Commentary
Over the weekend, I witnessed a rare sight – people were out and about, smiling, laughing, and engaging in conversations without fear. It felt like a dark cloud had been lifted, even in areas that typically lean blue politically.
I visited a busy butcher shop to buy strip steaks for a dinner party. While waiting in line, I engaged in a lively conversation with a diverse group of men. This interaction reminded me of the diverse support for Trump in the recent election, which was often misunderstood as a racial issue when it was truly about class.
The butcher shop conversation revolved around smoking meats, a topic I was eager to learn more about. The men shared their knowledge and experiences, which I found fascinating.
I have always been intrigued by the primal instinct of men to handle fire and cook meat outdoors. The conversation at the butcher shop reinforced this theory for me.
Reflecting on the election strategy and the disenfranchised male voter base, it became clear that Trump’s appeal to this demographic was a key factor in his success.
The butcher shop conversation continued with discussions about smoking techniques and plans for Thanksgiving turkeys. The men shared their methods and tips, showcasing their passion for outdoor cooking.
Another individual mentioned that he also prepares ducks in a similar manner.
The conversation continued for quite some time before my own meat was served. Being the only person without a smoker, I felt a bit out of place. However, I was pleased that everyone was impressed by my seven New York strip steaks, each cut to one-inch thickness. When asked how I planned to cook them, I mentioned using the oven and finishing in an iron skillet. The group disagreed, suggesting that I cook them all in iron for 3 minutes on each side and then let them rest for 10 minutes, possibly with a butter and garlic sauce.
Following their advice, I achieved perfection. Without the guidance of these experienced individuals, I might have made a mistake.
As I bid farewell to the group with steaks in hand, I was met with smiles and kindness all around.
It had been a long time since I had engaged in conversation about cooking with strangers. It was a delightful experience. These men were not accustomed to the kitchen; they preferred the outdoors and cooking over real fire. It was a reminder of our primal instincts.
Being “smoke pilled” is a different concept compared to the term “grill pilled” from five years ago. The former signifies a sense of relief that the public has had enough of the ruling class and their ways, and now it’s time to focus on being the best version of ourselves.
The gathering at the butcher shop felt like a moment of camaraderie and solidarity, devoid of political discussions but filled with a sense of freedom. Let’s hope this feeling endures.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
