ABCs of the Tri-Cities: Accompaniment
I learned from someone recently that a "companion" is someone with whom you "break bread." Anyone who knows me knows that I use the word "accompany" as the foundation of how I choose to be with others. To walk with others, to break bread with them, is one of the greatest gifts I've ever received as it is an invitation to witness what God is doing on the sacred ground of another person's soul.
It's been a while since I've shared my journey through the alphabet at various Tri-Cities restaurants, but I've still had my share of going out with friends, catching up, and breaking bread together. On one of my most recent outings, I went to El Punto del Sabor, a Venezuelan food truck situated in Summer's Hub, a collection of food trucks in Kennewick. I was delighted to see El Punto del Sabor offered arepas!
You see, I tried arepas for the first time when I was in Atlanta living in a community of lay consecrated women. This was also where I learned the meaning of accompaniment, much of which happened at the dining room table or the kitchen counter. I especially remember how my sister discerner, Grace, and I would wrap up a day of apostolic mission and decide we wanted to go to the kitchen for a snack. Whether it was chips and salsa or an apple and peanut butter, some of our best conversations happened during snack time sitting on those stools at the kitchen table. We shared ups and downs, triumphs, and frustrations.
The first time I ever heard of arepas was at that same countertop during my first "come and see" visit. One of the women in the house, who is actually of Venezuelan descent, mentioned arepas, and a conversation about the difference between arepas and pupusas and which one came from where ensued. Looking back, it was a forgettable conversation, yet it still lives in my mind today because there was something about the way these women honored one another with their words and attention. It caught my eye, and I realized that kind of presence was something I wanted to imitate.
When I first visited El Punto del Sabor, I went with a friend who I hadn't seen in a while. To be honest, we usually only see each other 4-5 times a year, which is ridiculous because we live 10 minutes away from each other. But as it goes with good friends, we were able to pick up right where we left off. Not unlike those times at the kitchen countertop in Atlanta, my friend and I talked about ups and downs, highs and lows. We shared frustrations about getting older and the disconnect we feel with generations before us and those coming after us. There was a comfortable vulnerability because I felt safe to say anything I needed to say without the fear of being judged. The experience was made even better with deliciously savory arepas and spicy salsa. (Although I have to admit that I preferred the home-cooked ones I had in Atlanta.)
In the busyness of life and accompanying others, I sometimes forget that I also need accompaniment. I need someone I can open my heart to, a friend who can really lend an ear and listen. I need safe space to share whatever is on my mind. So much of this happens over a cup of coffee a flaky, sweet pastry, or a creamy tart. Living in Washington, I've found so many coffee shops that I love. There's something special about finding a local spot for a cup of joe with carefully planned decor from a small business owner trying to fulfill her dream. Couple these cozy nooks with good conversation, and you've got a perfect place to just be with someone. Ethos Bakery in the Parkway is one of my favorite places for this kind of encounter.
When I started this series on the ABCs of the Tri-Cities, I wanted to support local restaurants, try the food, and then write about it in hopes that others would also come to appreciate these hometown gems. It's an understatement to say that I slowed the train quite a bit (how am I only on letter E after nearly a year of doing this?), and people assumed I had given up on this project. The truth is that although I tried a lot of new places, I didn't always document them here because I didn't feel the need to. I had the experience, and that was good enough for me.
Today as you sit around your kitchen countertop, dining room table, or lounge on the couches with a big plate of turkey and all the fixin's, my hope is that you see it's not all about the food or the perfectly tailored social media post. Today is about accompanying those you love and being grateful for the gift of their presence.
