When 'Kitch' is for Kitchen

Even though I preface every link to David Brooks with something like, "I'm not a fan of David Brooks, but," the man makes some valid points, and even though "Bobos in Paradise" is sociology-by-anecdote and stretches the truth a lot, it's a good read. When I read it many years ago, particularly close to home (and hilarious) was the chapter on REI and other outdoor outfitters, and the chapter on Bobos and their six-figure showers and kitchens was good, too. I think my manager at the time was in the middle of a $90,000 kitchen renovation.

One of the main themes of the book was that the art of displaying status symbols had evolved; ostentatious displays were considered crass, and those wanting to signal had to come up with more subtle messaging techniques and messages. It had become crass to spend thousands of dollars on things for show, so to still be able to show, Bobos distinguished themselves by investing in the practical. If it was practical, pour in as many thousands as your Bobo heart desires. Hence the excessive kitchens and showers.

This concept was taken up by "Sex and the City," in the oft-cited (at least among my friends) baby shower episode. Carrie gets lectured by a sanctimonious friend who would never think of spending hundreds of dollars on shoes. But she still spends excessively (key word: excessively-- I know baby stuff is expensive, but we're talking over-the-top and for-show) on stuff for her kids, and goes on as if it's somehow morally superior to spend hundreds of dollars on a pacifier.

Enough about babies; let's get back to pimped-out kitchens. One of my heroes, Mark Bittman, writes and blogs about how a small kitchen is good enough for him.