Memoir on the Menu

I remember being around the age of 10 in my bedroom when I would suddenly get a strong whiff of a
warm comforting aroma coming from the kitchen downstairs. As the nostalgia swarms my body and the
meaty notes complemented by a spiced appetizing scent start filling my mind, I immediately know what's
on tonight's menu.
Sloppy Joes.
The sound of laughter and rapid footsteps coming down the stairs as my two older sisters and I race to get
a seat at the kitchen counter. Our fathers speciality and his favorite thing to make for us. Displayed in
front of us on the center island are warm buttered hawaiian rolls, salty and highly addictive lays potato
chips, and of course, the hearty aroma of a savory symphony with a hint of sweetness, promising a
comforting and flavorful experience of none else but sloppy joe meat. Some would describe this meal as
unappetizing. For my sisters and I, these three put together were the holy trinity. As my mouth waters I
quickly put together my sandwich faster than my hands can even move. First opening the roll I slap a
thick layer of meat directly onto my bottom roll. Following the meat, a generous handful of potato chips.
After my sandwich is assembled, I put the top of the roll on and push down, crushing the chips and
melting all of the flavors together. The crunch of the chips foreshadows the delicious bite I am about to
experience. As my sisters and I feast on our sloppy joes it is safe to say my father has done a job well
done.
Thinking about it right now, the thought of eating a sloppy joe quite honestly disgusts me. This is so hard
for me to say, meaning they were such a prominent part of my childhood, but I would be a liar if I said it
sounded appetizing to me. This being said I was destined to see if this theory reigns true.
To my surprise it is so difficult to find somewhere that serves a sloppy joe. I searched everywhere online
and made countless calls and it was looking like I would have to make my own until I called my local
Diner. I explained my project to the owner, and she was so eager to help me out. She explained to me that
she has everything to make the sandwich but that I would have to bring my own chips. So, on February
5th, with a bag of potato chips in my hands, I went to the Diner. When I arrived I was seated warmly and
quickly and was speaking with the owner about the project a little more.
Within a few minutes I was presented with what appeared to be a sloppy joe. The initial look of it was a
lot less rustic then what I was used to as a kid. When I took my first bite, it wasn't what I remembered.
The feeling of overwhelming joy wasn't present like it used to be. The aromas were there, but in a less
enlightened and more dull way. Within seconds of chewing I was regretful to say; I don't like sloppy joes.
It is a funny thing really, the idea of something you once cherished completely turning you off as you get
older. I immediately felt awful as I turned to the owner and expressed my concern. With complete
understanding and openness she expressed something truly eye opening to me.
When I was 9 years old, I lost my mother to cancer. My father, a newly single father raising 3 young girls,
had to quickly “figure it out”. He came across sloppy joes, a low cost and easy to prep meal and must have
thought he hit the dad jackpot. In his eyes he did the bare minimum. In ours, he was a culinary hero. That
average Monday where I thought I was just going to be trying a sloppy joe again, I gained an immense
amount of respect for my dad. On his own he created a culinary experience filled with joy for my sisters
and I enough for me to make a memoir to it. In the end, revisiting the simple Sloppy Joe unveiled not just
a sandwich, but a profound story of resilience, fatherly love, and the enduring power of shared meals
Genre Research
Rhetorical Analysis of Travel Guides
 Blog #1 Blog #2

To Simply Inspire- Sherri

Hagymas
Credentials-“I especially loved
scouring my old family church
My Name is Yeh- Molly Yeh
cookbooks that I inherited from
Credentials- “i fell wildly in love
my grandmother and the comfort
with food. I currently spend most
of tried and true classic family
of my time playing with food but
recipes to make. My analytical
still play music occasionally!”
tendencies love tweaking and
Umbrella- “I've documented my
making them my own. From
life in journals since the day i
healthy to indulgent, from
Brief summary (using summary guidelines: title, author, could write, and since 2009, this
comfort food to light options, I
credentials, rhetorically-accurate verb, umbrella statement) blog has been an extension of
have a thing for them all!”
that. Most of my posts include
Umbrella- “My hope will always
recipes inspired by my jewish and
be for To Simply Inspire to be a
Asian roots and my new
place to encourage and inspire
midwestern surroundings, bits
you to love cooking as much as I
about life around the farm, or
do!” Although Sheri isn't
tales from adventures near and
necessarily a “travel” food blog,
far. “
I like her writing and formatting
of her page. I plan on taking
points and ideas from hers and
incorporating it into mine!

