Missing the Ritual
I love food. I love to cook it, watch shows about it, and especially eat it. I also realized recently that although the food is certainly important, it is the ritual that I really love. I love to watch shows like Anthony Bourdain, and Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern. They are food shows, but they are travel shows as well, so we get to live vicariously through the hosts to see exotic locations, interesting people, and sometimes odd and, frankly, not tasty foods. One thing that I have noticed is that whether the countries they visit are wealthy or poor, or the people are sophisticated or primitive, food plays an essential part of their lives, and not just because it's necessary to sustain life. It doesn't matter if it's a 4 course meal in Italy, or one fish shared in Zimbabwe- it's the rituals involved- the gathering of family and friends, the traditions passed on from generation to generation. Think about your family and what traditions you have that involve food. Birthday dinners where mom makes whatever you want. The family Christmas celebration that wouldn't be the same without Aunt Betty's cranberry salad. The summer picnic that must be held in Uncle Bob's yard and must include cousin Ann's potato salad. These are traditions and you associate certain foods with them- it just wouldn't seem right without them. But, if you stop and think further, the most important part is not what you eat, but whom you are eating with. Sure, Aunt Betty's cranberry salad is important, but it wouldn't be the same without Aunt Betty, right? The truly essential element is the gathering, the sharing of stories, being with people you care about, making memories. I personally believe that this kind of interaction is important to make a part of daily life, not just special occasions. I fear that in this world of fast food and hectic schedules, the rituals of family dining have fallen by the wayside. The thought makes me sad. Sitting down to dinner as a family, sharing your thoughts, talking about your day, laughing together- this is strengthening the fiber of the family. If you can make a tasty, healthy meal, that's all the better, but if you can't pull that off every night, or most nights, at least sit down and share the meal- even if it's not gourmet fare. Your kids may well remember Friday night pizza night as their favorite, because everyone sat down together and shared time. Chances are they won't remember a drive thru meal or a sandwich gulped down in front of the t.v. We may not all be the "Next Food Network Star," but hey- if Rachael Ray can whip up something tasty in 30 minutes, so can we! So, I say, let's revive the ritual! Clear off that dining room table, set out the dishes, and SIT DOWN AND EAT! Talk, laugh, share. Make the time, because none of us know how much time we really have to share.
BON APPETITE!
