Anti-Restaurant
Restaurants are great, but in moderation. Our family eats out no more than 10 times a year. But when we do I instantly notice a change in mindset. We expect to be fed, entertained, taken care of. We feel important and entitled. We judge the decor, the menu and service. I like restaurants, but I don't like to be in a "customer mode". When I cook at home it feels different. Making and serving food is a act of gift-giving. Consumption is about joy and gratitude. I don't worry about my guests giving a bad online review. My guests don't stress over the tip amount. But most importantly, we always keep in mind that it's not about the food, it's about interaction. In a restaurant some people also focus on interaction, but it is easy to 'slip' into consumption-only mode, focusing your eyes on the plate and not on a person in front of you. Which brings me to my idea of an anti-restaurant. It will be a place to build things together and enjoy the compan