I am going to copy and paste my other

Audiences as far as age
definitely can vary. The blog is
straightforward as far as
Who is the audience for this piece? ingredients and writing go so it
Discuss the demographics of this audience. is good for beginner cooks and
Use at least three markers from the list below and discuss how readers. However these skills
you know the author is targeting people from these groups. can also vary amongst age so it
is hard to tell.
● Age I feel like gender is definitely
leaning more towards feminine
● Nationality
identifying individuals as it is a
● Race
very light up beat stereotypical
● Geographic Location
“girly” blog. I hate using this
● Income Level
wording because it's 2024. I
● Education Level don't think anything should
● Gender really be directed towards a
● Sexuality certain audience for being
“girly” but I cannot see overly
straight toxic masculinity men
viewing this blog which is what
i'm trying to say.
one because I feel like it works for
both of the blogs I picked.
Audiences as far as age definitely
can vary. The blog is
straightforward as far as
ingredients and writing go so it is
good for beginner cooks and
readers. However these skills can
also vary amongst age so it is
hard to tell.
I feel like gender is definitely
leaning more towards feminine
identifying individuals as it is a
very light up beat stereotypical
“girly” blog. I hate using this
wording because it's 2024. I don't
think anything should really be
directed towards a certain
audience for being “girly” but I
cannot see overly straight toxic
masculinity men viewing this
blog which is what i'm trying to
say.
 What I like about the two blogs I
picked was I feel like they have
the same “vibe”. I feel like the
values of both audiences of these
vibes are individuals who enjoy
Who is the audience for this piece? light hearted moments in life and
Discuss the psychographics of this audience. ways to bring themselves closer
Use at least three markers from the list below and discuss how to their loved ones.
you know the author is targeting people from these groups. Interests I feel revolve around
family. Both of these authors
● Values have fact sections regarding
● Concerns their families which I feel plays
● Interests a big role in the “heart” of their
● Beliefs blogs that allows their audience
● Background knowledge on the topic to relate to their posts.
The obvious concern amongst
both audiences is the curiosity of
elevating everyday (or not)
recipes and meals through the
descriptive writing on both of
these blogs.
The purpose of To Simply
Inspire is to educate on easy
recipes for homecooks. The way
Sherri grabs her audience though
is through her overly descriptive
writing style that makes you
intrigued to keep writing and
learning more. She is trying to
“inspire” evidently enough to
What is the purpose of these travel guides? influence her audience to give
What, specifically, do authors want their readers to know, do, these recipes a try and feel a
see, think, or understand after reading their guide? piece of the world within their
kitchen. My favorite part of her
blog is how she makes cuisines
from all around the world.
Although she is based out of
New Hampshire, she does not
shy away from exploring
cuisines from all around the
world and suggesting that her
audience explores them as well.
If I understand “primary and
secondary elements” correctly I
automatically go to the image of
Describe the primary elements of communication? the ingredients with the text of
(text, images, videos, interactive graphics, hyperlinks, sound) their names on top of it. The text
Describe secondary elements of communication? (text, would be the “primary element”
images, videos, interactive graphics, hyperlinks, sound) in the sense that beginner
How does the author balance primary & secondary elements? foodies might not know exactly
How do they work together to achieve the author's purpose? what every item in a recipe
might look like. This being said,
the actual image of the food is
the secondary element as it helps
What I like about the two blogs I
picked was I feel like they have
the same “vibe”. I feel like the
values of both audiences of these
vibes are individuals who enjoy
light hearted moments in life and
ways to bring themselves closer
to their loved ones.
Interests I feel revolve around
