Don't Forget to Set the Table
Last year saw the launch of the Canada Takeout initiative on April 15th, and it is as appropriate today to support in B.C. as it was in 2020. With dine-in options closed in the province again, Industry supporters across the country are encouraging people to order food from their local eateries as a way to help restaurants and other small businesses survive.
We have adapted over the year. Videos and online courses are available on every topic from cocktails to sourdough, to deboning a chicken and making homemade pasta. And video conferencing has allowed us to meet online with friends through virtual cocktail parties and home cooking workshops.
What we are missing without dine-in options, however, is the Culinary Experience. It’s not just the convenience of having someone else cook your meal or the joy in not having to wash dishes. It’s the entire experience of enjoying a beautifully plated dish paired with a unique local beverage and served in a romantic, scenic or boisterous setting—whichever you might prefer.
We are certainly having some unique dining experiences in isolation, and most likely some will be remembered for years to come. But next time you get your takeout dinner, I encourage you to set the table with your best linens and favourite dishes, light some candles, play some tunes and re-create the experience that your favourite restaurant provides. Take the time to sit and linger over your meal, to really enjoy the flavour of your food and the family you may have to celebrate with, if you are so fortunate.
Plan a picnic in your backyard or on your living room floor. Camp in the driveway and cook on your propane stove. Dig some clams at the beach, roast some local bratwurst over your wood stove, grind fresh coffee in the mornings or make your own charcuterie board to enjoy in bed with a good movie.
Our farmers, producers, chefs and business owners take a lot of pride in what they deliver to their customers. They are not taking this lightly. In return, let’s respect and celebrate their craft, their food and their businesses in a manner that would make them proud.
