More or Less in 2021
Story 2: The taste of something precious – Introducing Red Diamond
Story 2: January 7, 2021
Now in this first week of the year, we have all had a bit of time to reflect. It would be an understatement to say that 2020 was filled with new challenges. Many hard lessons were learned, and there are definitely things that I would like more of and others less so for the coming year.
But as the world staggers into 2021, we should remember that each day brings new chances for positivity. To celebrate this, I’ve asked a friend to create a cocktail to start the year with something representing new beginnings and hope.
Introducing “RED DIAMOND”
This drink symbolizes something beautiful and precious – just as is time.
Even if we can’t travel, we can still be creative at home and say cheers virtually. When you’re ready to mix and taste this cocktail, share your creation on social media and tag with #spicejourneys and #theluckydrinker
I know this one will become a favorite! You can find the recipe below.
More or Less in 2021
Last year threw collective challenges at us. We all faced the global pandemic and had to deal with illness, families separated, and loss of life. Borders were randomly closed with little coordination for various forms of lockdowns. The parts of the economy that normally bring us so much joy have been devastated (e.g. restaurants, travel and live entertainment). Racial inequalities and violence persist, and despite having access to so much media, claims of “fake news” and simple soundbites are still followed as a mantra by many. Less of this, please.
The lack of travel, commuting, dining out, and live entertainment has given us time to reflect and reconsider our values. Health has never become more important. Essential and medical workers have shown great care and selflessness.
Respect for self and others can be visibly shown by wearing a mask and distancing. I’d like to see more of this.
And with crisis comes innovation and reinvention. There were unprecedented advances in medical research. Restaurants have adapted to home delivery and new concepts. We have learned to live and work differently – welcome Netflix and Zoom. And at least at the start of this year, we don’t have to worry about toilet paper shortages!
So here are a few themes on what I would like to see more or less of in 2021.
I’d love to hear your thoughts too in the comments below.
More Kindness
I’ve noticed signs of Covid fatigue, particularly in the shops, where pushiness instead of polite distancing is increasingly practiced. I’d like to share how food can help us connect.
Food is a great way to build bridges and bring joy. Last week, I read a fantastic newsletter by Mark Bittman, who has collected stories from his readers about acts of kindness through food.
Some of my favorite stories include a police officer buying a little girl pizza, someone at Starbucks buying a coffee for the person behind them, and the random offering of meals in a restaurant to others.
It made me think of years ago when we regularly had Indian food delivery from a lovely person from Afghanistan. We often had long talks and shared stories about family and culture. We of course spoke at length about food too, and one day, he dropped off pots of home-made food from his wife. There was Afghani slow cook lamb fragrant with spices, a Palaw or rice dish, and braised vegetables. We were so touched by their generosity and kindness and wanted to somehow show our gratitude. So we returned their pots filled to the brim with a colorful bouquet of fruits.
If you are looking for some positivity and ideas on how food can add to this, check out Mark Bittman’s great article through the link below.
More Connection and Conversations
It remains a challenge to stay connected through the lockdowns. Zoom and similar platforms help, but it is easy to fall into a quiet rut of just staying at home and preparing for the next online meeting. Here are some ideas on how to connect when not able to travel.
Call Someone: Over the holidays, I started to call people I haven’t spoken to for a long time. It was great to reconnect and go beyond a text message.
Relive a Memory: Go through old pictures and think of a fond memory. Call a person that was there and relive it. Then plan for something fun to do either online now or in person when we can travel again.
Online ‘Show and Tell’: Find an object or picture from your travels, tell its story, and share online.
Virtual Dinner Parties: Pick a dish and have a kitchen party with everyone preparing their version of the dish in their own kitchens. Or at least, enjoy the meal together over video.
Any other ideas? Please share and I’ll be happy to mention it in the next edition.
Less Negative News
Less negative news also means more positive stories. For example, did you hear about the elderly gentleman in the UK who wanted to raise £1000 for the NHS (National Health Service) by walking laps in his garden? The final outcome was raising over £30m as he celebrated his 100th birthday.
If you have anything to share that you think can inspire others during this time, let me know and I’ll include it here. This can relate to food, culture, creative ideas or anything else you think can capture our imaginations.
A Drink to Celebrate the Start of 2021
To begin the year with something vibrant and a touch of luxury, my dear friend Ciprian Zsraga has created this very special cocktail. After what has been a challenging year, what better way to bring in 2021.
Red Diamond
The red diamond is a symbol of something beautiful and precious – just as is time.
With Beluga vodka, and touches of wine, berry and citrus, this cocktail is sure to bring a bit of ruby red sparkle to your day!
When you create your cocktail, or later ask your favorite bartender to make it, please share online and tag @theluckydrinker @spicejourneys
INGREDIENTS:
60 ml Beluga vodka
15 ml Riesling & raspberry syrup (see below)
30 ml lemon juice
15 ml egg white
Garnish: grape powder (from dehydrated grapes) and skeleton leaf decoration
RIESLING AND RASPBERRY SYRUP:
200 ml wine (medium dry white wine)
350 g sugar
Handful of raspberries
Slightly crush the raspberries and add the sugar and wine.
Dissolve the sugar and cook for 2 hours without boiling.
Then let it rest and cool for a few more hours.
Strain and ready to use.
Note: Any remaining syrup can be stored in the refrigerator.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add the vodka, syrup, lemon juice and egg white to a shaker. Mix.
Pour slowly and cover the top of the glass with the foam.
Garnish.
NOTES:
The vodka and Riesling can be substituted.
Beluga vodka is unusually made with barley malt spirit and is pure in using non-GM ingredients.
Health benefits include immune-building vitamin C from the citrus; vitamins and antioxidants from the raspberries. This drink may even provide anti-aging effects!
ABOUT CIPRIAN ZSRAGA
Ciprian Zsraga is a master of crafting cocktails. His venture The Lucky Drinker curates world-class cocktails with a philosophy of drink quality, and drinking in good company and responsibly. He has worked at legendary bars in London, like Artesian Bar at The Langham and American Bar at The Savoy, and is now Head Bartender at St. James Bar London. Follow him through the links below.
SOME INSPIRING LINKS FOR YOU
Mark Bittman, “We Need More Kindness Right Now”: Article on Medium
Ciprian Zsarga: Instagram @theluckydrinker @ciprian_zsraga
FOLLOW FOR MORE
Find out more about “The Spice Temple” novel and other stories.
Shop: Get Your Copy
Instagram: Cindia Luest (what I am up to) / Spice Journeys (Spice Journeys news)
Facebook: Cindia Luest / Spice Journeys
Twitter: Spice Journeys
Have you enjoyed this post? Please share and subscribe.
I’d love to welcome you and your friends here!