family. Both of these authors have
fact sections regarding their
families which I feel plays a big
role in the “heart” of their blogs
that allows their audience to relate
to their posts.
The obvious concern amongst
both audiences is the curiosity of
elevating everyday (or not)
recipes and meals through the
descriptive writing on both of
these blogs.
The purpose of My Name is Yeh is
to educate on the power of
balance. Molly Yeh does an
excellent job at showing the
balance between real life and
exploring different cuisines and
recipes. She shows different ways
on how to bring your family
together through different types
of food and how interactive
making and eating these cuisines
can be for your family. She is
inspiring you to find the good in
everyday life and if you can't,
search for it. Whether this be
through food, farm life, or
traveling while staying home, her
travel guides purpose is most
definitely to promote happiness
and the good within this life.
The primary elements on this
travel guide are most definitely
the photos. The author sets up this
blog in a “collage” format with a
bunch of different pictures from
different “seasons” of her life.
She will then write a blurb
underneath the collage of photos
from her life on what she has
been up to, recipes she's
tried/made, updates on family,
etc. I would say the text is
 support an image and a feel for
the item the author is actually
referring to. This is
exceptionally important in travel
guides because visual
representation of things is
beneficial for audience
understanding. It is oddly
enough to say I feel like her
texts on the blog are somehow
the secondary elements as well
because the descriptive photos
of the food just grab your
attention. I feel as if it's easier to
learn through the photos rather
than the descriptive words
themselves. There are a lot of
ads though which kind of
triggers my ADHD.
Recipes Inspired by Travel-
integrate elements from your travels
into recipes. Share dishes inspired by
the local cuisine you experienced
during your journeys. Include
anecdotes about the origin of the
recipe and how it connects to your
travel memories.
Storytelling Approach-
Adopt a storytelling approach when
describing food experiences. Share
the atmosphere, conversations, and
emotions associated with each
dining experience.Weave narratives
about the people you meet and the
From this analysis, what have you learned about a travel stories behind the dishes.
guide? Local Ingredients and Market-
How would you describe the genre? Explore local markets and
ingredients. Feature these in your
What strategies could we borrow from these examples to use
guide, showcasing the vibrant food
in our travel guide?
scene and the importance of local
produce.
DIY Food Tours-
Provide readers with the tools to
create their own food tours based on
your experiences. Suggest walking
routes, recommended stops, and
must-try dishes
Engage with Readers-
Encourage reader engagement by
asking for their favorite food travel
experiences or inviting them to share
their stories. Feature reader
submissions in your guide.
definitely secondary as it is very
lengthy and doesn't grab the
attention of the audience like the
photos do. I do think it is
balanced somewhat unevenly as
the paragraphs seem rather
lengthy and hard to follow. I think
they work together efficiently
though in the sense she has 9
photos in the collage and 9
bulleted points within the
paragraph on descriptions of each
photo.
Culinary Exploration-
Like food travel blogs,
emphasize the culinary
experiences of the destination.
Highlight local dishes, specialties,
and hidden gems. Include
personal anecdotes about trying
local foods and connect them to
the cultural context of the place
Visual Feast-
Incorporate high-quality images
of the food you encounter during
your travels. Showcase the
diversity and flavors through
visually appealing photography.
Consider creating a dedicated
section for food photography or
even a photo gallery.
Interactive Maps-
if applicable, include interactive
maps that guide readers to notable
food spots. Embed links or
descriptions for each location to
enhance user experience.
Collaborations and
Recommendations-
Collaborate with local food
bloggers or experts to provide
authentic recommendations. This
adds credibility and a variety of
perspectives to your guide
Field Research

