Community & Table
“I always say that we bring the food, and our guests bring the hospitality.”
At the Table
As we experience this moment, so fraught with uncertainty and distraction, I am reminded of how much we need the table right now. I have thought and talked a lot about people’s disconnection from food, how far removed most Americans are from any farming or real understanding of what it means to grow food. Equally missing from our busy, technologically entangled lives, is the practice of breaking bread with others. Growing, preparing, and sharing food with others is essential to what created bonds between people for millennia. Losing that connection comes at a cost, and I think we are just beginning to understand what those costs are.
Last night at Orchard Kitchen, six people dined together outside under the Belvederes; three couples whose only connection prior to dinner was that each party was celebrating a birthday. After the meal was over, I overheard the older gentleman at the table remark that he had been very apprehensive about dining communally. Now that eight courses and wine had been consumed by all, he said he could not remember the last time he had enjoyed a meal so much. As almost always happens, these six people found connections. Three hours before, they were strangers; now they were exchanging contact information.
I always say that we bring the food, and our guests bring the hospitality. Providing this venue for people to connect in this way is one of my favorite things about Orchard Kitchen.
-Chef Vincent
Our open patio seating is available July 9 - August 30th. Thursday- Sunday.
Head to Toast to book you Summer Experience with us. Reservations available Thursday through Sunday. July 9 through the first week of September.
