"...what kind of minds discuss FOOD?"

Great minds discuss food! Eat to surf. Surf to eat.

The baked potato is often sadly maligned, disrespected.

Overcooked, stowed in a warming tray, dumped soggy skinned next to an entree; an insult to what can be a glorious side. I could easily go full-on Bubba Gump for :20 on the humble baked potato.

When important American ambassadors, corporate execs, politicians visit other countries, their choice of restaurants and menu choices are closely scrutinized because they can reflect their knowledge and appreciation for that nation's history, it's relationship with the visitors country, etc.

There was a good article in the NYT on that very topic recently, citing various American politician's choices in different regions of China. Heck, the NYT has multiple sections dedicated to food: cooking, restaurants, eating while traveling....

Twenty minutes? Easy. Possibly the best baked potato I ever had was on a 1935 45' Casey ketch anchored in the protection of the leeward side of one of the Channel Islands. Our foulies were draped all over the boom and lifelines. As you might expect, an old wood boat like that doesn't have a modern refrigeration system, but what she lacked in galley facilities, she made up for with all 7 sails up and drawing, straining on a broad reach. Talk about a freight train! If there's a heaven, it must have wooden ships. Now,that potato.....