a v i d a l e g r i a: July 2009

A V I D A L E G R I A : An introduction

I am interested in food, in both its delights and its disorders.

I ask: For what do we hunger? When do we know when we are satiated? How do we learn to feed our bellies and also satisfy other, less tangible parts of our self?

Food inspires untold passions, follies, and heartbreak. The last of these I know something about, having recovered from an eating disorder four years ago. Since then, rather than ignore food, I have learned to approach it from different angles: food as culture, food as fuel, and food as communion. My writings here reflect my growing passions for cooking, communal meals, and culinary satisfaction.

I am also interested in life beyond food: the things they won't tell you about when you pick up an issue of Gourmet or check out of an eating disorder clinic. As fascinating and fulfilling as food can be, there comes a point when you have to put down the fork and admire the wide world beyond the table.

Because food gives us life, I also write about life, and happiness, and hunger.

AVIDALEGRIA is a play on the Portuguese words for happiness (alegria), life (vida) and avid/hungry/eager (ávida).

~ Ai Lu

a v i d a l e g r i a

7.05.2009

taking a break