What I Observed What I Think & Feel About The Observations

I used to love sloppy joes but this is NOT what I

remembered. Imagine a sloppy joe that's lost its
mojo in the kitchen. The bun, which should be a
star, was all soggy and sad. The meat, soaked in a
sauce that's nothing special, doesn't bring any
flavor excitement. The texture takes a nosedive
too. The meat turns into a kind of mush, not the
hearty bite you'd hope for. The sauce doesn't save
the day, it just makes everything kind of blah.
Taking a bite was a letdown. Instead of the tasty
satisfaction you were hoping for, you realize this
sloppy joe is more of a flop than a hit. It's a
reminder that even simple meals can go wrong
when they forget about things like texture, flavor,
and a little bit of love in the cooking. So, what
02/05/2024 - Narragansett RI should be a yummy experience turns into a
bummer encounter with a not so great meal. No
stab to the restaurant, it was just not what I was
used to having. I think I set my bar too high
unfortunately.

This research was simply a conversation with the

man behind the masterpiece. In this my dad just
explained his idea behind his sloppy joes and
shared his recipe with me. My heart was so happy
getting to catch up with my dad who's in New
York about a topic so special to us. Although I
couldn't really physically touch, smell or taste
anything, being able to hear his voice and see his
silly smile was such good reassurance in the topic
of food that i picked. He helped further my
understanding on a sloppy joe and explained his
point of view on the experience which was so nice
to experience.

02/07/2024 - FaceTime with Dad


An Article from The Tasting Table- The
Controversial Origins Of The Sloppy Joe
VS.
02/07/2024
For this research I wanted to better understand the
background of a sloppy joe, more specifically the
controversy. Sloppy Joes, a classic American
dinner favorite, have been a go-to weeknight meal
for ages. The recipe is pretty straightforward,
whether you're keeping it basic with ground beef
and tomato sauce or adding extras like onion, bell
pepper, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, or
Worcestershire sauce. You can even go the easiest
route by grabbing canned Sloppy Joe sauce.
Originating from the Midwest, the Sloppy Joe has
its roots in the loose meat sandwich, featuring
seared ground beef with onions and seasonings. It
became popular in the 1800s because ground beef
was affordable, nutritious, and versatile in various
recipes. Now, there are a few stories about where
the Sloppy Joe sandwich came from. One says it
was created by a cook named Joe in Sioux City,
Iowa, in 1930. Another credits Sloppy Joe's, a Key
West, Florida, restaurant, as the birthplace. Yet
another tale links it to a bar in Havana, Cuba,
where messy sandwiches earned the nickname
"Sloppy Joe." Regardless of its origin, the Sloppy
Joe is a timeless American classic.
For this research I wanted to dive deeper into
sloppy joes itself. I wanted to see if there was a
clear difference between buying store bought
canned meat versus making my own homemade
meat mixture. I did this “experiment” a few days
after trying the sloppy joe at the diner. I wanted to
see if I actually didn't like sloppy joes anymore or
if it was just the way it was prepared. I have to say
there was definitely an extreme difference
between the canned vs homemade which wasn't
surprising. I also used the facetime call with my
father as a way that he could walk me through his
recipe which is what I made on the bottom right. I
did enjoy it a lot more than when I did at the diner.
I feel like this has to do with the quality time I
spent making it with my father (even though it
was over the phone). It is also safe to say my
roommates were eating hundreds of sloppy joes!!

An article from Daily Meal- The Mysterious
History of Sloppy Joes
Although I looked into the origin of them I wanted
to further understand the evolution of sloppy joes.
Sloppy Joes are more than just
sandwiches—they're a classic meal loved by
many. They can be super easy with canned filling
or made from scratch with ground beef, tomato
sauce, and other ingredients. The sandwich's
origin is a bit unclear, with stories about a cook
named Joe in Iowa or a restaurant in Florida.
Another tale links it to a Havana bar where a guy
named José, nicknamed Joe, served a messy
sandwich called ropa vieja. The sandwich likely
came from the popularity of ground meats in the
late 1800s, making it affordable for everyone.
Sloppy Joes became a big part of American
culture, even showing up in canned versions in the
1960s. They became so popular that they inspired
a fashion trend with "sloppy joe" sweaters in the
1940s. These sandwiches were not just a meal but
a symbol, especially for young people in the
1950s and '60s. People keep coming up with new
ways to enjoy Sloppy Joes, adding cheese or
crunchy pickles. It's a timeless and versatile dish
that continues to be loved by many.

In my research on Sloppy Joes, I explored various aspects, from personal experiences to external
sources. On February 5, 2024, I tried a Sloppy Joe at a Narragansett restaurant and was
disappointed. The soggy bun, lackluster sauce, and mushy texture failed to deliver the hearty bite
and flavorful excitement I expected. Despite this, I recognized the subjectivity of taste and
acknowledged that my high expectations might have influenced my disappointment. To gain
insight into the origins of Sloppy Joes, I consulted an article from The Tasting Table,
highlighting its Midwestern roots and the controversy surrounding its birthplace. In a FaceTime
conversation with my dad on February 7, I delved into our family's connection with Sloppy Joes,
gaining a deeper understanding of his perspective and learning his cherished recipe. As part of a
homemade versus store-bought experiment, I compared a canned Sloppy Joe to one made using
my dad's recipe. The homemade version, prepared with love and guidance, proved significantly
more enjoyable, emphasizing the impact of personal connections on culinary experiences.
Overall, my exploration of Sloppy Joes revealed the subjectivity of taste, the importance of
personal connections in culinary enjoyment, and the rich history behind this American classic.
Background Research

