I am beginning my own personal mecca, so to speak, and I’m diving into the world of nutritional therapy. A few thoughts have begun to simmer regarding the relationship I personally have with the food I serve my customers and feed my own family. I admit I find myself asking what does the “ritual” of feasting look like? How has something so sacred and beloved, the art of gathering, become fueled by anxiousness and boxed delivered food, leaving us unfulfilled, undernourished, and unseen?

When I started gardening, a new appreciation for the food I put onto my table started to flower. I started with growing transplants, but when I decide to do something I take it all the way. Sometimes this gets me in trouble and I’m left feeling overwhelmed and stressed out; other times I dive in head first and I embrace the experience and all of its serendipitous opportunities that may arise. For those experiences, I am always whole-heartedly grateful. I have to admit, my gardening journey was a little bit of both for me.

Transplant what? Last frost date what? I built a raised bed after researching the types of gardens, their sun-placements, companion planting, etc. Then, I purchased ALL of the heirloom seeds (to which I am still giving away in bounty to my beloveds). Each season has taught me something new. I’ve gained a newfound fondness for my old-timer farmer customers and for the HARD work that goes into even the smallest cherry tomato, or the endless amount of watering required for the prettiest, chunky, crispy cucumber for pickling. That’s just produce--we’re not even talking about the WORK that is required to harvest our proteins.

Fishing, hunting, and raising ruminants and other animals takes a lot of unspoken grit. “Regenerative agriculture” might be the nuanced term but homesteading and allowing the land to regenerate itself naturally has become a relatively mainstream idea. I’m grateful enough to live in a bountiful land that creates many opportunities to harvest fresh foods. So, I ask what does this mean for seasonal eating and the art of feasting?

When I began to explore my own natural North Fork surroundings, the seasonality of the foods that I choose to place onto my personal table became extremely important. The idea of a potential festivity that surrounds culinary creativity is not by any means unusual or out of reach. Practicing the ritual of feasting and gathering with loved ones sounds rather serene and fun if I’m honest. Some might say cooking with fresh foods and gathering might increase mental wellness and health. I know I personally love nourishing my people, particularly when it’s with fish or meat I’ve hunted or caught and with vegetables I’ve personally grown.

Furthermore, when customers come to us, we’re always excited to support them in planning their gathering. It’s one of my favorite ways to serve the community in the way we do at Wayside Market. Your mother-in-law is coming for dinner? Try a chuck roast with extra fat cap. Your daughter is recently engaged? Family is gathering for the first time since Covid? Let’s do a decadent beef wellington or an aged prime rib roast. We recently put together an 8-rib cracked and tied pork roast, and although it’s simply pork, it was extravagant and effective for both the gathering and the pocketbook. We have many options we’d love to share with you.

In a world where experience is compromised for the sake of quickness, I personally feel we’ve managed to overcomplicate the most basic and nurturing experience in our humankind--nurturing not only to the body but to the mind and soul as well: the art of feasting together. Harvard University recently put together an online exhibit that illustrates the art of feasting, and I strongly encourage you to take the time to see what this ritual has manifested into over the years. I might even suggest creating some familial rituals of your own.

As always with love from our family to yours.

xxIz

Feasting: A Food Ritual Renaissance