In Our Winter 2015 Issue

FROM OUR TABLE

Nous Sommes Paris

As the winter solstice approaches, we tend to think of the excitement of the new season. Part of winter is chaotic to be sure, but we think of winter as a time for calm, peace, and reflection: working toward the renewal of spring in a thoughtful manner. We also look forward to the long braises bubbling in the oven, filling the house with smells that just drive our senses crazy and gets our stomach's growling, or wishing for a decent snowfall and a bowl of snow cream.

Food is the great comforter and a healer. We use food to celebrate and food to grieve. But food can be, and is, much more. Food can be the bridge between cultures, races, and religions. Food is a doorway, an entrance to understanding, and assimilation into the whole of a country.

The events in Paris, California, and throughout the world are shocking and disheartening, like the towers falling in New York. The United States, as the greatest free democracy in the world has a role to play. But we as individuals also have a part to play, and our table is the most natural of places to start. Food is cultural, not political. Food opens conversations. Think just a decade ago how few of you knew a farmer and think about how many farmers you know today. The same can happen with your neighbors, co-workers, anyone, to expand our knowledge and understanding.

The Piedmont of North Carolina is a vast porridge of peoples, cultures and religions. While we each keep a part of our heritage with us, we are harmonious in our efforts for the betterment of us all.

Conversation. Sharing a meal. Listening. Understanding. In the words of poet and songwriter Patti Smith, "The people have the power to redeem the work of fools."

Winter. Calm. Peace. Reflection.

Nous sommes Comestibles Piémont. We are Edible Piedmont: Together.

-Fred Thompson, Executive Editor 
-Belinda Ellis, Senior Editor