So far, 2010 has been a big year for lasagna in the world of extreme food news. First, there was the 100-layer lasagna and then the outright unappetizing (at least to those of us who think cheddar has no right being within 3 feet of lasagna) lasagna sandwich. Now the occasionally over-cautious folks at the Center for Science in the Public Interest have labeled Olive Garden’s deep-fried Lasagna Fritta as “food porn.”
Writes CSPI’s Nutrition Action Healthletter:
That’s right. Fried lasagna. And just in the nick of time. Many patrons were probably getting bored with some of Olive Garden’s other appetizers, like Fried Zucchini, Fried Mozzarella, and (fried) Calamari. The Cheesecake Factory fries macaroni and cheese. Hooters fries pickles. Surely, Olive Garden could find something else to fry.
With 1,030 calories, the Fritta is the third-highest calorie monster among its appetizer selection. It also provides eaters with a a full day’s worth of saturated fat (21g) and 1,590mg of sodium.
That being said, CSPI does admit that most Olive Garden diners will be divvying up this dish with other people at the table.
But the question remains: Does the idea of deep-fried lasagna tempt you enough to qualify as food porn?
FRY, BABY, FRY [CSPI]
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No, this is food porn:
http://tomandlorenzo2.blogspot.com/2010/09/crystal-renn-for-vogue-paris.html
*Fair warning, I myself can’t look at the one with what I think is an octopus without it activating my gag reflex.
**Also, it’s not actually porn and is safe for work.
That one with the spaghetti reminds me of something…
If that’s food porn, I’ve just become food asexual.
Unattractive woman + unattractive food = nope.mkv
The “i would definitely not hit it” meme comes to mind.
To be fair that was a really messed up photo shoot all around: the styling, the makeup, the lighting, the fact that they have a woman who’s battled eating disorders binging on food like that…
Here is a much better photo of her:
http://blogs.glam.com/glamblush/2010/02/24/crystal-renn-gotta-love-a-curvy-girl/
Great. Now I’m going to have to sit through a lecture from my wife on how much fried lasagna I’m watching.
+1
I’m confused…
Wouldn’t food porn be something you look at and don’t take part in actually eating? If that’s the case, then why should the calories be a concern?
What exactly does “Food porn” mean? I always thought it was in reference to photos of food that made you hungry, but that’s clearly not how its being used in this story.
I vote to label these folks at the Center for Science as morons. I can take care of myself and eat what I want.
I think it means, “we wanted to use the word ‘porn’ so you’d read our newsletter.”
Real food porn is stuff on the Food Network. Specifically, those shows where they are lovingly crafting the food and you get nice, extended shots of stirring and mixing set to music.
I’m not sure what food porn is. But this is the first time I’ve ever wanted to go to Olive Garden.
I shouldn’t have read this right before lunch. I’m sure I could eat an entire one of those with no problem. (Drools on keyboard)
No, it’s not food porn, but it was pretty tasty. (And yes, we had to share it among 3 people because it was so heavy.)
I can’t believe you left out the fried green beans and fried mac and cheese!! (Both, actually really yummy)
Olive garden barely counts as food, let alone worth of the title “food porn”
I have tried it and while it is delicious I’m not sure it rises to the level of ‘food porn’. Although it did cause me to masticate in public.
Screams with laughter…….
I’d have to see it in stockings and heels, I’m just a traditional guy that way.
I was looking at some photos of this in Starbucks the other day and the barista turned off the wi-fi on me.
I hope the little b*****d lost his job…
+1 LOL
+1
*gigglesnort*
Yes, because it is delicious.
Can’t be food porn, Fried Lasagna isn’t good for you.
As if CSPI weren’t irritating enough already, they say “porn” as if that were a bad thing.
“CSPI does admit that most Olive Garden diners will be divvying up this dish with other people”
Oops. Can I get a do over?
Larger question, does Olive Garden count as food?
Yes.
only if it shows up on here does it count: http://www.foodporndaily.com
Fried Lasagna?
That’s a culinary sin.
I prepare a very good lasagna and nothing in it is fried.
And you should not make lasagna with cheddar.
It has the wrong consistency.
You must use parmesan or similar cheeses that can be grated.
While I completely agree that cheddar shouldn’t be in a lasagna, are you saying that cheddar can’t be grated?
I’ve had this and it was not that good. 6/10 From the picture, I was hoping more 9/10.
Food porn.
How can anything that combines two of my favorite things be a bad thing?
It is food porn, if you’re a bible-thumping food prude like the people at the CSPI.
I’ve had it. Based on the noises I made while eating it, yeah, it qualifies.
How much did it cost? Now I’m considering going to Olive Garden..
I guess this does qualify as food porn, if we put it into the sub-set of porn which is “things I find really disgusting…”
Why did they even bother doing a lasagna fritta when pizza fritta is an actual authentic Italian dish?
http://fxcuisine.com/default.asp?language=2&Display=83&resolution=high
This reminds me of one of my favorite discontinued appetizers: the Bella Napoli chips at Romano’s Macaroni Grill. It was basically an Italian spin on nachos, using deep fried lasagna noodles as the chips. I miss Bella Napoli…but I don’t miss the extra pounds I’d gain after eating it.
I’ve had the Fried Lasagna a few times. It’s been out at my local Olive Garden for quite a while now. And yes… it is DELICIOUS.