We’ve had a lot of our friends in our beloved online and “real” world community of food and travel lovers ask us how we are doing during the lockdown. In the early days of the crisis many were concerned that the travel restrictions and closure of in-house dining would drive the two of us to distraction – or worse. And while we appreciated the concern, we were able to reassure people that we were quite happily keeping very busy asking friends, old and new, involved in food businesses how we could help. The tide of requests, and the very satisfying work that has derived from those requests, has been both a bit overwhelming, and at the same time immensely gratifying.
We’ve donated our time to help some restaurants and other food-related businesses think through what product and service offerings might work best for them and their customers, including how best to market themselves in uncertain times we’re all living through. As part of that work, we’re using our various digital channels to promote as many local food services as we can manage in an attempt to ensure that these precious businesses, and the remarkable people who own and operate them, are part of our community for years to come.
A number of people have asked us why we have thrown ourselves into these projects with so much time and energy. (we’re definitely not binge-watching any Netflix or Prime TV series these days - lol!) The answer is simple. Over these many years of exploring food and travel we’ve come to a foundational realization. No matter where you are in the world, a vibrant, independent food scene (restaurants; bars; coffee shops; bakeries; markets) makes our communities – and through those communities our own lives – more energized and enlivened. Whether it’s an evening treat of fine dining with friends or visiting a food truck or food stand at a busy market, good food is an essential part of life.
In our mind shared food is shared joy, and a shared sense of community. Over the past few weeks we’ve struggled to find a way to explain this to people, Then along came an eloquent Instagram post by our friend Taszia Thakur, co-owner (with her husband Karan) of Saskatoon’s Calories Restaurant. This excerpt from her post says it best:
“It’s tough to wake up and not know what tomorrow is going to look like. We had to adjust and adapt what seems like countless times over the past month. And yet, with your support, we are here cooking for YOU. Because as James Beard said: ‘food is the common denominator that brings people together.’ Because a nourishing meal has the same effect as a hug or a handshake. Because now more than ever we are aware that we are a part of a community in which everything is connected to everything else. Let’s not lose this awareness as we transition to tomorrow.” (You can read Taszia's full post here)
This is why we want to help our community’s amazing independent food scene survive these unprecedented times. There will come a time when we no longer have to miss handshakes with strangers, or hugs with friends. And when that time comes we want to be able to share delicious food prepared by amazing chefs who do everything they do so that we can experience the soul satisfying pleasure that shared food and laughter brings to our lives and our community.
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