I recently went to a Memorial for a close friend who died from cancer. She did not want a funeral, but a simple celebration of her life. Her husband and two sons both gave very emotional summaries of how special she was. She lived life to the full; always energetic and positive; always full of joy and warmth; always entertaining and welcoming people into her home.
One of her sons recounted how she loved entertaining, and people always left her table feeling full – not just full of food but full of love and joy…. this is the essence of real hospitality. And after the many words, her husband served a selection of her favourite foods – all bringing back memories, for those gathered at her celebration.
Food is more than just fuel – it is a social experience; one of the simple pleasures of life. Food is about nurturing. We share food, as it is a gift and a sacrifice. Often we go to much more trouble and expense when serving food to strangers than we do for normal day to day nutrition – to impress and enhance our status. Food is about our culture and upbringing. Food is life and memories.
And, good food brings people together.
There was an article published recently in The New York Times, titled “Where will we eat when the middle-class restaurant is gone?” (4 April 2025. Meghan McCarron. The New York Times) highlighting the issues of rising prices and the decline of the casual chain restaurants in the USA. People go to restaurants for more than just the food. They go for the social contact. This is disappearing in middle America.
In the USA the casual dining chains served the same purpose as pubs and cafes do in Australia. They used to offer an inexpensive place where middle-class families could walk in, without a reservation, and share a good meal together. It was a cherished part of American life; “dining out with friends and family and the human connection it brings”.
One of these US restaurants came to Australia – Sizzler. Sizzler was a very important icon for Australian’s. It was famous for its salad bar and iconic cheese toast. It came to our shores in 1985 and by 1992 had 72 locations. In the 1990’s it thrived as casual dining weathered a recession. It was a place where families gathered, friends celebrated, and diners enjoyed simple quality good food at affordable prices. And it taught a whole generation how to eat out. Children could “be adults” and help themselves to their own meals. Whilst older people could be kids again, indulging in ice cream and sprinkles.
But like many places today, Sizzler succumbed to changing tastes, financial pressures and increased competition.
Fast food, home delivery, dining aps, rising costs and consumer reduced purchasing power, all impact our hospitality industry. And whilst more and more of us are dining at home, and often alone, we must not forget the importance of social connection. Getting together with family and friends to share a meal is important. Getting some time away from our laptop and mobile screens is vital to our mental health.
Never underestimate the power of the kitchen table – when people eat together, they talk. They share their thoughts, feelings and differences. They resolve issues and conflict. This is also why the business lunch is so important. Sharing a meal creates a more relaxed and intimate environment where people are more likely to open up. To quote Anthony Bourdain, “you learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together“
And as my recently departed friend showed, they leave not only with full stomachs but full of understanding, joy and friendship.