From Thanksgiving Memories to Everyday Gratitude

Written by, Suzy DeYoung

November... the month of gratitude, a holiday whose celebration is centered around the dining room table with family and friends. The creation of a bounty of delicious side dishes, and traditions maintained, all to accompany the big bird. No gift exchanges, just food…lots and lots of food. I'm curious how many people love this holiday more than any other like I do. Admittedly, I was raised in a VERY food-centric family and my memories of this holiday meant more to me than any of the others. Although I can say I was never a big fan of the corn pudding or the braised red cabbage with apples and roast chestnuts as a kid, even those dishes now evoke so many memories and put a smile on my face. The leftovers that week were brought to us by Grandpa Papa Schmidt, retired Executive Chef of the Union Club NYC. I would secretly pray that he would make his turkey croquettes with béchamel and corn fritters with maple syrup…he almost always obliged. For me, when all my senses are engaged, the longest and most powerful memories are created. Thanksgiving is the smell of turkey roasting, tasting the cranberry sauce for the proper tartness, a trip to the herb garden for fresh sage and chives, the Macy's Day parade followed by the Westminster Dog show on TV, and seeing all my most special people around the table…all senses are engaged!

Since starting La Soupe, I have become acutely aware of how incredibly fortunate I am to have these memories. Nothing makes me happier than seeing so many agencies and individuals making sure those less fortunate have a hot meal or boxes of food to prepare at home. Literally, every food desert in our city had a popup market this year, which was a wonderful sight to see. La Soupe understands that although this once-a-year meal is a beautiful commitment to those in food insecurity, there are an additional 364 days where many people do not know where their next meal is coming from. We have worked tirelessly to create a newly imagined food system. A system where overages are treated with respect and care, transformed by professional chefs and volunteers so the other 364 days a year our city is also well fed. Every Friday, La Soupe’s stellar employee, Danielle Brownlow, and a host of other staff and volunteers host a free market for those in our Walnut Hills Community. A few weeks ago, I heard one elderly woman asking if we had a certain prepared meal again as her grandson could not stop talking about how great it was. That is what warms my heart, knowing that something we poured so much energy into was requested again and a memory may have been created.

As a longstanding chef and caterer in the city, I appreciate how many of you reached out to me to express how much you miss so many things we offered at La Petite Pierre. My sister, Michele and I created a cozy little home for many in Madeira, a daily chalkboard lunch menu and a seasonal dinner menu. I am committed to offering some of the items that were created for you in Madeira. Both the infamous Lobster Bisque and Beef Bourgogne have been made and frozen for your next gathering, and best of all, any purchases made go directly to supporting La Soupe’s mission! Many have requested my Ginger and Black Bean Sauce, Pasta Baskets, Mecklenburg Pie, and Beef Wellington for their holiday celebrations, and know I will do my best to have them available for you in the near future. Stay tuned to our social media where we announce the various specials when they are released. I will be rolling Pasta Baskets, simmering the black bean sauce, and topping pies the week of December 18th until we are closed for a much-needed break on the 22nd.

Giving of myself in this way helps me stay grounded in what I love most, sharing my God-given talents with all and maintaining cherished memories for you.

I hope you had the happiest of Turkey Days and created delicious memories. THANK YOU ALL for the love and support you show us every day.