My name is Jasnit and I am a “foodie.” Let us first define the word “foodie”. A foodie is one that truly enjoys the experience of eating. This does not make me a pretentious person who prefers eating at a fine dining French restaurant over eating at a “hole in the wall”. Instead, it truly means that I love to eat things and share my experiences with others. The key in life is to have a great experience, food related or otherwise, and be able to share it with others. Some people enjoy hiking or biking. I enjoy eating. This is my way of experiencing the world. I don’t need to bring sneakers, gloves or a warm sweater. Instead, I bring my eyes, my nose, my mouth, my yearning for delicious food and most importantly I bring my palate.
A palate is what an artist uses in order to color the world. This is not much different from the palate inside your mouth. Your palate is more than just an anatomic structure inside your mouth; you use that anatomic structure to experience the world. You must use your palate by feeling the temperature, texture and flavor of the food. You must use your palate to touch your food not only with your mouth but also with your hands. It takes time and experience in order to develop your palate. So where does your palate develop from?
Your palate is defined by your upbringing and what you ate growing up. I grew up in an Indian household and my mother was the primary chef in the house. Therefore, my mother defined my palate. This is true for many people. Most likely, your mother is the person who cooked for you as you grew up from a baby to an adult. This is why if you grow up eating certain flavors, you will be comforted by them later in life. Words that define this concept include 'home cooked meal' and 'comfort food' amongst others. These comfort food meals bring back nostalgic memories which carry sentimental values.
My mother was the best cook in the world. I say was because she passed away 10 years ago. She may no longer be here being a part of my life in the physical sense, but there are times during the day when I eat something and am reminded of something she once made me. Therefore, I often find myself searching for flavors that will resurrect my mother’s cooking and make me feel as though she is beside me. During these journeys, I find myself exploring the world with my mouth. It has resulted in discovering new smells, flavors, textures, and allowed me to have some great culinary experiences.
So stay tuned as I elaborate on several of the more important culinary experiences of my life…
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” - Virginia Wolfe