Good Food Always Wins
The rain is falling from a solid grey sky. Here in Baltimore, the temperatures are definitely warmer than in northern Indiana, and even though it’s damp and gloomy, we are glad to be in this city. Part of our family lives here and time spent together is always worthwhile. These are the people that we know and who know us the best, and we can sit freely for hours, talking, eating, relaxing without a thought for other than this time together.
Usually, at some point though, I ask the question. “Should we make a reservation at Woodberry Kitchen?” And ultimately, we enjoy an evening there over good food. My daughter, Heidi, introduced us to this Baltimore favorite. She knows that I love good food, made with fresh, local ingredients. So one of the first times we came to visit, when I asked where we could all go to eat, she booked us a table at Woodberry Kitchen, warning me that it might be expensive.
(Photo from Woodberry Kitchen’s Facebook page)
As soon as we arrived, we saw their large woodfired oven, similar to the one I used to have at my bakery, and we felt right at home. I spoke to the chef and discovered they used the same organic flour as I did. And the food...Sourced locally, inventive, creative, and delicious, we spent a good three hours, appreciating every bite in this beautiful setting. Each part of the meal contributed to fill up my stomach and my heart. It was a delightful experience. But it did empty my wallet…
The next day, while I was still waxing about the previous night’s meal, it was time to fill our bellies again. We humans do need nourishment on a regular basis! Heidi and Andrew mentioned that they often get food at the local taqueria. Just around the block from their house and within easy walking distance, Tijuana Tacos sits on the street corner. Totally unobtrusive and unpretentious, with kitschy art on the walls, and cheap tables and chairs, it serves the best food. A mother and her son stand behind the counter, cooking on large grills and burners. The smell of frying food fills the air. The man at the counter takes your order and you watch as it’s made right in front of you. The portions are plentiful and hot and delicious. And so satisfying. And there’s still plenty of change left in my pocket when we leave with our order in our hands.
As a new year comes our way, I reflect on these experiences. I love cooking and baking for myself and others. I know what it takes to make and serve food that brings joy and happiness. And whatever end of the spectrum I find myself a part of, good food made with passion always wins. My continuing resolution is to eat food from my local farmers made with love by my local community. Here’s to a happy food year!
