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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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Lolly Martyn's avatar

Hi Ruth, You are very perceptive! It is a sacred tradition. It's exactly that! Thank you for your insights and comments. I've had a really busy month and am so looking forward to catching up with your pieces! x

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Christi Flaherty's avatar

I totally agree. I felt the same way as I was reading that part.

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Lolly Martyn's avatar

❤️ my partner always divides his friends and acquaintances in two by saying - we’ve never even shared a meal together. That’s how much it means!

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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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Lolly Martyn's avatar

That's beautiful, Daniel! I love that word, gather, and I agree it has many wonderful connotations. It always reminds me of 'gathering' at church with the community there when I was young. Thank you so much for sharing this!

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Giorgia Meschini's avatar

“A tavola!” implies conviviality — we even have a musical about it... 😉

https://youtu.be/DuK23O38REE?si=3czcMfYMYPDvI8c4

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Lolly Martyn's avatar

I love this, Giorgia!! How beautiful. Thank you for commenting and please let me know ALWAYS if you think I missed anything or sbagliato qualcosa! Sul serio!! xx

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

This is such a wonderful explanation

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Lolly Martyn's avatar

Thank you, Gillian! Do you notice any differences in Venice? Rome?

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Sue Quinn's avatar

Just wonderful!

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Lolly Martyn's avatar

Thank you, so much, Sue! I am in love the the concept of your Second Helpings cookbook!

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Christi Flaherty's avatar

Love this! And regardless of my genetics I am Italian at heart. We have fostered this idea since our kids were born. It’s just part of life for us to gather and spend a full evening doing nothing but eating drinking and telling stories. Now as young adults we’re introducing all their new friends to this concept.

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Lolly Martyn's avatar

Love this Christi! This is the best gift you could give your kids! So many memories made and building a tradition of conversation and fun around the table ❤️

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