I'm Just Here For The Food

We all know that pairing certain foods and drinks is a thing.  But has anyone noticed that we also pair special foods with certain holidays or celebrations?  I'm not talking about the typical Christmas Ham or the Thanksgiving Turkey.  I mean the serious holidays that take many months of preparation and teams of organizers and programmers. 

I can honestly say that I only eat Green Eggs and Ham with Guinness for breakfast on St. Patrick's Day.  Too old to do the traditional “Pub Crawls,”  With great joy, I simply partake of Shepherd's Pie or Fish 'N Chips instead of getting drunk.  Without a doubt, I never miss a St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17th.  I don't claim to be Irish.  Before my 23&Me DNA test acknowledged that I have 15% Irish blood from my mother's side, I happily planned my work week around the coming March 17th.  It has been a part of my year, every year for many years going back to elementary school.

The week of The Lunar New Year, I plot my strategy for getting the ideal spot to watch the most explosive event that the city has to offer.  I wouldn't dare miss seeing the final dragon of 100 participants parading down the streets around Chinatown.  The zigzagging from side to side with the noise and smoke of what seems like more than 10,000 FIRECRACKERS!  Hours before the spectacular finale, my husband and I likely consume a quart-size takeout box of Lo Mein and Chinese Spiced Chicken Wings.

On May 5th or better known, Cinco de Mayo, I don my most festive and flowy attire and proceed to the ideal location for an excellent view of the magnificent parade of Mariachi Bands and lively floats.  Afterward, I consume upwards of 6 tacos throughout the day and perhaps a couple of XX's before returning to my quiet and docile neighbors.  

When Italian Heritage Day rolls around, I'm definitely ready for the upbeat parade followed by streets lined with a slew of food trucks and booths serving a plethora of mouth-watering delights.  Like most festival-goers, I don't get political about whether or not it's appropriate for attending, referring to the former name, Columbus Day.  I'm just here for the food.  Like any good neighbor/citizen, I want to show support and celebrate all cultures regardless of any political or religious affiliations.  As someone who has soul-crushing anxiety when it comes to large crowds, I somehow get my act together to venture out into the public domain to show my support for our collective community.

For every  Greek, Egyptian, Armenian, Puerto Rician, Japantown Cherry Blossom Festival, and PRIDE parade extravaganza, I make it my business to attend.  But will I ever see those communities come in celebration of Black Culture?   I need to see the same amount of support for Juneteenth or MLK Day or even some interest in learning a little about Black History Month.  

Perhaps we need a signature dish that ties African American culture with a holiday celebration?  

Would the spectacle of an annual Pecan Pie baking competition in The Great British Bake Off style help?

12 contestants inside of a tent working on a time clock to create the perfect pie.  Perhaps the Ultimate backyard style Smokehouse Barbecue competition could galvanize overwhelming support from the masses.   We could combine either with an epic talent contest or a youth Art competition.   After a Summer of marches and support for black lives, let’s begin to understand and support the African American culture and to appreciate the rich history outside of all the tragedy. No political statements needed.  You may find it fun and enlightening and of course,  just come for the food.