When it comes to think about a perfect meal it is certainly true that everybody will have a personal perspective towards what an ideal lunch could be. My perfect meal is always in Nochebuena. When I think of Nochebuena, it’s always a feast, a buffet table filled with yummy treats that is shared with family and friends. Turkey is never missing in this buffet, either Stuffed Turkey or the Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Breasts, my mom's best recipe. Whenever Christmas comes around, I impatiently wait for my sister’s chopped apple salad with toasted walnuts and blue cheese, which she makes once a year and is super special. As a self- respected sweet tooth I always contribute preparing my best dessert’ recipe: Tarta Helada which consists of three layers, a thin vanilla sponge, mouse and on the top of that a layer of gelatine with little pieces of fruits.

Here, in Kalamazoo I want to challenge myself to create a tasty perfect lunch with full consciousness of what is involved. What I had in mind was a lunch in which organic and fresh meat and locally grown veggies were the star ingredients. I had a rough idea of what I wanted to do for my perfect meal and I would fill in the details along the way. In conclusion, I want to achieve a memorable, engaging as well as healthy lunch in which all people involved could feel comfortable.

Being away from my blood’s family and friends so many times I have met amazing people everywhere I go. Now, being a student in Kalamazoo College I have created my own K- family. Sara, a Spanish girl I met in college has become one of the closest persons I have here. Once I told her about my project, she was more than willing to come to downtown with me to help me to find the ingredients for the meal.

Autumn had officially arrived and it was getting cooler and cooler here in little Kalamazoo. Although it was a cold morning the sun was a steady companion in our forty minutes walking from Kalamazoo college to the People's Food- Coop. As international students in Kalamazoo College who barely got around the town, we had to make use of that great friend called Google Maps in order not to get lost in our expedition.  

People’s Food Coop is a small store away from the hustle and and bustle of the city center. As far I was concerned, there the customer could find anything from organic meat to home- grown fruit and vegetables. Once we got in, a stunning display of different kind of veggies as well as locally grown legumes in big and transparent containers were in front of us. We looked around the store getting more and more surprised by the prices. Unfortunately, most humane, organic, antibiotic- free options are more expensive. I knew that being cheap would only fill me with regret but I only had thirty five dollars in my pocket. It was good to think that I was paying for healthier options while supporting the local community, however I am not made of money. The meat- based products, even frozen, were totally overpriced. Finally, I just could afford a little piece of beef for my meal and some organic veggies I needed. This made me think about the almost nonexistent options of healthy and accessible priced food for students or people with a reduced budget.

Sara and I went ahead to Kike’s apartment, a Spanish guy we met just one month ago but who was the host for our meal. He offered his apartment so that I could cook the meal when I had told him about it the day before. He welcomed us to his little and cozy apartment which he shares with other Mexican and Spanish college students. At the moment we arrived Kike was alone at home.

It is so interesting how although we are very far away from our countries we still continue doing the same things. As a good Spanish host Kike welcomed us with kiss on both cheeks as well as cold beer bottles, they were not organic beer but beer always pull their own weight. This is something I love from Spain and its people, they are not rushing all the time but they always have time to drink a coffee or a beer with a good friend.

After a long talk between laughters about our experiences in America it was time to start cooking. Latino music never fails in my culinary experiences wherever I go, and I was very happy to know that they love it too. Yes, I am the kind of person who dances while cooking. My mum always says: Listening to music you cook better.  I cannot assure that it is true but I can admit that music makes the experience way more fun.

I would say that this was a cooperative cooking. We three were preparing our dishes to contribute to a one perfect meal only with the ingredients I bought in the store. While I was preparing the main course which consisted of sautée beef previously marinated with garlic, salt, pepper, and soy sauce. Once I put the beef in the pan the odour filled the apartment. That is a good sign. Then, I cut onions and tomatoes in big pieces. Next to me, Sara started cutting the potatoes in medium squares for her Spanish potato omelette. I was very surprised and intrigued by her way to do it  My mum always cut the potatoes into very thin slices and then fry them in abundant olive oil. Kike resulted to have another way to do it. It was funny for us to find out how many different ways for preparing the same dish exist and how our own mother’s recipe is  the best.

Sara made her mother’s recipe putting together the row cut potatoes and six cage- free eggs. It is unsure if the potatoes were too though or if the eggs were so liquid, but we couldn’t achieve a consistent mixture needed for a good potato omelette. I remembered my fails in the kitchen when I was younger and my mum saying:  The important thing is not the mistake but how you solve it.  The omelette looked more like scrambled eggs with little pieces of potato, so we added a little bit of black pepper and shredded cheese.  I don't know if someone had created this dish before but it tasted delicious. When you go with the flow, there is no reason to have regrets or think you made a mistake.

On his part, Kike prepared an appetizer composed of little pieces of green pepper and rustic loaf bread accompanied with a gluten free chickpea humus. He said that it was the first time he prepared something by himself since he came to America and his excitement was reflected in his face.

It was as I imagined my perfect meal would be? The answer is no. It was better than any idea I could have had. My conclusion was that I achieved to prepare a healthy and engaged meal but I also got to know two amazing people who have gone out of their way to help me. It has taught me that the old saying is true: you can always depend on the kindness of strangers. Now I can say that eat and enjoy food together, share a wonderful time  and make some memories it is what my perfect meal is all about.