Cafe Lockdown - Preface

Privilege has many names. One of them, you could say, is synonymous with my own name. Growing up, my parents had the foresight to always be prepared for the worst if it should ever arrive. This meant that throughout the pandemic of 2020, I managed to live in a bubble. Within the walled comforts of our home, we debated policies and politics, watched in dismay the human tragedy unfolding around us, and investigated conspiracy-doomsday theories. All this banter went over remarkably well—especially while enjoying a plate of finger-licking good food!

Food has been both a constant bane and a blessing for me. As I have worked through the highs and lows of life, food has always been a constant presence. Good times and responsible eating has allowed me to maintain a healthy weight. Struggles and emotional eating has, at times, led to me to becoming overweight. You could say I have a tumultuous love affair with food.

My lifelong love affair was complicated this time around. Limited and dwindling reserves, food restrictions, and the desire to be health-conscious forced a creative use of resources. A myriad of cooking traditions from all over the world proved challenging to master while their similarities astounded me. This book is a journey of discovery and falling in love anew with food, traditions, and storytelling.

Welcome to Café Lockdown!