Food and Families
I know this is a recurring theme, but I love the reminders that come my way almost daily about the power of food and how it ties us together through shared experience.
I sell a vinegar that is imported by my friend Ilyse Rathet (Ritrovo Foods). A lovely 6 year aged balsamic that is just extraordinary. While on vacation an order came into my system for 3 bottles of the vinegar. I must admit I was a bit behind keeping my inventory where it needed to be, so I was unable to fill the order immediately. I received a follow up email from the woman who ordered it asking about the order. She lives in Louisiana and I’m not surprised that she followed up with me after no shipping confirmation received within a week. So, I sent her an email explaining that I had just returned from vacation, had ordered the vinegar and would send it out within 48 hours. Here is the email I received in return.
Thanks for such a quick response to my e-mail. I purchased a bottle of Maletti balsamic vinegar while my sister and I were in Italy 3 years ago. I finished the bottle last month. The others I’ve purchased come nowhere close to Maletti. Two of the bottles are gifts for my sisters.
Some sisters give gifts of perfume etc. We give gifts of good foods we have come across while traveling.
Again many thanks.
I have to confess when I read the email I was overcome with emotion. I envisioned this incredible trip these women took together, enjoying the beauty of the countryside, sharing sunsets, laughter, wine and food. And here I was able to provide them with a “taste” of that memory just by having this ingredient in my kitchen. I can’t imagine a more wonderful way to live, then being able to directly provide a memorable shared experience or to help someone acquire and practice the skills to be able to provide their own memorable experiences.
What an incredible gift!
