Why introduce Mario Batali in this discussion. he certainly is nobodies idea of genuine anything, is he? Oh, maybe Brooklyn imitation Italian at high prices. Entertaining on TV but really, do you think he does anything especially good? In NYC would any same person consider a Batali restaurant if there were a possibility of getting into Il Mulino?

Philistines? I use no premixed ingredients of any kind other than Herbes de Provence, and make all curry from fresh ingredients, something few Indians do. Still, I appreciate that many people who do like fine food have neither the time nor the expertise to cook everything from scratch. I would not denigrate them for that, but I would try to convince them that the extra effort is well worth it, and is enjoyable in and of itself.

I give away lots of turmeric, ginger, coriander, basil, thyme and rosemary. Doing so has helped convince a few people to do better preparations at home.

Philistines? No, I don't think so. Just people with little time, training or inclination. I don't want to eat their food, but I'll not call them by pejorative names.