Food and Fellowship for the Culture
Hey Style of Lifers! How was your first month of 2020? Did we do our homework from last month? Did you answer the question, “Who Am I?” Like I promised you, this blog is going to talk about my favorite things that came from me starting to answer that question for myself. So, FEBRUARY is all about FOOD!!!!
Food and Fellowship are such a perfect pair. They go together like verses and hooks; I mean you can technically have one without the other, but it just doesn’t flow the same way. Since February is the month that we acknowledge Black History and Culture and Love, we must recognize the role that food plays in the art of celebration.
Food helps us return to our roots. I remember food and fellowship for me started with Sunday dinners and holidays with all of grandma’s recipes. That food and fellowship shaped the woman I am today. It was during Sunday dinner and holidays that family history, secrets, laughs and prayers were shared. Like most, my childhood was spent at the kids table, when I got into high school and college I was trusted with adult conversations about my family’s history and my grandma’s recipes. This is where my passion for cooking was birthed. My father and grandma would taste test my cooking to see if I had, “IT.” (And early on when I didn’t, they would quickly grab the pan and ask me to step aside…lol) This was my Black History and Culture! So, what’s your first memory of Food and Fellowship? How did it shape you then, and how does it shape you now?
I. LOVE. FOOD. Whether it’s cooking for myself or others or sitting down and enjoying a meal at my favorite restaurant, when LOVE is the first ingredient it makes every meal perfect. This month friends, family, and couples will be celebrating their love for one another, more than likely with some food! Try a restaurant with a great menu and ambiance. Here are some of my Top 5 Favorite restaurants in NYC and they were spotlighted during Restaurant Week!
- Tao (Downtown or Uptown)- Asian Fusion https://taodowntown.com
- STK (Downtown or Midtown)- Steakhouse https://stksteakhouse.com/venues/nyc-downtown/
- Red Rooster Harlem- American Cuisine/Soul Food https://www.redroosterharlem.com
- Legasea-Seafood http://moxytimessquare.com/dining/legasea-seafood-brasserie/
- Ayza-Wine and Chocolate Bar https://ayzanyc.com
Last month, you had to answer the question of who you are. This month I challenge you to share what you have learned about yourself over a meal with someone you love. That “someone” can be a friend, lover, or family member. Allow yourself to be vulnerable, see if any of your findings catch others by surprise. Share with others how you started this journey and why. Your journey has the potential to inspire others. Whether you are setting a table for one, two, or a few, remember that your story matters.
We all need to live our life so why not do it with boldness and balance? That my friends is, the STYLE OF LIFE!
Day after day they met in the temple [area] continuing with one mind, and breaking bread in various private homes. They were eating their meals together with joy and generous hearts.
Acts 2:46 AMP
The Style of Life 