This is the 5th in the series of stories behind the stories in my book bread&cup: Beyond Simple Food and Drink. In these episodes, I wanted to give a little more context behind writing the book, but also to bring it to the point of what’s next? What’s beyond simple food and drink for me?

Owning a restaurant was about more than being a chef and cooking great food. Cooking was secondary to the joy of providing hospitality It was my desire to build a place where people could find rest, if only for a short period of time, under my watch and care.

I believe the time is ripe for a new pandemic, one that sees the spread of kindness with a world-wide effect. Being hospitable is a great vehicle for that to grow.

Kindness is not to be confused with weakness. It is stronger than the rampant anger that is so prevalent.

Make today count.