This is a space for stories of foodscapes, of how people relate to their territories through the way they cook and eat. These accounts are personal, sometimes celebratory, sometimes nostalgic, sometimes sad. The conversations I have had so far have taught me about connection, about memory, about survival, about joy, about humility and generosity, extravagance and beauty.

I originally set out to compile romantic stories of people’s deep connection with land and sea to shed light on what is possible for the future of food, but the reality of a majority of people’s foodways, especially in cities, are a far cry from the idealistic vision of abundant, fresh food, growing in view from the kitchen window or bought from the market just a short stroll away. What I realised is that there can be as much value in cityscapes where your community is the land to which you connect with through food.

When you eat at your table, possibilities open up to connect to another one elsewhere. Maybe it’s through the same recipe, or it’s through the ingredients you bought. Maybe it’s through the conversation you had, a conversation that travels to another table; maybe it’s a new friendship. Two tables become three, become four, become ten. All through the daily ritual of a meal.