Not long ago I read with great interest an article in this newspaper with the headline, “South leads nation in sagging waistline statistics.” Being one of those blessed enough to be born and raised in the South, I didn’t feel embarrassment or shame — I felt hungry.

Yes, we do know how to eat on this side of the Mason-Dixon line. If it ain’t deep-fried, chicken-fried or barbecued, then it must not be a dish native to these parts. Too bad for the folks who live elsewhere.