A Lebanese neighbor I've never met was the first, and is so far the only, person to express interest in what I've called Ethnic Night Out (hereinafter, ENO). I presented the concept of ENO to my neighborhood, hoping to generate interest among neighbors in meeting one another whle dining at interesting ethnic restaurants. Apparently, there are few food-nuts in our area. The Lebanese neighbor wrote me a nice note, thanking me for creating the website for our homeowners association and expressing an interest in ENO, as well as eatAbout, my concept for a neighborhood food fest in which people make some favorite dishes and share them, from tables on the sidewalks, with other interested neighbors.
She is the only neighbor who has expressed any interest, whatsoever. I'm only modestly surprised. This culture (at least in North Texas) rewards people who do not engage in neighborly conversations. I'm now trying to get her and her husband to help my wife and I form the core of a new food-centric social network. We'll see.
Would that the world could be made a safer and friendlier place via a shared interest in food.
3 comments:
Do people in your area ever have street parties? They're fairly popular up here. There's an annual one that has been going for quite a number of years. There are a lot of people from Greece and Italy in her neighbourhood, so there's usually a Mediterranean theme -- food, music, etc... Perhaps it might work to try a single event -- one that, if it worked -- could be turned into an annual event. Maybe have a theme, or encourage people to bring favourite foods - a family recipe, etc.. and also contribute some music selections. I don't know how feasible such a thing might be in your area, but it's a thought.
Bev, our neighborhood had rarely had any interaction of a general sort. I like the idea of throwing a street party, though...I may take the initiative. And when I do, you and Don are invited!
Have a virtual party, and invite me.
Post a Comment