Interview with Shana

Shana is the co-owner of John's City Diner in Trussville and downtown Birmingham and she also happens to be my neighbor. She worked with Frank Stitt at his restaurant Bottega for 3 years. In her interview, she gave her opinion on the whole Slow Food epidemic. She strongly believes in using locally grown food in her restaurant and at home. She said that the taste and freshness of the food compared to food that may come from a chain grocery store make such a difference. She explained how buying local helps the environment and the economy. The only con is the extra expense but in the long run, it really can make a difference in your life. The vitamins one can consume from fresh veggies can help with longevity. Back in the day, no one ever had to take a multi-vitamin because there wasn't a McDonalds. Her and her husband don't eat fast food. She strongly oppose eating fast food. The number one reason they don't eat it is because of the inhumane treatment of animals. She said, "Upton Sinclair, author of The Jungle, exploited the meat packing industry more than 100 years ago and nothing has changed. Now, the fast food industry is the problem." She believes that helping out the community and sitting down to a home cooked meal would solve so many of society's problems.
Interviewing Shana really opened up my eyes to someone who lives by the Slow Food code. She really convinced me that what we eat can solve more problems than just health. It makes me want to go to the farmers market this summer and pick up some fresh produce to cook. My mom grows some veggies in my backyard so this summer I might compare one of those to one from the grocery store. I have eaten at John's City Diner many times and it truly is one of my favorite places to eat. I'll always know that what I'm eating has come from the right places. I am really going to cut down on the amount of fast food I eat.