White Dog talk gives frosh seminar 'food for thought'

Over plates of risotto infused with pumpkin, savory herbs and white truffle oil, students in German Department Chairperson Simon Richter's freshman seminar spent yesterday afternoon at the White Dog Cafe discussing topics of gastronomic proportions. Chef Kevin von Klause of White Dog treated students in a seminar entitled "Food for Thought: Cannibalism and Gastronomy in Literature and Film" to a three-course feast while explaining the importance of food in his life. Richter explained that this venture began as he was planning the seminar. "I had read about Kevin in the White Dog Cafe cookbook -- how socially conscious he was -- so I approached him and he was immediately interested," Richter said. As the first course of beets and greens braised with balsamic vinegar and walnuts was served, von Klause spoke about his culinary philosophy. He emphasized that food is more than simply something to be consumed -- it is also a means of expression. "This restaurant is devoted to sustainable agriculture," he said. All foods served were organically grown, without pesticides or chemicals, and were also grown locally, within a 100-mile radius. "Having good, safe, pure food is most important." "Food is political as well as nourishing," Von Klause stressed. "There is a human element that gets stirred into the stew." The second course consisted of risotto with pumpkin, chantarelle mushrooms, white truffle oil and herbs. "If I came here on my own I probably wouldn't have ordered such exotic dishes," College freshman Pam Kasenetz said. All appeared to be heartily enjoying von Klause's creation, as only the clinking of forks and knives could be heard. With a smile on his face, Richter described the dish as "stunning." Over a rich dessert of dense bittersweet chocolate tort with sun-dried apricot sauce, conversation lingered on the undeniable presence and importance of food in everyday life. "Oral senses are very much a part of our lives from the time we first take food as a baby until the time we die," Richter said. "They can be sensual, even erotic at times." The course focuses on the consumption and cultural meaning of food in human interaction through the study of film and literature. One of the many freshman seminars offered to Penn students, Food for Thought is unique in its introduction of outside components to traditional classroom study. After reading the novel Hunger, students volunteered at a local soup kitchen. "The novel allowed the students to get into the mind of a hungry person," Richter said. "When they then went to the soup kitchen they were able to relate." College freshman Charlotte Hillman took the project one step further. "After my visit to the soup kitchen with class, I decided to volunteer on a regular basis," she said. "The course was pretty self-selecting," Richter said. "I ended up with a class full of food-obsessed freshmen."