,
Lately I have noticed a comfort has been found in some pretty note-worthy food/cooking programs, as well as cookbooks. From Salim Nosrat's docu-series Salt, Fat,
Acid, Heat which I recently finished this past week to gobbling up anything having to do with Barefoot Contessa and her latest book - oh, and I cannot forget Tuesday evening's Chopped series on Food Network. But more specifically, it is the food, the creating, the gathering, the enjoying and the learning that has grabbed my attention.
Perhaps it is just a natural occurrence for my life's journey and my discovery and now sharing of more food focused
posts and episodes, but I don't think I am alone.
It is my observation that the global community is finding, or returning to finding, comfort in homemade, thoughtful meals as a means to not only nourish ourselves, but bring those we love back together and find a common ground of camaraderie, goodwill and pleasure. This is not a return to the past of traditional roles for women or men, but rather an awareness of the importance of eating well, and also
being well together and not just with our families, but with the people who are in our communities, the people we work with and the people who make our lives a bit brighter. Food is powerful and a powerful means of communicating conviviality and platonic affection with our neighbor. A bond of recognition. A recognition of humanness.
One of the many most memorable parts of my trip this summer to France was the meals I had the opportunity to share with those who call
France home. The long dinners that stretched from evening to night, the leisurely keeping of the time, and the intelligent, yet playful conversations of affection and joy about the world, about food about life. There was no rushing, there was no expectation except good food, good wine and appreciation for time to be there together.
As
The Simply Luxurious Kitchen vodcast wraps up with its last episode of Season 1 this Saturday, I am extremely thankful for the conversations, sharing and stories of listeners/viewers stepping into their kitchens and making food they love inspired by a new idea or new way of approaching what or how they cook in their own kitchen. It was truly a pleasure to make the first season, and I look forward to next
season (September 2019) as I am already gathering ideas. In the meantime, I have written
an entire chapter in my new book (chapter 12) dedicated to creating a kitchen space and approach to your time in the kitchen that is enjoyable, simple and highly functional, and of course delicious! All of the tips and insights shared
in the eight episodes are included as well as many more.
And since we're on the topic of cooking, I am extremely thrilled and feel very fortunate to offer readers who will be in the Portland, Oregon, area on December 21st and opportunity to meet, cook with and be taught
how to cook well by Susan Hermann Loomis. She is offering a private cooking class for one evening at a private residence in Portland. I have shared the entire menu you will be cooking
on today's
This & That and how to sign-up. The cost is $179, and you just need to sign up by December 1st. I don't know about you, but if I can figure out a way to attend, I will do all that I can to be there. Not only will you cook and learn from an amazing talent in Loomis, but then everyone will sit down and enjoy the meal together (the class will run from 6pm-10pm). Sounds like a lovely way to kick off the peek holiday season (and don't forget to bring your copy of
her new book
French Grill).
Also in this week's newsletter is motivation for enjoying the work week, ideas for how to tailor your life to include more depth and less drama, as well as a must-see film for anyone who appreciates a well-written script and the ultimate outcome being a love connection. There is so much more, so be sure to take your time perusing the entire
newsletter.
Thank you for subscribing and have a wonderful weekend. Until next week, I'll see you on the blog!
