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Ruth Stroud's avatar

It’s so fascinating that there’s a word that encapsulates a cultural difference that large. It makes me sad that we Americans have so many words for ways of doing business but none that really cover the depth of meaning in “a tavola.” Even as an outsider who has visited Italy only a few times, I can feel the deep significance that Italians attach to this concept of gathering at the table—almost a sacred tradition around food+family+friends. Of course maybe I’m idealizing it, but your pictures and description make it sound so appealing! Thanks for this fascinating piece, Lolly!

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DJ Duke's avatar

At my home we refer to word gather in a similar fashion. We would say let’s gather meaning sit around our table and enjoy the food and friendship.

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