Slow Down, Eat Local, Enjoy Food

In this era of 'Organic', Whole food', 'Slow food' and 'Artisan is best', it's difficult to know what's what. It's no wonder that sometimes we give it all up out of frustration, confusion and outright irritation and choose the supermarkets against the small stand alone suppliers, the pre-packed organised stuff in the bright packaging just seems easier.
All these 'foodie' movements with their ideals and anti corporate ethos, hoping to preserve the local food chain (I read about this in Fine food digest) it all seems a bit out of touch with simply eating good food. I suppose it's just one of those human nature things, we love to complicate everything to the point of forgetting the initial purpose.
I have been a chef for 20 years, now I sell good, wholesome (mostly small producers) cheese and I often have the same discussion with our clients and we usually arrive at the same conclusion. That discussion centers around getting good, value for money products from small specialist suppliers.
There are loads of really good, small retailers out there be they fishmongers, butchers, veg suppliers or like us, cheese shops. They take good care of their produce and their
customers. They are knowledgeable and guarantee their quality,don't take it at face value, try their products while you stand there, they'll be happy to let you come to your own decision ( you won't get that at any supermarket! and what makes them so super any way?) and small producers, proud of their produce have nothing to fear when it comes to quality. I know it's difficult, times are hard, money is scarce, time even scarcer.
But we've all got to at least try to get to know our local food suppliers, and try to get some of our food there, not just what you would consider a treat, but everyday bread, meat and cheese, it's worth the little extra time it takes.
We can support our community and at the same time give our bodies the good food it deserves. Shopping for food should be a fun experience, not a chore, so get out there and have some fun!