Food for Thought -- A Restaurant Worthy of A Meltingpot Review

Meltingpot Readers,

Many of you know I've been a long time fan of chef Marcus Samuelsson, not only because of his culinary talents but because he has such a fascinating life story which he consistently uses to fuel his professional passions. His cookbooks, philanthropy work and yes, even his restaurants, always embrace the theme of cultural cross-pollination. His latest restaurant, Red Rooster Harlem is no exception.

Check out the New York Times review of the restaurant and you'll see what I mean. Here's the bit that intrigued me the most and it's not even about the food:

" New Yorkers are accustomed to diversity on sidewalks and subways, in jury pools and in line at the bank. But in our restaurants, as in our churches and nightclubs, life is often more monochromatic.

Not so at Red Rooster Harlem, which the chef Marcus Samuelsson opened in December. The racial and ethnic variety in the vast bar and loft-like dining room are virtually unrivaled. The restaurant may not be the best to open in New York City this year (though the food is good). But it will surely be counted as among the most important. It is that rarest of cultural enterprises, one that supports not just the idea or promise of diversity, but diversity itself."

Reservations are recommended a month in advance, so if you're planning a trip to the Big Apple, call now. Then tell us all about it!

We're listening.

Peace!

Spain vs Germany: Who Has the More Diverse Futbol Team?

Hi Meltingpot readers,

Did you know that of all the countries playing in the World Cup, Germany has the most diverse team? Not what you expected, right? I know I was surprised when I heard this factoid revealed on NPR this morning. But apparently, almost half of the German World Cup team comes from an "ethnic" background other than German. I know Twitter was all aflutter with talk of "that Black German" on the field. Like Germans can't be mixed or culturally diverse. Hello! Boris Kudjo.

But seriously, according to this radio interview, the diversity of the German team has real life ramifications back home in Deutchland. Supposedly, by seeing this diverse team at work -- and winning helps -- the German people can embrace their ethnic brethren instead of wishing them away, or worse, denying them the right to call themselves German. Viva la patria!!!!

Of course soccer isn't the racial panacea for all of society's ills, but it can't hurt right? Here's an article about the racial make-up of the German World cup team.

For more information about life for non-Germans living in Germany, especial people of color, check out my friend Rose-Anne's awesome blog, Currents Between Shores. Rose-Anne is Haitian-American and lives in Berlin with her German hubby and three boys. And what about any of you? How do you find Germany in terms of diversity? Either as a tourist or a place to live. I'm curious. And as always, I'm listening.

Peace.

Everyday Diversity

Meltingpot mamas are always on the lookout for everyday diversity. When we see another multi-culti family out in public, we notice. When a television show comes on with colorful cast members we notice. Even when we go to a restaurant, if the menu items reflect certain ethnic influences, we notice. And we notice because we're kind of always looking for validation of our own beliefs, cultures and lifestyle choices. Of course this is all pretty much on a subconscious level. In real life, we just walk around with a smile on our faces when we see others that look like us.

That happened to me this weekend. This weekend in the Kinky Gazpacho household, it was all about baseball. Both of my sons have joined our neighborhood little league and Saturday was the parents' orientation. Now I know I live in one of the most integrated neighborhoods in America, but I'm still always a little shocked (in a good way) when I see that diversity in action. I think because I grew up in one of the most segregated cities in America, it still strikes me as unique when I see lots of Black people sitting side by side with White people and nobody seems the slightest bit uncomfortable. Little league was all about the kids, about baseball and about signing up to sell frozen pizzas for the annual fundraiser.

Now I will be honest. I was impressed with the diversity in the audience, a full spectrum of Black and White families, but I was even more impressed to see that the diversity extended to the leadership of the league as well. The coaches were a nice mix of Black and White, the gentlemen in charge of the whole league, both Black and White. What a difference from the way I grew up where my family was usually the only spot of color at my swim meets and gymnastics classes. And of course everyone in charge was always, always, always White. I am so happy that my boys witness this mixing of Black and White as normal. That they see coaches and authority figures who aren't only one color. In fact, they probably take everyday diversity for granted. If so, that means I'm doing my job right.

What about you? Where do you witness everyday diversity? At the grocery store? In school? At the doctor's office? Sometimes I think our efforts at forced integration would do well to study the places --like little league baseball in a neighborhood like mine -- where diversity just comes with the territory. You never know, we might learn something.

Peace.