manuel’s provides an assortment of foods that are both healthy and safe for consumption. This knowledge allows customers to realize that they are being provided with high quality healthy foods. With this in mind, it is safe to assume that Manuel’s primarily targets consumers interested in dining on fresh, organic food dishes. Any customer is welcome to dine at Manuel’s, but fast food connoisseurs may lose interest.

Not all foods are grown in such a natural manner such as the meals provided at Manuel’s. Some foods are modified with various agents in order to enhance food production. All of these modifications are done before the food appears on your plate, so many people are unaware that alterations have taken place. Jennifer Clapp, in her article “The Political Economy of Food Aid in an Era of Agricultural Biotechnology”, discusses how these modified foods affect global relations. Clapp states that certain African countries distrust the safety of genetically modified foods. These countries believe these foods will have adverse effects on both their citizens and their crops. Because of these reasons, they are willing to ignore U.S. donations even in times of severe famine (467-468). This demonstrates a level of uncertainty within the food community. As a consumer, you are unaware of the processes involved in producing your foods. The same is true on a global scale as well. Which foods are safe to consume, and how do we know that those foods are truly free of contamination? Manuel’s looks to remove this cloud of doubt. Manuel’s diligently regulates its food production to ensure rich quality of fresh organic foods. In a sense, the restaurant almost represents a haven for nutritious, safe foods.

At the end of the day, I enjoyed my visit to Manuel’s Bread and Café. It was very informative and the food was delicious. Even though I am not a “salad person”, I ordered the Tomato Caprese Salad. It was divine (for a salad) and I’ve included a link to preparing a Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Salad as well. Hope you enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR2-eHc_5qg