If you never knew my dad, Larry Beckham, and then met him for the first time, you wouldn't likely be around him long before you'd say to yourself, "this man enjoys eating." He didn't abuse or overuse food, and was always religious about exercise so that he stayed healthy. But his cherishing of his favorite foods (cornbread, popcorn, smoked almonds, fried okra, deviled eggs, etc.) was one of his trademark characteristics...and incidentally, something I am fairly sure I inherited directly from him.
Some friends pointed out to me this past week that they estimated about three-quarters of my facebook status updates were about food. I tried to deny this outlandish accusation, but the more I thought about it, I guessed they were kind of right, even if maybe they exaggerated just a bit. And if I take special pleasure in consuming favorite foods, I have my dad to thank for that.
Just in case you'd like to enjoy your food more, here are a few tips to follow from The Larry Beckham School of Food Appreciation:
1. Redefine "high maintenance ordering" when at a restaurant. Communicate well about what you want and how you want it. Details not only matter, they make all the difference in just eating your food and having a truly satisfying and memorable meal.
2. Notice the person who is serving you. Call them by name. Talk with them casually, as you would a friend.
3. Savor every bite of the foods and drinks you love. Pause and be thankful for the moment.
4. For example, take care to spread a little butter on your cornbread and then stop to look at it lovingly before you take a bite. Don't rush. Make note of the texture and flavors in your mouth as you chew it with your teeth. Maybe even offer an audible, "mmm," before taking the next bite.
5. Repeat until full.
6. If the meal was extra-special, tell the person serving you how much you enjoyed it and what, specifically, you enjoyed about it.
Be thankful. Notice the little things. Be like my dad.
Happy Father's Day, y'all.....
