For about a year now, I've pondered on the social consequences of food---from grocery shopping at the farmer's market, to sharing chores in the kitchen, to the intimacy of the dinner table. Though these are definitely not new concerns, I have been wanting to explore cooking and eating as a performance. The act of cooking for others and the act of eating with others as a stage, a temporary platform where relationships are formed or strengthened.
At first, I thought of developing a food show but dropped it due to my inadequacy with camerawork, as well as the limitations of one-on-one guest interactions. Then, thoughts progressed towards more of a performance art piece, or even better, an underground restaurant...
The premise is, really, to have a dinner party. But one where guests arrive alone and do not know the rest of the diners. Though one could only look to a bar or to a communal table at a restaurant to see strangers interacting, I'm positing that conversations among strangers are of a superficial nature (the what do you and who do you knows.) The purpose is to create a space where guests interact and exchange stories that they would not otherwise share with strangers.
With the help of some of my fellow foodie friends, I am orchestrating a once-a-month five-course dinner in the basement of my home. Menus will read like prompts for conversation and with each course, the topic changes. I see it as a communal confession stand, but one where diners will not be asked to repent but instead asked to share, as with a meal, and where we might just see how much in common we really have.
The following blog entries will reflect the ongoing process of developing and executing the restaurant along with recipes and relevant stories. Save the date: Tuesday, August 4th!
At first, I thought of developing a food show but dropped it due to my inadequacy with camerawork, as well as the limitations of one-on-one guest interactions. Then, thoughts progressed towards more of a performance art piece, or even better, an underground restaurant...
The premise is, really, to have a dinner party. But one where guests arrive alone and do not know the rest of the diners. Though one could only look to a bar or to a communal table at a restaurant to see strangers interacting, I'm positing that conversations among strangers are of a superficial nature (the what do you and who do you knows.) The purpose is to create a space where guests interact and exchange stories that they would not otherwise share with strangers.
With the help of some of my fellow foodie friends, I am orchestrating a once-a-month five-course dinner in the basement of my home. Menus will read like prompts for conversation and with each course, the topic changes. I see it as a communal confession stand, but one where diners will not be asked to repent but instead asked to share, as with a meal, and where we might just see how much in common we really have.
The following blog entries will reflect the ongoing process of developing and executing the restaurant along with recipes and relevant stories. Save the date: Tuesday, August 4th!
3 comments:
Will you still be recording it in some form?
Seems worthy if not just for reference/archival purposes...
Way to go girl... Exciting!
in some capacity, but not on video. the first ones will be tryouts. let's see where it goes, no?
Great start Alejandra! I am so glad to read of your social food project ....I would much rather follow your angle than the pretentious food commentary in the SF Comical or SFGate. Great Idea; can't wait.
Onward,
Derek
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