New Beginnings

I am honored and privileged to be the successor of this fine publication. I took the reins on March 10, excited and optimistic, and within days the world changed. Now what? 

My adult son from NYC immediately moved into our home in southern Vermont. He became our grocery and pharmacy shopper, sous-chef, and in-house IT department. My husband’s business travel ceased and our dog, Stella, received an unimaginable amount of treats and walks. Our son’s girlfriend moved in several weeks later. Closets got cleaned and repurposed, as did our bedrooms and living room, as we were all WFH. We purchased countless new cooking gadgets and rearranged the kitchen because obviously my way made no sense. I expanded upon my limited repertoire of recipes. We sought local and fresh food everywhere, ate healthy, took Pilates on Zoom, socially distance walked, and planted an herb and vegetable garden, albeit with some help. We had and are still having family dinners every night and FaceTime with my father-in-law during cocktail and prep time. I have to say that aside from the obvious worldwide tragedies, I have loved being with my family every minute (mostly), honing new skills and producing this inaugural issue. 

Our first article, “Edible Voices,” is an interview with my dear friends, Lauren and Steve Bryant, of Church Street Hospitality. Thank you both for your friendship and support. Our “Edible Reads” includes excerpts from Waste Not: How to Get the Most from Your Food, a James Beard Foundation and Rizzoli publication, with helpful tips on repurposing what would otherwise be discarded food scraps. Recipes for Home, a digital cookbook produced and created by fellow Edible Communities publishers, has some of our favorite recipes from the West Coast, taking you on a virtual culinary trip. “Fresh & Direct” highlights two organizations, conceived during the pandemic, that benefit farmers, consumers, and nonprofit organizations. Last, we focus on Hunger Free Vermont, which champions programs and creates access to healthy food for individuals in need throughout the state. 

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to express my thanks and gratitude to many. To healthcare workers, farmers, producers, markets, and all essential workers everywhere who have tirelessly cared for us to keep us healthy and safe. To Mary Blair, my predecessor, for this opportunity, and to Edible Communities and fellow publishers for your support. To my advertising partners: I truly can’t find words adequate enough to thank you for allowing me to share these stories at this time, and to Maria Buteux Reade who created them. And to my readers: I’m looking forward to knowing you better. 

And, to my family and friends near and far—I cherish you. And finally to you Bubbie, you’re the best dish of all!