Photo by Carlos Aristizabal
The newly formed crowd of waiters was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.
You could definitely hear when they took a step closer, crowding the table. I was scarcely old enough to reach my dish but had more pertinent things to focus on than the audience — namely, the bubbling pan of 13 buttery garlic-specked escargot peeking from their golden shells.
“Does she eat them all?” one of the waiters new to the job, asked. Yes, another one offered, explaining the reason they gave this six-year-old an extra escargot was because she did, indeed, devour each and every one.
With the deft of a seasoned surgeon, I secured the shell with the snail tong, and in one quick motion scooped out the meat with the miniscule snail fork that fit perfectly in my hand. My family and I were at a restaurant we frequented often, and each time, I got a thirteenth snail.
I barely recall this story, one of many my parents told me about my childhood culinary esprit. But it fits with who I am — explains my passion for food and the love of exploring cultures through dishes that has guided me throughout my life. After all, food is a bridge that connects us all. It is a story waiting to be told — or one already seeped in history. Nothing is more comforting, more nourishing, more nurturing, than your loved one making your favorite dish.
There are no barriers when it comes to cuisine, only opportunities to connect. In a time when we are all so distracted, guarded and stressed, let’s take a moment to slow down, open our hearts and savor life at its best. It doesn’t have to be with escargot (although I’ll happily devour a dozen and one, especially if they come with thick slices of artisanal bread), but whatever dish you choose, open your heart and mind, share your experience and relish the time.
Buen Provecho and Happy Reading!
Alona Abbady Martinez
alona@bocaratonobserver.com