June Newsletter

Hey Table followers!

The news of Anthony Bourdain's death shook me up. Anthony was someone I admired, someone who seemed to have his life together, and someone who on the surface seemed happy.  In reality, he was feeling alone and exhausted. I assume he felt he had nowhere to turn. Now more than ever, I realize how much A Place at the Table is needed.

“Journalists drop into a situation, ask a question, and people sort of tighten up," Bourdain said. "Whereas if you sit down with people and just say, 'Hey what makes you happy? What do you like to eat?' They'll tell you extraordinary things, many of which have nothing to do with food." Anthony Bourdain.

I love this quote because Anthony would have sat at our community table, talked to people, and shared good food. He would have broken bread with the many people from all walks of life that eat, volunteer and spend time at our cafe. He would have cooked up eggs benedict alongside Andrew and Aaron, done dishes alongside Richard and James, and played cards with Cindy at the community table. Anthony would have loved A Place at the Table. 

I think we all can learn from Anthony's life and have all experienced feelings Anthony may have felt. We all go through things in our life that make us feel alone and we need people to do life with us. We need a place where we feel loved, welcome, and cared for. We need a place at the table. 

If you are ever feeling hopeless, defeated, or even simply sad, know that you are loved. Know that you have a community table full of people waiting to play UNO with you, a dishroom full of laughter & people needing your help drying coffee mugs, and a cafe full of amazing folks ready to hug you as soon as you walk in. I hope to see you soon at 300 W. Hargett St. over a cup of coffee.

With many hugs,

Maggie Kane
Executive Director

There are a few tickets left for our Coffee and Conversations on June 26th! Join us as our Community Advisory Board leads us in a discussion on food insecurity. Can't make this one? We will be doing this quarterly.

RSVP here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coffee-and-conversations-tickets-46567237862

Everyone give a warm welcome to our new Chef ANDREW!!! He’s about to rock Raleigh with his amazing food. Here’s a little bit about him:
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Andrew grew up in Vicksburg, Mississippi and was raised on the delicacies of the Mississippi delta. Helping Momma in the kitchen, he learned that serving others first was top priority. Andrew received a degree in Pschology from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. While in college, he worked in kitchens and was fascinated by Cajun and Creole cuisine. Learning as much as he could along the way, he began his career as a chef. Being the chef of A Place at the Table, is a dream come true for Andrew. Having a position where he can fulfill his desires to serve those in his community by creating delicious and nutritious food for everyone is an integration of life long passions. Outside of the kitchen Andrew enjoys being outdoors with his Fiancé and four dogs. They love to go hiking and canoeing, while at home Andrew is found working in his garden or woodworking.