Our "Why"
Once upon a time…. Yes, even a “not-so fairy tale” can start that way! As a career military family, we literally are blessed with friends around the world. Every new assignment provided opportunities to meet new families with the shared experience of service.
Early in our marriage and career, while stationed in Oklahoma, I noticed one particular couple was suddenly declining invitations even though there was no obvious altercation or reason why. Pressing my husband to get to the bottom of it, he was finally able to get some feedback from Jim. Apparently, Jim’s wife was uncomfortable around me, saying I was far too perfect. “I keep the perfect house, have the perfect family (a son and a daughter), a perfect cook, a perfect hostess.” If only she knew how imperfect I really was – well, let’s be honest, I still am! In other words, she was intimated by a personal gift and interest - I just simply love it and therefore, it comes easy – hospitality: entertaining, and cooking for my family and others. Her lack of confidence prevented us from a continued to friendship, regardless of my hopes and intentions.
Over the course of ten more years, three foreign countries and countless opportunities to enjoy travel, share meals, and enjoy cultural occasions with dozens of nationalities, we fell into a routine of being the host, being hosted, and creating a close-knit “family” blended across many cultures and walks of life.
In 2008, we moved to Georgia where southern hospitality reigns. Only, even after several years, we weren’t experiencing that hospitable nature and I couldn’t have been in a more raw place where I needed it more. Brett was deployed again, only this time for a year – and all military spouses know it’s never “just” a year. It was a milestone year; our son’s high school graduation, our 20th anniversary, my 40th birthday, the significant task of sending my son to basic training, all while thousands of miles away from loved ones. While seeking counsel and support, I was informed, “If you’re expecting to be invited and included, you’re going to be disappointed. We don’t do that here.” I was both in awe and wrought with disappointment. After all, I needed this community, and my children deserved a true and loving community.
What neither of these people realized is really quite simple to me…. The invitation means far more than the meal served, the way it is presented, or how “perfectly” your home is decorated. A willingness to open your heart and your home to others, especially those who feel alone, separated far and wide from family and close friends, is often more than an act of kindness. If you’ve been fortunate to raise your family in one community, maybe even the community where you were raised, you may have relationships stemming decades, and your support network is far and wide. Unfortunately, that’s not everyone’s story and someone around you needs an invitation.
Now, after over 30 years, 14 homes, 3 foreign countries and 6 states, we have an opportunity to remind others to further build community, and avoid complacency with the one you happen to have. Make the invitation to someone new.
We encourage you to welcome others to your table. It’s as much a gift to you as it is to them. If you need inspiration, new skills, new tableware or cookware, or even just a little more confidence, La Cuisine was designed for you! We partner with professional chefs so you are learning top skills from the experts and have tasty recipes at your fingertips. We curate our inventory to select some of the highest quality kitchen goods that will serve your family for years, even decades. With the right tools, chef designed menus and the skills to seamlessly execute, you can be confident your guests will immensely appreciate your gesture and your friendship.
We are so grateful for this opportunity to invite you to our table and we look forward to serving you in the heart of our home, our kitchen.