Sierra Spraker | April 21, 2022

Allow me to indulge in a speck of frivolity. The kind that only comes with an active choice to step outside and breathe the pungent air of society. Maybe throw on a blouse of your liking. Buy some new sunnies for the occasion. 

I’m referring to, perhaps you’ve guessed it, hitting the town. 

This month has been particularly unique in the sense that instead of experiencing the desert of California, as was scheduled, I have instead found myself delighting over food. Some of these experiences I’ll later describe have been over the course of many weeks, but it wasn’t until now I decided I should throw some words on a page and truly reflect in this rich part of culture. 

Food is a core quality of life. It has the ability to cause people to swing from sad to happy in a matter of seconds. The best part is, every culture does it differently. Living in the United States, we see the traditional “American” cuisine on a daily basis. I mean, who else heard of putting meat between two halves of a bun? No matter whatever historical knowledge on food you might have, that’s extremely American if you ask me. 

If you’re one that lives in a city setting, a place where you might find an eclectic blend of flavors and options, you’ll know those days when you are feeling a little more exotic than the day before. The moment of “…you know what? I would like to bump my spice level up to four”, with a nervous laugh, possibly a reassuring smile for yourself.

Food is a bridge between cultures, countries, and arguably between people. I wouldn’t need to understand a single word someone is saying to understand they’re inviting me in, showing me their side of the story…all through food!

I am humbled to say I’ve recently been able to indulge in some of the more delectable offerings the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego have to offer. 

The last few weeks have included sushi rolls with tender wagyu beef thinly sliced on top, swordfish swimming in a white wine sauce, street tacos with unsolicited addition of avocado (this should be standard IMO), oysters sitting on their icy thrones, and I have to admit…edible gold flakes have been present. 

This isn’t me boasting about my experiences or my quality of life, rather it’s a celebration of life in entirety. It’s a reminder to treat yourself with new tastes and experiences. These indulgences are edible art. The luxurious feeling of sliding into a round booth with your people/person/yourself is unrivaled.

I’ve always felt I had a sincere appreciation for these details of my life. I know I’m blessed. With that said, I try to always remember to say thank you for this life.

Bon appétit <3