‘You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food’: Let go of perfection and enjoy the holidays this year - Toronto Star

The upcoming season of celebration is the first time in almost two years that Canadians are gathering with family and friends for a face-to-face connection. Last year, Canadians were mostly limited to celebrating with members of their immediate household due to the winter wave of the pandemic. But with much of the population now vaccinated, people are allowed to get together, albeit cautiously.

For most of us, the experience of planning and hosting a holiday gathering can be just as overwhelming as it is exciting. It’s easy to lose perspective and admit defeat before we even get started. Just the thought of ensuring our homes are guest-ready and decorated is already too much pressure.

Be encouraged to let go of the quest for perfection. The attempt to attain legendary host status is a lofty yet exhausting pursuit. We all need permission to be human and embrace our imperfections.

Growing up in an Italian household, my Nonna would say “you can’t eat the plate, it’s the food that matters.” No one will remember the china pattern, the cutlery or the dazzling details of decor. They will remember how they felt, fundamentally and deep down inside. They will remember the host who isn’t frazzled, but instead is relaxed and enjoying their company. Let us not get caught up in having the perfect party, at the expense of embracing the togetherness that we have longed for these many months.

If we can offer one gift to family and friends, it is a night of rejoicing, relaxation and recharging our souls, rather than a stunning six-course meal off the finest dishes.

In the words of chef Paul Prudhomme, “You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food.” On the same token, meals don’t have to be complex in order to be good. There’s a simplicity that the pandemic has taught us to embrace. It’s the vibration of the universe in concert with the soul — a user’s manual for how to live our lives.

Uncomplicated yet delicious has always been my intention when creating a holiday menu for guests. Whether at work or at home, I try to reduce complexity in all matters. Italian cuisine is characterized by simple yet sophisticated dishes made up of only a few ingredients. Ribbons of Parmigiano Reggiano drizzled with aged balsamic will have your taste buds thanking you. Italian chefs rely on the quality of ingredients and say “fuggetaboutit” to needlessly convoluted preparations.

Canada’s kitchens and dining rooms are a place where everyone should be welcome at the table. A lifelong love affair with food, coupled with strong Italian roots, brings me to my truth: the fundamental importance of la famiglia.

Let us prepare to expand our tables, and make room in our homes and in our hearts. This is the best of all gifts — the presence of life, love, joy and peace this holiday season.

Julia Hanna is a community builder, food activist and owner/chef at Ritorno.

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‘You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food’: Let go of perfection and enjoy the holidays this year - Toronto Star
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