Epicurus

We need to eat…...

 I am fascinated with the hospitality industry, but more specifically the epicurean side of hospitality, i.e., eating and drinking.   In simple terms Epicurus believed in the enjoyment of life in moderation.  What I find amazing about the hospitality business is that it provides enjoyable venues bringing people from different walks of life together in an atmosphere of openness and kindness.  I attended such an event recently.  I was invited by one of my favorite restaurant owners (ok they are my favorites)  They were the guest chefs at The Hacienda of the Scribe Winery in Sonoma.  Scribe was founded by brothers Adam and Andrew  Mariani.  Amongst other beautifully crafted wines is their most recent release of the 2021 Estate Mission.  The Mission grape was the first European grapevine cultivated in California and this wine is the first to be produced on the Scribe property in over 100 years. (I didn’t know that) The spectacular evening meal was crafted by Daisy and Greg Ryan.  I have written before about their fabulous restaurants in the Santa Ynez valley – Bell’s, the Michelin Star Restaurant in Los Alamos and their newest offering, Bar Le Côté in Los Olivos.

 This commentary is not specifically about these businesses, rather it is about the warmth and human interaction that food and wine offer in a world in crisis.  Sitting down for a meal is the basis of an interaction that is uniquely human.  The act of preparing food, whether created by a Michelin Star chef or the simple preparation of a fresh plate of pasta,  is the acknowledgment that you are loved and cared for enough to make this effort to sustain you for whatever comes next.  Sitting down to enjoy a meal is the perfect moment for reflection and discussion.  A moment to tell you about myself and for me to hear about you.  I can demonstrate empathy as I listen to your story.  It is the appreciation that you are purposeful and we can share that purpose over a meal that was prepared by someone who cares. 

 I knew no one except for Daisy and Greg.  By the end of the evening, I had enjoyed conversations with many people.  Most importantly I engaged in real conversations with my hosts.  This dinner provided the foundation for what will become a friendship.  It might not have happened if it were not for the foundational relevance of the evening meal.  At its core the hospitality business allows its owners to replay this scene over and over.  The scene changes and the foods are different.  As difficult as this business can be, the true reward for the creators of these events must be that the music they create is different each night.  Unlike other artistic endeavors, the lines of this play and the musical score are forever changing.   The demonstration of love and caring as the meal is prepared; the opportunity to demonstrate your hard work as a chef or winemaker;  finally, the melding of the individual human experience is the essence of creativity. 

 Epicurus advocated living in such a way as to derive the greatest amount of pleasure possible during one's lifetime, yet doing so moderately to avoid the suffering incurred by overindulgence.  The philosopher would have been pleased with this evening and the results of friendships deepened and found.

 “Yes, I think I will have another glass ….”