Keep Good Company

So much of what we do—both as a culture, and even more simply, as a species—revolves around food.

A baby taking his or her first few bites of solid food. A newlywed couple slicing into that towering white cake. Even staring at a computer screen under fluorescent lighting, and between the flurry of emails, taking a moment to decide what to order for lunch.

And of course, Thanksgiving. A day that is pretty much dedicated to eating great food.

Food represents so many things: comfort, excitement, joy and even sorrow. But just as important as the meals themselves are those we share it with. Friends and family. Colleagues and acquaintances. Lovers and soulmates. Even the indulgent (or to some, terrifying?) notion of enjoying a meal by oneself.

Thinking back, I've always had a deep appreciation for good food. I remember being five or six years old and going out to dinner with my parents for a very fancy, grown-up meal. White linens, waiters in jackets. My first taste of fine dining. Later, I recall trying Indian food for the first time. It felt exciting and exotic and so special to experience this new culture. Even trying sushi for this first time, which was a truly unforgettable experience, seeing as I choked on some seaweed and was probably nanoseconds away from recieving the Heimlich...

And let's not discriminate. I'm not above a Cinnabon from the mall foodcourt—a favorite tradition I share with my dearest friends from Isreal. Or a trip back to my hometown and a nostolgic Dunkin Donuts coffee from the same drive-thru I've rolled through millions of times—at first in the backseat of my parents' car, but later in my '96 Jetta, friends piled in, music blasting, windows down.

Some of my best and most cherished memories come from the special meals I've enjoyed with others. A particular dish may fill your stomach, but a meal can fill your heart. A meal can only be made better when you share it with those who fill your life. This post is for everyone who I've shared a memorable meal...or two...or three with.

This note has been drafted since I started this blog, but I wanted to keep it very food-centric and less about me. But today, of all days, felt like the right time to share these more personal thoughts. Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for pulling up a chair and joining me on this very personal culinary adventure.

Be selective about what you eat, but be even choosier with who you share those beautiful meals with. May you always keep good company.

<3 Lo