Whether you realize it or not, our lives are centered around food.
Whether you realize it or not, our lives are centered around food. Food elicits memories with a simple smell or glance. My grandmother always gave me strawberry milk as a child. To this day, I will only drink strawberry milk to provoke that memory, even though I’m not particularly fond of strawberries.
Not only does food provoke memories, it also brings people together — friends, acquaintances, first dates, business and so on. Whether in restaurants, bistros, cafes, coffee shops or houses, eating connects you with others.
Just this past Wednesday, as I was walking down Mill Street with O’Betty’s fries, a group of drunken freshmen questioned me about my uber cheesy fries. “Where did you get those? Can I have one?” How could I say no? Sharing food is ingrained in my Polish soul.
On the other hand, food is by no means always linked to drunken behavior. Instead of a house-warming party during opening weekend, my roommates and I hosted a brunch for our close friends. Witty conversation paired with a homemade breakfast and topped off with mimosas created a pleasant housewarming without an Animal House-like environment.
It’s possible to throw a party without the goal of being blacked out by the end of the night. Yes, many parties in Athens involve colorful jungle juice and kegs, and there is a time and place for partying all night. But long before keggers, there existed a lost art: the dinner party.
For those who are unaware, a dinner party is an extravagant affair with plentiful food and attractive conversation. There are typically multiple courses and the host puts together a well-thought out meal, while noting seasonal ingredients and guests’ personal tastes.
Instead of pre-gaming for the upcoming Saturday evening with your friends, break open a cookbook or download the Yummly app to find a handful of excellent recipes. The recipes don’t need to be complicated, especially if you’re a new cook. Changing the course of the evening is refreshing.
Last weekend I bought a growler of Magic Hat beer from Busy Day Market on Stimson Street. I whipped up some easy appetizers of homemade tortilla chips with JB’s salsa and stuffed mushroom caps afterwards. The in-house affair didn’t break the bank and it made for a memorable evening.
When in Athens, eat all the tasty delights possible. Friends and dates are a great excuse to check out the food around town. For instance, my first time as Casa Nueva was for a date my freshman year. Whenever I look at a Casa menu, I always remember that fated date. I ordered tofu tries for an appetizer, but my date wasn’t a fan. He continuously ate them and pretended he adored them.
While not being rude, no one should ever eat anything that does not satisfy his or her taste buds. Be true to your palate so that it will mature and create memories.
Cassie Fait is a senior studying journalism and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Email her at cf301411@ohio.edu or find her on Twitter at @foodiefait and Instagram at @cassiefait.
