Thursday, April 22, 2010
An Authentic Experience!
Anyone that knows me, knows that I hold a deep passion for Food--and an even greater passion for the life force that gets aroused by the adventure of finding food.
Throughout my studies with Nutrition, and experiencing different cultures by travelling... I've heard numerous tales of what is "healthy", what is "healing", and what is "tasty." Each place or country have their own take of what food means to them. I find it especially exciting when I travel to Europe, and see the distinct pride that is taken in each country's regional culinary experience--and the profound health giving properties of the love they possess for their food! One Country that particularly embodies this love--in my opinion-- is Italy!
We watch movies and read books of the experience of Italy, and the passion they hold for one strand of delicately made pasta. We see it, we read it, but to experience it is truly life changing.
I have a strong memory of last August, sitting in a Piazza in southern Italy, and watching all the people sit together and share their delicious food. I was taking notes for a Nutrition Thesis that I put together--on the "French Paradox", or in this case, "Italian Paradox".
The Italian Paradox holds the idea that Italians eat bread, pasta, and gelato on a daily basis and still have some of lowest rates of serious health issues. I saw shining examples of beauty that were obviously the product of complete nourishment. Attached to the glamorous face of a woman heartily savoring the last bite of her creamy pasta, was a body that was seemingly impossible. Ironically, I found no crinkling of the nose or deep frowns as she devoured her high calorie meal. There was no complaining to her nearby friends and family of how she would need to "work this off" later, or that she had "fallen off the wagon", as it were. Instead, I saw a table full of satiated individuals that truly loved every morsel that enter their mouth... and a deep laugh from their adoring belly's.
What was the secret?
The secret became clear in a matter of days. Among the simple fact that they sourced fresh, locally grown food, and they held pride for their meals. There was something that always stood out as the Italians sat down to eat. One: They always ate TOGETHER. Two: They cooked their food with passion and LOVE. Three: They fully appreciated the work and love that went into the food, and the people around them EVERY TIME they ate. Thus, creating a celebration in their bodies with each food experience. It wasn't just an moment of sitting down and eating. It was an Authentic Experience and celebration of people and food. Always and in All Ways!
I noticed that they didn't see eating as just an event or moment, but rather, the experience of life itself. They gathered the most important elements of health, healing, and tastiness into one experience. This was evident in the energy that was transferred around the table as they breathed in life, just by appreciating. Thus, true health! Fascinating Paradox!
Since being back in the States, I am always on the lookout for such cafe's or restaurants that capture the same essence as what I witnessed and experienced in Italy. One such place that captures this for me was a little cafe here in San Diego called, Pappalecco! Owners, Francesco and Lorenzo (brothers) opened their arms to us like family when we first came to sample their delicious gelato. From the first step in, to the last breathe out, we felt like we were family. The coffee itself draws you in, but then you get a glimpse of what can only be authentic panini's, Italian cookies, and other delicacies that you see everywhere in Italy. Instantly, I felt loved and healthier. Yes, I said, healthier.
It has now become a place I go to each Sunday morning. A tradition of passion. They have the fabulous cafe tables and chairs out on the sidewalk so that you can drink your cappuccino and watch everyone walk by--just like Italy. The baristas all have accents that make you feel Italian, and each one refers to you as family versus, just a customer.
It has become my favorite treat, one that I look forward to each week! Last Sunday I was reading the back of the Owner's shirt and it read: Authentic Italian Experience. I just giggled as I ate the last bite of my chocolate filled cookie. He had it all right! It wasn't just "Authentic Italian Food" that takes the adventure to healing. No, it is the "Authentic Italian Experience" that creates the full healing magic.
When you spend time enjoying food in this manner, you start to feel and understand an entirely unique relationship between appreciating food and wellness.
To experience Pappalecco, please go to: http://www.pappalecco.com/
If interested in seeing any videos of part of our adventures in Italy and FOOD, go to:
To Passion, Health, and Italy!
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