Are we changing the way we live, eat, and spend our free time due to the “new world order”? What do you think?
I spent the decade of the 1990’s in Eastern Europe at a time when these economies and cultures were faced with the opportunity to shed 50 years of dominant Communist rule and the freedom to absorb “Western” cultural lifestyles. Even at a time with inflation running 20%+, my Eastern European friends seemed to enjoy life more than we do in the States – as they were making only $300 to $500 a month. In America, we are overworked, overwhelmed, overstressed, overweight, over-everything! In Europe, I learned that material things: a large car, name-brand clothing, my name-brand neighborhood were much less important to be truly happy. I quickly learned to take advantage of life’s simple pleasures – like breaking bread and raising a glass of wine with family and friends. It is one of our most cherished, shared experiences and probably the most important investment of our free time. What other part of the day except during mealtime do we slow down (even sit down!) to share one of the most common questions, “how was your day?” and truly have the time to focus on the answer?
I also found out that our European friends laughed at our American infatuation with “organic” foods because everything they ate was already organic. The franken- processed foods had not yet entered their economy. This year alone, in America we have had a recall on spinach, and then peanuts, now pistachios. What is next? If you have ever eaten a freshly picked truly vine-ripened tomato, you know what I am talking about.
I find it funny that as European cultures become more “American,” we Americans are becoming more European. As our interconnected world becomes smaller and smaller, this homogenization process is quite expected …. .and (I think) good for us! Do we really need the massive homes and cars or do we actually enjoy and value quality time with our friends and loved ones more? My European friends live in small condos and drive tiny autos (if they even own an auto at all) but, they seemed to enjoy life and travel more than we did even during our “go-go” decades.
So, with an economy finally finding a bottom and starting to recover, we begin to ask our selves, “What is REALLY important in life?” Do we need an overly salted, high caloric fast food dinner half consumed in the car on the way home? Or, do we owe it to ourselves and to our friends and family to seek out something better, more real and more wholesome? It is encouraging to hear our guests tell me how important Harmoni has become in their lives. Few of us have the time to shop for all of the fruits, vegetables and fish needed to put a wholesome dinner on the table day in and day out. Let us take care of that chore . . . . . You simply focus on gathering your family and friends around the table. As we like to say, Viva Bene!
What do you think? Are we changing the way we live, eat, and spend our free time due to the “new world order”? Or, is this just a minor blip in our quest for all things convenient? Is the added economic pressure to keep our jobs making it even easier to justify our go-go lives? I’d love to hear your thoughts?
Family Traditions
Some of you may know that the pictures that don the walls at Harmoni are of my extended Italian and Slovenian ancestors. Most of the photos are of my Italian and Slovenian grandparents who made it to American via Ellis Island bringing their own family and food traditions. I am grateful to still have wonderful memories of traditional holiday dinners at grandma’s house.
Tomorrow night, we celebrate my parent’s 45th wedding anniversary – at Harmoni, of course! I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my parents for teaching me about the importance of family and the value of dining together as a family unit.
Do you have any family food traditions that you would like to share? The best story enjoys a free bottle of wine at Harmoni during your next visit!
April 7th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
John:
I too spent the early nineties in and out of eastern Europe. Each return to the states found me agitated by the move ‘em in and move ‘em out restaurant service. In the states both then and now service is too often equated with speed.
These days we retreat to rural northern and central Italy to find that relaxed “enjoy life” atmosphere and far better food than I recall the former Soviet cities offering.
In our attempt to recreate at least a portion of that life style, my wife and I threw out television some eight years ago and instead use that time to cook, eat out, visit with friends, read, and best of all enjoy each other’s company.
Surprisingly, our grown children and their young families have, of their own choice, adopted the same lifestyle.
We do frequent Harmoni in Longwood and find that relaxed approach to dining. Thanks for providing a little of Europe here in Central Florida.
April 14th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Tim,
I have to admit that I would not have truly learned how to value time with family and friends if it weren’t for my experiences in Europe - mainly in Eastern Europe. How does one try to explain this without a trip over the pond?