History through Food

Food is universal. Bitter, sweet, sour; these are flavors we all understand no matter when we lived. There are aspects of history that can be difficult for us to understand through our modern lens, but the flavor of food is where all those barriers break down and allows us to connect to history. 

When we eat the same foods as people of the past, we carry on their traditions. The foods they ate, who they shared them with, the conversations they had – this is how we see a window into their worlds. 

Eating is not passive; it’s an active way to be a part of history. Eating is the difference between passive appreciation and active participation. Taking part in history, reliving tradition, not just viewing it, is how you connect with it. Eat your history, it’s delicious. 

Eating in the Lanier Hotel. New York City in c1920