We are inundated with stories, television shows, blogs, recipes, hacks and a neverending stream of social media posts that obsessively focus on “what’s new” or “what’s hot.” Decidedly accomplished chefs are being hoisted onto pedestals and treated as gods, increasingly popular ingredients and dishes are described as life changing new discoveries, and the act of dining out has become an indicator of social achievement, a photographic safari, or both.
In part, this is due to the growing insecurity among all of us, even more noticeable among younger audiences, that’s linked to a fear of missing out (FOMO). Knowing about the latest and greatest, not just with food, but also with music, fashion, technology and more, has become essential to our social status and overall well being.
To some degree, it also helps us combat boredom and break away from the drudgery of our day-to-day routines. Of course, we cannot overlook the impact of modern marketing. From this perspective, everything that’s advertised and promoted is absolutely wonderful, amazing, life changing and spectacular. Celebrities agree, this chef/restaurant is amazing. Using this ingredient will make your family love you even more.
Too much of an obsession with all things “new” eliminates the time to fully savor and appreciate those things that were decidedly worthwhile in the recent past or even further back in time. I’m not against the constant search and unrelenting enthusiasm associated with all things new and wonderful. It’s just that, with a sizeable number of experiences already under my belt, I prefer a slightly different pace. While I continue to make time for discovery and appreciate those experiences, I also like to take time to revisit and savor old favorites, appreciating that they remain just as vital, enjoyable and exciting today as they were yesterday.
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Jeffrey Spear is the President & Creative Director at Studio Spear, a global branding agency working exclusively with food and consumer lifestyle products and services. His creative and strategic leadership accounts for Studio Spear’s successes, numerous industry related awards and stellar reputation. With client engagements on every continent except Antarctica and more than 40 years in operation, Spear applies his strategic and creative skills to a variety of branding and growth-oriented activities.
On a culinary note, Spear has obtained training from professional cooking schools in Australia and the United States. He is an accomplished trade journalist and food writer, providing recipes, stories and industry insights to a variety of trade and consumer publications. Jeffrey has also produced three cookbooks “Yum: Tasty Recipes from Culinary Greats,” “The First Coast Heritage Cookbook,” and “My Life in Gluttony: A Culinary Adventure.”
