By Chef Curtis Cooke
In America, food is as confusing as politics and media. Sometimes, it feels impossible to know what or who to trust when it comes to what we eat. As a young cook, I found solace in growing and harvesting my own food. There was something magical about the entire process—enriching the soil, planting seeds, watching them mature, and eventually enjoying the fruits of my labor.
This connection to the land shaped my philosophy about food and cuisine. It’s also why I fell in love with spa cuisine, where I could realize my dream of growing the food I cooked.
I’ve always been obsessed with how Americans used to eat hundreds of years ago. In my mind, it was a simpler time when people ate what they grew and hunted, harvesting plants and animals in a straightforward, communal way. This contrasts sharply with how American food evolved, focusing on mono-crops, high yields, and cheap production costs. We’ve traded biodiversity for convenience, and in the process, we’ve created things like fast food—cheap, quick, and often lacking in nutrients. Decades later, it seems Americans are more confused than ever about what’s healthy. Thanks to marketing, lobbyists, and a revolving door of fad diets, it’s hard to know where to turn. And honestly, it makes me sad.
But here’s the thing—I believe the solution is simple. We need to spend more time, not fast time, thinking about what we put in our bodies. For me, that means starting with a local farmer’s market and asking the most important question: "How was this food grown?" After years of being that person who interrogates farmers about their produce, I’ve become the go-to food guy for my friends. They’ll often show me interesting food items they come across and ask, "Have you seen this?" And that’s exactly how I discovered Revival Einkorn.
A friend from the hospitality industry sent me a sample and connected me with the folks at Revival. (I just call it Revival for short—it’s easier!) Even before tasting the einkorn, I was captivated by the story behind it. And when I finally tried it, it exceeded all my expectations!
For me, healthy food is simple: minimal processing, no modifications, and definitely no harmful chemicals like glyphosate or synthetic fertilizers. Revival Einkorn checks all those boxes. It grows the way nature intended, without the need for excessive intervention. And I believe it’s a food we should all be incorporating into our diets, replacing the genetically modified wheat that has flooded our food system. So, what does Revival Einkorn taste like? Just what you’d expect from something this pure. I think we’ve become so accustomed to food loaded with sodium, fat, and sugar that we’ve forgotten what real, clean food tastes like. When you’re presented with something like einkorn, it’s a bit of a challenge for your palate. As a chef, I’ve always encouraged my guests to try food in its purest form—to truly taste the natural flavors. And Revival Einkorn is no different. It has a unique, nutty flavor and a bite that sets it apart from standard pasta. Plus, it’s easier on your digestive system—no bloating, just pure, wholesome nourishment.
At the end of the day, it comes down to this: you are what you eat. So, do you want to be made of chemicals, or do you want to be made of what nature intended?
Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring what’s on your plate.
