Friday reflection

Ramen lady

Big bowl of ramen

My friend Lauree and I entered the tiny ramen restaurant in Kingston, NY. As we squished past the bar to enter the dining room, I heard a woman yelling at someone: “Don’t talk, just eat!” Interesting…

Little did I know that soon, that same woman would be yelling at me — and that I’d like it. In fact, it would become the highlight of my week.

Turns out, The Yeller (TY) was also the owner of the restaurant, and the chef. And, later, when she placed two delicious bowls of ramen on our table, she barked instructions at us: Do not talk! Do not stir! Use the ceramic spoon provided to taste the broth, then place it upside down against the side of the bowl, like so.

…THE BROTH. It was so creamy, so full of umami flavors , so nourishing. It was heavenly.

Next, TY commanded us to use our chopsticks to dig out a serving of noodles. Pull, pull them up til they’re completely free of the bowl, before tucking them back underneath all the other noodles; then blow, blow, blow! to cool them, before loudly SLURPING them all the way down.

Her vibe was strict, but loving. I could tell that her orders came from a place of deep caring. It felt so much like she was sharing not just food with us, but culture. After all, as my brilliant friend and client, Mirit Cohen, so often says, when it comes to shaping and sharing culture, there’s no substitute for the power of food.

I felt that so strongly, in this tiny Kingston restaurant. I felt such a strong sense of hospitality, more than I ever have in an establishment with more polite but staid staff. I also felt like I’d traveled far away from New York. My neck and shoulders felt lighter as I hugged Lauree goodbye, walked to my car, and drove home.

Thank you, TY, for the hospitality, and for the most delicious meal I’ve eaten in a very long time.

Who is a woman who’s made a strong impression on you, lately? Maybe a local shopkeeper, someone you noticed on a bus or train, a speaker at a conference…Tell us about her. Paint a picture. There are so many awesome women in this world, and so much joy to be had when we tell each other about them.

You are a mighty force -

Amanda