Every once in a while I’ll hear the same dreaded question: aren’t you worried AI will take your job? To which my answer is I’m afraid of a lot things, panic attack is my general status. Technology has been taking people’s jobs for years. Before there was Amazon, superstores were putting adorable independent shops out of business and destroying quaint neighborhoods. Just ask Kathleen Kelly.
In this scenario, I’m Kathleen Kelly and I hope at least I can get a millionaire to fall in love with me if I’ going out of business. In this scenario, I spend hours researching, developing, testing, cooking, and photographing recipes. I don’t over-edit or over-style them. I want them to look natural and approachable and appealing. My nemesis, mr AI, can do all of this in a matter of seconds. It’s a marvel, I have to admit.
I see myself as tiny independent shop who operates out of passion and AI to be a very powerful plastic surgeon. The results are always airbrushed to the point of unrealistic, but they’re perfect. The results are what my dishes would take to Mr Plastic Surgeon for reference.
I remember watching episodes of Fashion Police and cracking up at Joan Rivers jokes. Who were it better?, they would discuss the issue at length. I thought I should do the same here and ask the same question about my own work. I’m not afraid of the answer, I love the painstakingly long process of recipe development. Even if they don’t look perfect. For me, it’s about the journey, not the destination. It’s not about efficiency and cost, it’s about love. L-O-V-E.
Now, please let’s go on this journey together. Help me answer this very important question:
Who did it better?
Let’s start with an easy appetizer. AI did a great job here, although it’s a little on the nose. It looks more like something out of a Disney movie, which implies perfection, so I don’t really know where I’m going with this.
I like mine better. You can see textures! And shadows! Sorry AI, me 1, you 0.
I think it’s clear who the loser is here. My galette looks radiant under that glorious sunlight. AI’s efforts were not satisfactory. First of all, it burnt the crust. AI clearly wasn’t watching the oven. Then there’s the biggest affront of all, that caramelized onion filling that looks slimy and gross and I wouldn’t want to eat that. Point for me.
AI’s version of this balsamic chicken looks straight out of Ratatouille. It’s cute, but it could use some broiling. Those chicken breasts are looking a tad undercooked. Mine looks like real life. Clearly, it’s a tie.
I’m woman enough to admit that AI did better on this one. In my defense, I shot this one on my iPhone, so I couldn’t get all the details of the dish in a professional way. But it was a commendable effort.
AI took this one to the next level, turning it into something a lot more glamorous than it was meant to be. It’s like Carrie Bradshaw overdressing for brunch. Mine is a classic little black dress. Understated, but classy.
Excellent effort from both parts. I win for presentation. AI’s job looks a little sloppy, I don’t like the drizzling of the olive oil. The filling looks very creamy, though, so point for them. I’ll consider it a tie.
So the results are in. It was really tight, but I win this round. Phew, I was seriously worried I would lose my job when I started this. If you’re looking for a recipe developer who beat AI, I’m up for grabs.
If you don’t agree with me, let’s discuss in the comments. But please be gentle, I bruise like a peach.
