I love food. Let me clarify that: I love good food. But what is good food? For me, it’s food that is balanced in flavor, fresh, wholesome, and delicious. Recently, I mentioned to my coworkers how fortunate I felt traveling to both Italy and Japan with my kids, connecting them to their cultural heritage. One colleague remarked, “Wow — you hit the food lottery!” And he was right. Both cuisines are among my favorites, and my family feels the same. Lucky us.
OUR CULINARY HERITAGE
Food: More than Nourishment
Our travels to Italy, France, and Croatia have revealed a common theme: food is more than nourishment. It’s a means of bringing people together. When shared over real ingredients and generations-old recipes, meals become even more meaningful. Hours spent eating, sipping wine, and sharing stories transform into memories.
In Japan, the appreciation for tradition and simplicity in food is profound. There’s a devotion to quality and execution, resulting in highly memorable meals. Whether it’s savoring miso soup or enjoying fresh sashimi, Japanese cuisine offers unforgettable experiences.
Traveling & Tasting
Italy and Japan both offer endless opportunities for outstanding culinary experiences. We often begin our visits with a food tour, helping us get our bearings in a new city and country. We ask: What dishes is this area known for and why? What makes one rendition better than another? Where should we go to find the best baguette, cheese, ramen, or pasta?
As we explore, we turn to locals for recommendations, aiming to find the most authentic dining experiences. Food tours often provide an excellent starting point, highlighting the best spots for local dishes and offering tips for other must-visit places during our stay.
A Legacy of Culinary Appreciation
Giving our children the chance to learn about traditional foods from the countries of their grandparents has been a priority for us since they were born. Understanding the rich histories of Italy and Japan has helped us connect our current family with the deep-rooted traditions of our ancestors.
Our kids have joyfully embraced their heritage. Watching them light up as they discover local pasta dishes or learn how matcha is made is a beautiful sight. Their pride in their cultural roots brings us so much joy knowing that the history that brought us to today will continue to live on through them.
Food as a Unifying Force
We are blessed to come from two cultures that bond over meals. Italy and Japan use food to bring families together, a tradition that has deeply impacted our own family. Mealtimes — whether a weekend breakfast or a weekday dinner — are sacred. We have rituals, especially for evening meals: lighting candles, turning on music, and sharing stories over a homemade meal. It doesn’t happen every night, but when it does, it’s often the highlight of our day.
I am grateful to come from a family that relishes food. Not just for pure enjoyment, but as a reminder of where we come from and a chance to share the joy of a meal with loved ones. I long for the day when a Sunday meal lasts for hours, friends and family come and go, lunch blends seamlessly into dinner, and laughter fills the room. To me, that would signify a life well lived.
