By Omolola Olakunri
One cannot think well, love well, or sleep well if one has not eaten well.
– Virginia Wolfe
The table heaved under the combined weight of the sumptuous feast. Trays of pounded yam, steaming bowls of freshly prepared vegetables. Platters of venison. Fresh barracuda in tomato sauce that still smelled of the ocean, and skewered snails and prawns jostled for attention..
Food!
A love language that is understood by all people and all cultures. It speaks without saying a word, and has the ability to evoke all the human senses at the same time.
Touch. Taste. Smell. Sight and Sound.
Strong men have been seduced by its delicate, subtle flavours, and the uninitiated turned to a quivering bowl of jelly at the wisp of just an earthy aroma.
The turkey with gravy, cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving Sunday. Chicken wings, collard beans, cornbread, and sweet potato pie, soul food from Medea, all pay obeisance to food.
Food speaks to family and friends. Alliances and good times.
Have you ever seen two friends sustain an argument when there is good food to be had, or cuss with their mouths full?
It’s one of the extraordinary giftings. Food will dissolve every argument and tension over a bowl of wonton soup or Singapore noodles.. And if the courses are nonstop, Peking duck to sweet and sour sauce, forgiveness is re-engineered and all is well with the world again.
Apart from the nutritional benefits and the fact that food is good, food has amazing powers.
Moved to a new neighbourhood?
Pizza, with all manner of toppings, the richer the better, presented to neighbours is a good conversation piece and ice breaker.
Want to be the darling of the older generation?. Well-thought-out food baskets have a way of endearing themselves to the heart.
At the center of every celebration and event is food. It unites people, creates a vibe, brings out the adventurous spirit, and there’s lots of laughing and backslapping while drooling and finger licking.
It’s the nostalgia and memories that food invokes that does it for me. A bowl of akara takes me straight back to my Mother’s kitchen and all the sights and sounds.
All of a sudden, I am a kid again… I instantly recall the way she would dice hard-boiled eggs, green peppers, shrimps, onions, and pepper and mix them with the batter.
Looking for a reconciliation?. Food can be a powerful ally. An erring wife placates her husband with a banquet of choice cuts, Another uses food to ask for something that is so out of the ordinary, earth-moving. like Esther in the Bible did, when she prepared dinner for her husband, the King, and his right-hand man, Haman.
It can also swing in the opposite direction with terrifying results. Anger and displeasure by a husband when he rejects a meal lovingly prepared by his wife. By that action, he is saying he is displeased with some of her actions.
Since cooking is one of the primary responsibilities of a wife, it is a very big deal when food is rejected. Wife hastens to make amends.
One look at a food tray will also inform a Guest if he is appreciated or not. Chicken necks and cold food spell that the guest is definitely not welcomed. A discerning guest is wise to study his food tray.
Food is unparalleled in diversity.. The smell of freshly baked bread, the sound of sizzling ram barbeque on the grill, the vibrant colors of a fruit platter, couscous, chapati, all show our creativity when it comes to food..Some are baked in clay, under the ground. Others in cooked in tureens, blasted over grills, or ovens. Some are eaten raw, others well done. Whether it’s a traditional dish or a modern fusion, food has the power to transport us to different cultures and cuisines.
The Kimchi diplomacy has helped raise awareness about Korean culture and cuisine globally. Sharing Kimchi and other dishes, individuals can build connections and foster greater understanding between nations.
Italy hosts culinary tours yearly, showcasing the potential of food to bridge cultural gaps.
From the simplicity of a home-cooked meal to the grandeur of a lavish feast, food is a universal language that transcends borders and boundaries. It’s a way to connect with others, share experiences, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether we’re gathering around the dinner table or sharing a meal with strangers, food has the power to bring people together and create a sense of community.
Write Affairs was created in June 2024 as an extension of Quintessential Strategies Limited (QSL) to meet the growing demand for expert writing services.