At the Table, One Never Grows Old

Sushi feast with friends. I love the atypical concept (unless it's a family style restaurant) of sharing at a restaurant in America. 


I feel like the American eating culture is so solitary. We each order our own appetizer, entree and dessert. Is it because we don't want to share? Are we a society of dietary restrictions? I know I have my own restrictions.... Ordering something for myself makes life easier for all at the table. No butter, oil, fat.... it's a no gallbladder thing.... 


I love sushi dates. Ones that leaves so much room for sharing, talking about your food, interesting new flavors. 


There's a quote I keep in my kitchen "A tavola non s'invecchia" meaning At the table, one never grows old.  I love that. I take this to mean that the pleasures of good food and company are such that the passage of time is suspended.


Did your family raise you in a home that shared food? Talking around the table? Eating standing up in the kitchen while talking, cooking more, and laughing (ok, that's probably only my strange family...)?