Tien NguyenFood as art is an overwrought concept; so is food as therapy. But food as art and therapy? Now, that's more fun. And so, we created a little quiz similar to the inkblot test you might have taken during one of your early therapy sessions: Take a look at each photograph, consider what you're seeing and choose the answer that comes closest to your mind's eye. And while we probably can't give you much insight into why you do what you do, we can use your answers to make a few suggestions on where you might like to eat tonight. Which, really, is the least that your therapist can tell you when your 50 minutes are up.
1. In this photograph, you see:
a) The Last Supper
b) Colin, a happy little guy who runs around
c) The chicken panzella at Freddy Smalls
d) Puzzle pieces
e) Bacon
Credit: Anne Fishbein
2. In this photograph, you see:
a) Your calendar
b) The wonders of Koreatown
c) The banchan at Soban
d) You're too distracted trying to figure out which one of these small plates is not like the others to interpret this photograph.
e) Bacon
Credit: Anne Fishbein
3. In this photograph, you see:
a) A garden. Specifically, Eden.
b) A garden. Specifically, the one in your backyard.
c) Kelp noodles from M.A.K.E.
e) Bacon
Credit: T. Nguyen
4. In this photograph, you see:
b) Dairy farms
c) Cheese
d) Pac-Man
e) Bacon
Credit: Anne Fishbein
5. In this photograph, you see:
a) Your mother, your father, your boss or another significant authority figure in your life
b) The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch guide
c) The grilled corvina at Olympic Cheonggukjang
d) You cannot interpret this photograph because you are too busy imagining what this fish might be saying or thinking
e) Bacon
Credit: Anne Fishbein
6. In this photograph, you see:
a) Comfort
b) Friends, family and all those with whom you like to share dinner
c) Approximately 27 breadsticks
e) Bacon
Credit: T. Nguyen
7. In this photograph, you see:
a) The depths of your soul
b) Farming and/or Aida Batlle
c) A cup of espresso
d) Something to drink while you finish your first novel
e) Bacon
Credit: Anne Fishbein
8. In this photograph, you see:
a) Yourself, divided
b) Fresh berries
c) Two cookies shaped like cacti and several pieces of fruit on a nicely decorated plate
d) Two astronauts orbiting Jupiter
e) Bacon
9. In this photograph, you see:
a) Several concentric circles
b) The ocean
d) A top-down view of a snowy mountain in a magical, faraway land
e) Bacon
Credit: Guzzle & Nosh
10. In this photograph, you see:
a) Rocks
b) The beautiful fruits of this beautiful earth
e) Bacon
Turn the page to see how you scored …
The communal table at Son of a Gun; Credit: Anne Fishbein
If you answered mostly A:
You seem to be quite introspective, the type of person who would take your answers to this fun quiz and present them to your actual therapist to determine what it means to see circles and rocks in photos of food. Perhaps you then would appreciate a few places where you could have a nice meal while reading, say, Alison Bechdel's latest memoir? Pizzeria Mozza, Son of a Gun and The Tasting Kitchen are all great spots, among others, to grab a bite alone with a book.
Salad at Alma; Credit: G. Snyder
If you answered mostly B:
For you, the personal is the political; nearly everything is framed within a larger socio-political context. Thus you no doubt would love farm-to-table spots like Fig and Cooks County, as well as Eva and Alma. If you're feeling a little more casual and low-key, try the jams, preserves and coffee at SQIRL.
Sandwiches at Roma Italian Deli; Credit: G. Snyder
If you answered mostly C:
On the scale of Bert to Ernie, you're definitely more Bert. A bit of a literalist and possibly a little emotionally distant, you may have grown impatient with this game; in fact, we bet you're only playing along to kill some time before your next meeting. But, while you're here, you may as well plan your next meal, preferably at a straightforward, no-nonsense place: Try Roma Italian Deli for its no-frills sandwich, or Pho Filet for a simple, satisfying bowl of phở.
Duff Goldman at Duff's Cakemix; Credit: B. Hansen
If you answered mostly D:
You're definitely more Ernie than Bert. You and your imagination, then, will love the happy frenzy at dim sum hour, or the fun, if loud, environments at restaurants like Bestia. And you almost certainly would relish the opportunity to make your own cakes at Duff's Cakemix.
Porchetta from The Porchetta Truck; Credit: G. Snyder
If you answered mostly E:
Apparently, bacon for you is less a trend that has jumped the shark and more of a way of life. And so you'll enjoy the fantastic house-cured bacon served during Canele's weekend brunch, as well as the crispy slices at Storefront. In this same meaty vein, do yourself a favor and chase down the The Porchetta Truck — this could be your new pork obsession of 2013.
Want more Squid Ink? Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook. And follow the author on Twitter, too.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.