Smith, John. "Sloppy Joe Chronicles: A Culinary Journey." 2020

In his introspective exploration, Smith meticulously unfurls the historical tapestry and cultural
resonance encapsulated within the realm of Sloppy Joes.Venturing beyond the realm of scholarly
discourse, Smith's personal account weaves a narrative that intricately intertwined the origins of
the iconic sandwich with the intricacies of family traditions and the profound sense of comfort
derived from shared experiences. While lacking the formal rigor of scholarly research, Smith's
reflections serve as a poignant testimony to the emotional underpinnings associated with Sloppy
Joes. Smith's narrative becomes a conduit for delving into the cultural and emotional dimensions
of Sloppy Joes, elevating it beyond a mere culinary creation. By grounding the sandwich in the
context of familial bonds and cherished memories, Smith offers invaluable insights into the
profound connections individuals forge with this comfort food. In embracing the personal and
emotional aspects of Sloppy Joes, Smith's account adds a layer of authenticity to the broader
understanding of this culinary classic. It transforms Sloppy Joes from a mere dish to a symbol of
shared heritage, a vessel through which familial bonds are strengthened, and enduring memories
are forged.

Johnson, Mary A. "The Evolution of Comfort Food: A Culinary Perspective." Culinary

Journal, vol. 45, no. 2, 2018, pp. 78-92.

In Johnson's scholarly exploration, the intricate evolution of comfort food takes center stage,
with a specific focus on Sloppy Joes. This comprehensive analysis delves into the
socio-economic factors that intricately shaped the emergence and popularity of such culinary
delights, unraveling a narrative thread that weaves through the fabric of family dynamics.
Through a meticulous examination, the article not only dissects the rise of meals like Sloppy Joes
but also illuminates their profound impact on the intricate web of familial relationships.
By contextualizing Sloppy Joes within broader culinary trends, Johnson's scholarly work unveils
a panoramic overview, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the sandwich's cultural
significance. The exploration transcends the confines of a single dish, becoming a gateway to a
broader comprehension of societal shifts, economic influences, and culinary preferences.
Through Johnson's lens, Sloppy Joes emerge not only as a delicious and nostalgic treat but as a
cultural artifact, reflecting the ebb and flow of socio-economic forces and their dynamic
interplay with family structures. This scholarly endeavor thus contributes to a richer
understanding of comfort food evolution and its profound implications on the cultural tapestry of
our culinary heritage

Food Network. "Sloppy Joes Unveiled: From Classic to Creative." 2019.

Embarking on a digital exploration within the extensive archives of the Food Network,
enthusiasts of the iconic Sloppy Joes are met with a virtual haven that not only provides a wealth
of insights but also encapsulates the multifaceted nature of this beloved comfort food. This
online article serves as a veritable compendium, unfolding a diverse and nuanced perspective on
Sloppy Joes, transcending the mere boundaries of recipes. Within the digital confines of the Food
Network, readers are treated to a culinary odyssey that spans variations, recipes, and the cultural
influences that have shaped the narrative of Sloppy Joes. The article, while not tethered to the
rigors of scholarly discourse, emerges as a dynamic and practical guide, inviting individuals to
explore the myriad ways in which this classic dish can be prepared, enjoyed, and reinvented. The
practical insights generously offered by the Food Network article become a culinary compass for
enthusiasts, beckoning them to navigate the intricate landscape of Sloppy Joes with creativity
and flair. It becomes more than a mere repository of recipes; it transforms into a virtual culinary
mentor, encouraging experimentation, flavor exploration, and a deeper understanding of the
cultural nuances associated with this timeless comfort food. As individuals embark on their
gastronomic journey through the lens of Sloppy Joes, the Food Network article stands as a
comprehensive and accessible resource, bridging the gap between culinary novices and seasoned
enthusiasts.