It is a source of local pride that states often pass resolutions denoting their “official” favorites: state birds, state rocks, state reptiles, etc. In fact, the past Utah Legislature got behind the brine shrimp as the state crustacean.

Davis County should join along. Why couldn’t our esteemed commissioners designate an Official Davis County Food?

A friend offered a few suggestions:

“We need something to bring people together in our county,” he said. “For instance, Davis County folks sure love their hamburgers.”

“Sure,” I agreed, “but that would anger PETA and other animal rights groups, plus cattle-raising comes with water-thirsty alfalfa, not the best thing for Utah’s drought.”

“So how about pizza? It’s a favorite of Davis school children and can be prepared with healthy vegetables and non-dairy cheese for vegetarians and vegans.”

“You want to stir up an international incident?” I asked. “We’re already glowering at Russia and China; the last thing we need is to irritate the Italians. Pizza comes from Naples, not West Bountiful!”

“Well, if you want popularity with no international flair, think macaroni and cheese.”

“No! Our Official County Food cannot come from a box! We need something more significant.”

“How about chicken?” he said. “Chicken restaurants are popping up all over and Utah is considered the first home of KFC.”

“Not with the avian bird flu. Plus, chicken is most commonly deep-fried. With America’s obesity epidemic, chicken would be a slap in the face to dietitians.”

“OK, then jello salad with carrots? There was even an Olympic pin to honor it.”

“But that concoction is mostly affiliated with the predominant religion,” I said. “Again, we need to be inclusive of all of Davis County.”

“Then I’m at a loss,” he said.

“Well, let’s think of something popular in Davis County. Consider a soup. I am partial to French Onion, but that might ruffle the feathers of Pres. Macron and we know how testy the French can get. A better choice might be another of my favorites: Clam Chowder.”

I continued, “Chowder is popular and can be branded as patriotic. New England Chowder can remind of us how our forefathers tossed British tea into Boston Harbor to gain independence. It’s also creamy, sure to bring a smile to Davis County dairy farmers. Alternatively, Manhattan Chowder is prepared in a tomato broth, and what is more heartwarming to Davis County residents than to pick a ripe tomato from their garden? Hey, even vegetarians wouldn’t quibble over a few tiny clams simmering in their soup.”

Problem solved, commissioners. Put a countywide Chowder Cook-off on the commission calendar! 

Bryan Gray, a longtime Davis County resident, is a former school teacher and has been a columnist for more than 26 years in newspapers along the Wasatch Front.