The Heart of the Table | The Art of Gathering
Neighborly Grace in the Hurricane
It was over a decade ago that a monstrous storm hit us along the coast of South Florida. We completely lost power for several weeks, and it took about that long for the grocery store shelves to re-stock.
Safety in Numbers
What happened during the days immediately following the storm was truly spectacular. Initially, with the power entirely out, an eerie, heavy silence took up residence on the block. The weather finally broke, and cool, fresh breezes completely filled the neighborhood.
The Driveway Dinners
Community at Twilight
Cooking the Freezer Clear!
We began to leave our homes and wander the streets. Neighbors who had previously only said "hi" in passing were now eagerly carrying whole conversations. Food sharing became the standard. With no electricity, our freezers and fridges held massive amounts of food that had to be cooked immediately or lost entirely. Suddenly, propane and coal-fueled grills began to brilliantly light up the dark driveways all down the street.
When weather inevitably looms in our future, I wish all of you a fundamentally safe harbor while the storms pass. And when it’s time to finally clean up outside, I truly hope you take a moment to look around the block and share a meal. It’s as easy as firing up the grill. That is the essence of neighborly grace.
From the Memoir to the Kitchen
Inspired by driveway dining and feeding the neighborhood? Discover the Master Blueprint for the ultimate gathering centerpiece: Chuck Wagon Steak Fajitas.
View Chuck Wagon Steak Fajitas in The Vault