a number of times in the past, I have commented on the raw movement's
preoccupation (in many cases, pathological obsession) with the
quality of one's food, and the concept of dietary purity. I even
referred to the demands made for effectively un-achievable quality
(organic, fresh, re-mineralized soil, biodynamic, locally grown, in-
season, non-hybrid, never refrigerated, not shipped, un-processed,
etc.) as a demand for "boutique food". The term boutique was inspired
by the situation: no matter how good the quality is, purists could easily
find something wrong with it.

Recently, in the mail, I received a beautiful color catalog from a
mail-order company called Diamond Organics. You can buy a breakfast from
this company - organic, top quality, sent via Federal Express: only
$46.00-49.00 (price includes shipping); price depends on type of breakfast
you select. A box of sandwiches for lunch, is a mere $28.00.

So, my description of "boutique food" was not a sarcastic exaggeration -
it is now a reality (at least, boutique pricing is a reality).  Anyone want
to pay $46 for breakfast? It's organic, after all!  :-)

Regards,
Tom Billings
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