Dinner Party: Cooking While Quarantining
We have all been hit with a new normal amidst the corona virus that it has made gathering nearly non-existent. In these moments we have been forced to think outside the box when it comes to how we connect. For many people, the corona virus has not been managed alone, as several people make up the household. New levels of bonding and interaction have thus taken place strengthening family and chosen-family bonds. We know that if there is one thing that can find a way to create harmony, it is food. As an extension of our Dinner Party Series, we connected with Taiwanese photographer, Sam Fu, to learn more about what cultural food can bring the family together and his general perspective on the impact of the corona virus. Read his thoughts below and be sure to shop the images from this Dinner Party Series by searching "Dinner Party"!
TONL: We know you are Taiwanese and therefore, have a lot of beautiful dishes. Tell us a little more about your family's favorite dish: dumplings!
Sam: The dish is pork & chive dumplings. Everything is made from scratch. The chives were grown in our backyard. My mom grows various vegetables and herbs that we consume in a lot of our dishes. Whenever dumplings are made, usually me and my siblings will help out by rolling out the dough and putting the filling in the dumplings. I find it very therapeutic and it’s a great bonding activity.
TONL: That is amazing that most of the ingredients are in your backyard. With everyone having to stay inside, that is super convenient. Speaking of being inside, as a Creative, how have you coped with the quarantine?
Sam: Being quarantined with my family honestly has been good so far. Really, it’s a blessing in disguise. I get to spend more quality time with them whether it be cooking, watching movies, gaming, etc. For me personally this lifestyle change isn’t too drastic from my normal life. I work from home a lot and I’ve become more of a homebody nowadays. So the transition was seamless for me. I could say the same for some of my family. Both of my brothers are definitely homebodies too. My dad and sister on the other hand aren’t-haha!
TONL: Haha! There is a meme going around about introverts checking on your extroverted friends! It's real out in these (indoor) streets! With you being indoors, how are you staying creative?
Sam: Since I haven't been able to do any shoots, I've decided to capture every day life at home.
TONL: That's such a brilliant and easy idea! We are loving the shots of you and your family in the kitchen. We may need to steal some Taiwnese recipes. Oh and we are for sure getting dumplings when this corona stuff is over!
Sam: Haha! Got you.