Last month, the New York Times published an article about the controversy surrounding MSG entitled “Yes, MSG, the Secret Behind the Savor.” Now, I’ve seen more than a few Asian restaurants with handmade signs declaring “No MSG.” However, “NO MSG on all gourmet dishes” is not the same as “No MSG,” is it? That “on all gourmet dishes” clause looks like a disclaimer of sorts. But, I’m not one to barge into a restaurant and ask them which dishes on the menu are “gourmet” dishes and which ones are not. I have no interest in being on the wrong end of kitchen cleaver or getting served pre-salivated food. Still, it makes me wonder. There’s no way steamed rice is “gourmet.” What else isn’t gourmet?