In today's impatient consumer market, there are still some brands that are willing to do things that comfort the heart.
Recently, I saw the Gaode Street Scanning List holding a photography contest, asking people to take photos of "bare-faced meals," which is quite interesting.
Although it's called a competition, it doesn't really feel like one. No filters, no photo editing, just upload directly from your phone. It doesn't compare who has better composition or lighting; it just asks whether the meal you took a picture of truly makes people want to eat it.
The winning works I saw were three in total, each expressing their own understanding of food: one showing the fierce flames in the kitchen, another showing the busyness at a food stall in the morning, and the third showing the silent praise of the chef after enjoying a delicious meal. I think they are all very unique and authentic.
The three winners received the reward of "free meals at the listed restaurants for a whole year," worth 50,000 yuan. This prize is indeed tempting, but what moved me more was its underlying philosophy: let the meal return to its true self.
Nowadays, eating often feels like completing a task. First, take a photo, adjust the color, post on WeChat Moments, and by the time you actually eat, the food is already cold, and the taste seems to become the least important thing.
This "bare-faced meal" contest also continues this idea—real deliciousness is the most lasting attraction. The judges include people who understand food, such as Chen Xiaoqing and Chen Li, as well as writers, actors, and nutritionists. They don't just look at the pictures, but also value the real taste of the food, because first comes the food, then the photo.
Just in time for the National Day holiday, these days I've been thinking about going out to eat during the break, no longer focusing on the recommended hotspots. Instead, I'll open the Gaode Street Scanning List, check out the local people's favorite places, and browse the "bare-faced meal" works to find those simple yet memorable dishes.
After all, sometimes the most delicious food is waiting to be discovered in the most unassuming place.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844591401551876/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.