Until the last bite …

Last week, I hosted the third Cibo & Vino Cookbook Club pop-up dinner — a night where the magic of good food turned 12 strangers into a table of kindred spirits. It was an evening that left me reflecting on what success means in this unique setting.

Imagine a dozen people who, apart from a shared love of food, might never have crossed paths. The hum of conversation grew as the courses unfolded, each dish acting as an icebreaker and a storyteller. But the real measure of success? The plates that returned to the kitchen, wiped clean, and the almost non-existent leftovers.

Take the sardines, for instance: an ingredient that can divide opinion faster than you can say “umami.” By the end of the night, all that remained were a few scattered bits from two entire packages. This wasn’t just about the sardines themselves; it was about how good ingredients can elevate a meal and win over even the skeptics.

Success wasn’t just in the food but in the stories shared, the flavors savoured, and the connections made around the table.