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Hospitality is so important to me. It has the ability to raise someones spirits, change an atmosphere, create a sense of family, strengthen relationships and place value on someone who mightn't feel very valuable. Unfortunately though, I'm finding that in our fast paced world the art of hospitality is being swept away.
I don’t know about you but if I’m gonna cook for someone, I
want them to be wowed. I guess you could
describe me as a black and white, or all-or-nothing kinda gal; so when it comes
to making dinner for someone I don’t see the point in creating something anything
less than what I consider to be spectacular. If I was ever planning to do a half job then I might as
well go all the way; dirty kebabs all round! (Am I a perfectionist?).
Even if I’m scrapped for prep time, or I don’t have the
energy or money to buy twenty thousand ingredients, there’s always a way to
create something that’ll wow the pants of your guests; even if it means
scraping the edges of your fridge for remnants of food. With a little
creativity and love, anything is possible!
Beautiful hospitality is not necessarily about having lots
of fancy shmancy cooking skills, shiny utensils, exotic ingredients with names
the average Aussie can’t pronounce, a cellar full of fine wine, a French accent
(you could put one on) or Vera Wang dinnerware. Although it could mean that if you wanted it to.
The reason this is on my mind is that unfortunately there are so many foodie establishments I've
visited because of the seemingly classy and expensive aura of the place, and i’ve left feeling completely let down by the lack of people skills and service, or by
cheap and stingy food that’s presented on a sparkly plate. It’s why I cook at
home so much. Because (and I hate to sound like a complainer, but) more often
than not I’m disappointed when I go out. I think; ‘If this was my restaurant
I’d be way more generous, friendly, and intentional’. I can always tell when
the place is just trying to make money, or if their heart is really in it. There’s a spirit about
good hospitality that is hard to describe in words. But if I could try to
string something together, I’d say:
- It’s about quality
- It’s about quantity.
- It’s generous
- It’s served with a smile
- It aims to create a warm, friendly, welcoming atmosphere
- The food is tasty and interesting
- Food is always made with love; intentionally created to bless those at the receiving end.
- It’s aesthetically pleasing (the food itself and the way it’s presented; maybe with candles, a nice tablecloth, a bunch of flowers cut from your garden; but doesn’t have to be pretentious or over the top. That just makes people feel awkward and uncomfortable. Context is important here)
- There are those little touches that make it extra special (whether a sauce, a homemade condiment, some nice crunchy bread to mop up the flavours with. Some mint leaves in the water. Whatever floats your boat)
- It’s creative
- The host or the cook genuinely cares about their guest’s experience.
- It’s about relationship.
I know this sounds a little obsessive but it’s so close to
my heart. For me; there’s nothing like a food experience that can either tick
me off or send me shouting praises from the rooftops.
HOWEVER: I believe anyone of any cooking experience, bank
account or background can be hospitable.
It’s just about figuring out your
capacity to do it and doing the best with what’s in your hand (or your fridge).
