You’re eating WHERE? Bodies & Bots #30

I’ve shared what I’m eating (See video below) and what people have consumed throughout history.

But now let’s tackle WHERE we’re chowing down.

The word “picnic” is French. From pique-nique, 1649. Piquer means to peck or pick at, and nique means something trivial. They were mashed together because they rhymed. But it was simply a potluck and wasn’t attached to outdoor eating until the 1800s. Snack on that!

It was kinda bougie to do it, and the picnic hamper was part of the experience at Derby Day and other upscale events. But once cars and buses were invented, everyone just grabbed a blanket and some grass. Tailgating and BBQs are now staples of American culture.

We don’t just eat in parks or even in kitchens anymore.

During the pandemic, we ate in pods. Food festivals abound. And consumers clearly don’t care about getting crumbs (or even pancake syrup) on their Egyptian cotton sheets.

Whether you’re into elaborate outdoor charcuterie or a sleeve of Oreos under the covers, no judgment here. Just some intriguing fun facts about the history of the places we eat!