Outdoor Dining During COVID

 
 

Watching “Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi” is a sensuous and eye-opening experience. It not only educates you on food and cooking, but it teaches the culture of food, its history, and the ethnicity of what having a meal really is.

It’s no secret that America was built by whites stealing land and it is a melting pot of immigrants. Upon arrival immigrants are most often stripped of their culture and traditions in order to blend-in with US society. In addition, America is notorious for getting people what they want whenever they want it…. Especially food. The best example is the fact that America is the creator of fast food, Twinkies, and Seamless. Eating to many Americans is just food to feed the body or fulfill the minds cravings but eating and having a meal is an experience that unites people and allows them to enjoy the pleasures of eating, drinking, and sharing.

 
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It’s important to also keep in mind that ALL dishes and ingredients have a history and they didn’t just end up on a menu or store shelf. Rather every ingredient comes from some combination of land, animal, or “edible” chemical element. Also, cooking began with our ancestors but has evolved as life has evolved.

COVID has had people in house arrest for months now which in turn has forced a sudden evolution. But on the upside it has brought back the enjoyment of cooking and sitting together for a meal. Admittedly my streaming networks all have at least 5 cooking shows on the “keep watching” list. Each of them teaches me something different and gives me a new perspective. I will say however that top of my list the Netflix series “Chef’s Table” and Hulu’s “Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi”. What fascinates me about these shows is that each chef fell in love with cooking for different reasons and many of them even hated the kitchen before they made it a career. Cooking for several chef’s also reunited them with their native land and cultural roots. Learning about the origins of food and meals is very important especially in a time that as humans we are so distant and disengaged.

Domino Block Party PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURE JOLIET

Domino Block Party PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURE JOLIET

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBER THRANE OF DULCET CREATIVE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBER THRANE OF DULCET CREATIVE

I know for me two of my favorite things right now are going to the farmers markets and making flower arrangements. As an extrovert and designer, I will be honest and say that for me a beautifully set table is like porn because it is opulent while also inviting human unity and engagement. Setting a table is made to enhance a meal through the plating and décor. They tell a story and present sacred memories.

This summer as we all continue to create our new normal and adjust to the daily global changes reach out to people and get together outdoors. I believe that one of the best ways to stay connected and sane right now is by inviting those you love and are closest with to share a meal.  Now I will Cuomo you and say that meeting engagements must be safe, and you should take every CDC precaution in order to kick this pandemic on its pandemic ass. However, it can be done by creating your table outside like a sharable platter that people can serve themselves and eat socially distant.  

Please enjoy some of my favorite summer tables that are easy and can be made on moderate dime.

 

 
Jennifer Melendez