A Cherished Tradition
In ancient civilizations, food was often considered a gift from the gods and was treated with great reverence and respect. In some cultures, food is a way to express hospitality and generosity, and sharing meals is seen as a way to build relationships and strengthen social ties. Today, as our society becomes increasingly diverse, the act of sharing food from different cultural backgrounds is a powerful way to bridge differences and celebrate our multiculturalism. When we gather around a table to share a meal, we engage in a ritual that transcends the act of simply consuming food. It is an opportunity to come together, to break bread, and to build connections with each other. At Kulturschöpfer, we recognize the importance of creating space for each other and fostering a sense of community. That is why communal lunches are a
cherished tradition in our community.
A Culinary Farewell to Cohort 6
Recently, we hosted a communal lunch in honor of our interns from Cohort 6, who were leaving. The event was not only a farewell for them, but also an opportunity for us to celebrate their accomplishments and show our appreciation for their hard work. It was heartwarming to see how much the interns appreciated the gesture, and how much the event brought the rest of the Kulturschöpfer community together. It was also my first Kulturschöpfer lunch experience. During the lunch, we shared not only food, but also stories and experiences. The event provided a space for us to connect on a personal level, fostering a stronger sense of community and building trust among our members. As the potluck lunch began, people arrived with various dishes while Kulturschöpfer co-founder Christopher entered the kitchen with a leek in hand and a friend in tow. The aroma of onion and garlic wafted from the kitchen as we all gathered around the table, setting it up together. Once the sides were in the oven and everyone took their place, Christopher served the leek and potato soup that had been cooking in the kitchen.
The table was filled with an array of multicultural dishes, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of our team. From tandoori crab mac and cheese, which blended Indian, Italian, and American flavors, to empanadas from Spain, cuñapés from Bolivia, couscous from Morocco, and Bienenstich from Germany, each dish carried a unique cultural influence. As I savored the diverse flavors, I couldn't help but appreciate how the food brought people together and sparked curiosity and conversation about different cultures. It felt like a big family gathering, with people from different parts of the world sharing stories and laughter. At the end of the meal, we all pitched in to clean up, cementing the feeling of togetherness that permeated the lunch.
Sophie’s Tartiflette
A week after the communal lunch, I had the opportunity to sit down with Sophie, one of our community members who joined Kulturschöpfer seven years ago, to get a deeper insight. Sophie, who is from Grenoble, France, had cooked a meal for Kulturschöpfer in the past and brought some food from her home country to cook for everyone right here in our kitchen. She made a cheesy comfort food from her region of France called tartiflette. The dish is made using a cheese called Reblochon that comes specifically from that area, and is usually eaten after a cold day of skiing, for example, as it is heavy and hot and filling. The recipe includes potatoes, cheese, onion, sour cream or crème fraîche, and speck (or mushrooms for a vegetarian experience). The tartiflette was served with white wine, a green salad, and a digestive liqueur called génépi. Sophie's experience cooking for the communal lunch is a testament to the importance of food in building community. Her care and attention to detail demonstrate the power of food to bring people together and create a sense of belonging.
As Sophie put it, “In France...sharing meals and eating together is a celebration. It’s common to take 1-2 hours for a lunch break. [Everyone knows] you are about to share an experience.” She views cooking as a contribution to the community, as everyone has to give in their own way. When deciding what to make, Sophie wanted a meal that would fit everyone since we are a diverse group. She wanted to ensure that everyone, whether meat lover or vegetarian, would be able to partake in the shared experience of her meal. Sophie also reflected on the organizations that were created following the refugee wave from Syria several years ago. Some organizations were created solely for hosting meals for refugees during that time. We discussed the significance of using food as a means of creating a space of safety and welcoming in a new land. In a time of fear and uncertainty, the easiest way to create space for integration was around a dinner table.
Creating a Culture of Compassion
Sharing a meal, as Sophie said, is in itself a unifier. "You don't need to talk, it's so expressive. You smell, you taste, you love, and you smile."Rumination during our communal lunches, we have the privilege of experiencing a wide range of cultural foods, each dish telling a story of its own. As we sit around the table, sharing a meal, we are not just consuming food, but also immersing ourselves in different cultures. From the spicy tandoori crab mac and cheese to the sweet Bienenstich, each dish represents a unique flavor profile and a distinct cultural heritage. As we share our meals and stories, we also share our cultures and traditions. We learn from one another, broadening our horizons and expanding our knowledge of the world. In a world that can often feel divided and polarized, gathering for something as universal as lunch allows us to bridge our differences and celebrate our diversity. What makes the communal lunch experience truly special is the care that goes into planning and executing the meal. Everyone brings their own dishes, and we come together to create a feast that satisfies everyone's appetite. It's heartwarming to see people bringing extra tables and chairs to make sure everyone has a seat and a plate. It’s also deeply touching how everyone tweaks their recipe to respect everyone’s individual dietary needs and preferences. This act of care shows how food can create a space of openness and understanding. It helps us let down our guard and show vulnerability, creating a culture of compassion