The Michael Hohl team celebrating National Admin Day with a Ravioli 101 Corporate Team Building Class at Sierra Chef.
What is that one common denominator that brings folks together regardless of their differences? Food, of course. Absolutely! Food has a unique way of bringing people together. Here’s how:
Shared experiences: Eating together, whether at home or at a restaurant, creates a sense of community and togetherness. Our monthly Sierra Chef Cookbook Club does just that. Each month we gather to share the culinary topic of the month and enjoy each other’s company. This month our topic is summer salads. Our members will each prepare their favorite summer salad, provide the recipe and we then gather for a potluck meal. Get some folks together and create your own culinary experience.
Cultural exchange: Trying new foods from different cultures can lead to an appreciation and understanding of those cultures. You may find that your new favorite spice is Ras al Hanout. Don’t know what that is? Find out and explore other cultures!
Celebrations and rituals: Food is often at the center of celebrations and rituals, bringing people together on joyous occasions. Think of those traditional recipes that show up on the table only once a year during the holidays of family celebrations. Nonna’s holiday biscotti, mom’s chestnut stuffing, Aunt Susie’s southern pecan pie… create a family cookbook to store and cherish those recipes for the future.
Breaking bread: The act of sharing food, often referred to as “breaking bread,” is a symbol of friendship and camaraderie.
Cooking together: Whether it is a professional cooking class, family and friends’ dinner or corporate team building, preparing a meal together will foster teamwork, cooperation, shared accomplishment and memories through the simple act of coming together to create a meal.
Comfort and support: Offering food to someone, especially during times of stress or grief, is a universal way of expressing support and empathy. No matter what you thoughtfully prepare for someone it shows you care and are there for them.
Community events: Food festivals, farmers’ markets, and other food-related events can bring a community together, celebrating local produce and culinary creativity. A Farmers’ Market scavenger hunt can be a great activity for kids or adults. At Sierra Chef, we have a Farmers’ Market fresh class where we provide a shopping list geared around our local Farmers’ Market. Folks shop for fresh ingredients and we then get together for class. Get out and support these local events!
Food memory: That wisp of a scent or blast of flavor can transport you back in time. One of my favorite food memories is, strangely enough, lighter fluid. My dad loved to barbecue which, unfortunately, involved copious amounts of lighter fluid. Dad would take any meat, put it on the grill, completely char the outside until it was black, and the inside would remain raw, completely inedible with the only flavor of lighter fluid. Sounds horrible, yes? However, whenever I smell lighter fluid, it always triggers a sweet memory of my dad and I smile.
Cooking together is more than just a practical way to prepare a meal. It is an opportunity to collaborate, communicate, and connect with others on a deeper level. When we cook together, we are not only sharing the physical space of the kitchen but also sharing our ideas, skills, and experiences… Mangia Bene!
“Life is a piece of cake, enjoy every layer!” – Cynthia Ferris-Bennett
Cynthia Ferris-Bennett is the owner of the Sierra Chef Culinary Center & Cucina Campagna, Italian Bakery, Gourmet Market & Cheese Shop in Genoa.