I am finishing up a book called Chinese Menu by Grace Lin. The book is structured around different foods from American Chinese cuisine, and tells a legend, myth, or story about each of them. Each story starts with the history of the dish, both cultural and personal to the author, before telling the stories. This book is not about food, but about the ways in which food shapes our lives and our cultures. It’s an incredible spotlight on a cuisine that I’ve never given the proper attention to. One thing is for sure, it makes me want to eat some Chinese food.
But I love the way that the book is structured. It doesn’t start with the myth and then footnote the history and experience. It starts by giving us a sense of place and time. It transports us to when the food was dreamed up. It brings us to meet people who were desperate for something to eat and forced to use what they had. It brings us to meet Chinese immigrants who started restaurants during the gold rush because they wouldn’t be fairly compensated to mine for gold. It introduces us to dynasties and emperors, conflict and tragedy, community and hope. It reminds us that food isn’t just food; it’s identity.
I’ve never made a secret of my love of eating lunch with people. I find it to be one of the most important and enjoyable parts of my work. I love it because I love food, but I love it because I also love people. If I ever invite someone to eat, I always ask if they have a favorite place to go. This has never led me astray. Because how does one choose where to recommend? Do you go to an old-favorite, a new discovery, traditional American cuisine, imported cuisine? No matter what, your choice is not entirely about what you want to eat. It’s about what you want to communicate about yourself. I’m fortunate that I find myself enjoying most kinds of cuisine (so far…) and so I don’t mind assenting to any sort of suggestion. Even if you aren’t serving a meal, this is an act of hospitality. It’s saying “This is something about myself that I am sharing with you in the hopes that we can find common ground.” It’s a vulnerable act.
As I’ve been settling in to the area, I’ve started to find some of my own places. Not places that I would call “favorite,” which is an unhelpful descriptor anyway. I’ve been finding places which I feel communicate something about me. Two that I feel communicate something about me are: 1)Carmen’s Kitchen in the Twelve Corners Plaza. The food is exceptional, but the quality of the people who work there leads me to bring people there. It occupies a special place in my ministry, and it is part of myself that I love sharing. I’ve never been disappointed by Carmen’s, except on Mondays because they are closed. 2) Crumpets on Monroe Avenue. It’s a small storefront, family owned, and uniquely wonderful. The crumpets are great, but maybe what I love most about it is the sense of fun that comes from ordering there. I bring people there because it represents something about myself that I enjoy sharing.
I didn’t point it out in worship the other day, but in the last seven weeks, almost all of our scripture readings talked about bread. Food is a mainstay in the Bible. It represents safety, promise, culture, liberation, life, and so much more. It needs to be the same for us. It is something we need to do, so let’s do it well.
Peace,
Rev. Jeff Fox-Kline
If you're looking for a vibrant church and congregation in the Brighton, NY area, we welcome you to visit us! Join our worship service at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday and spend time with community members. All are welcome! Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church is located at 1200 S. Winton Road in Rochester, NY. Visit us in person, online via YouTube, or check out our Facebook page. If you have any questions, call our office at 585-244-8585 or email us using our secure contact form.
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