David Moscow discusses why food fosters a relationship between people, interview

While many people have discovered From Scratch on FYI.TV, David Moscow sets the table for a bigger discussion beyond his foodie adventures. Although he is challenged to create an authentic, local meal from scratch on each adventure, the reality is that the journey brings a bigger discussion to the table. Food is the heart of how people connect with each other.

Foodsided had the opportunity to speak with David Moscow one afternoon. During the lengthy conversation, we discussed a plethora of food topics. To cooking with family to appreciating the importance of local ingredients, a deeper connection revealed itself. The commonalities of experiences shared over a plate of food fosters a relationship.

While not necessarily the topic of each episode, Moscow has found that people want to invite you in to share a meal, break bread or spend time around a table. That “most basic relationship between people” often is strengthened over a meal. From people who are just meeting to families connecting, that nourishment is more than curbing a hunger.

From the farmer offering part of his herd for dinner in Africa to Peruvian hosts sharing their bounty, the reality is that breaking bread creates a connection. That single moment in time becomes an etched memory. From an enticing aroma to a flavor longing to be recreated, the meal sustains far longer than the food on the plate.

More importantly, those experiences shape future experiences around the table. While many people think of a meal as either a day chore or a celebratory moment, it is more than those two extremes. The From Scratch experience has molded Moscow’s approach and he hopes that food television fans will appreciate the story that he tells.

Although few people will be unable to experience these unique journeys that David Moscow encounters on From Scratch, the impact that has happened in his own home is something that many people can appreciate. Just like a vacation or trip can have people adding new flavors or food to the home kitchen, Moscow has the same concept, but maybe on a bigger scale.

Moscow shared how his son is more engaged in cooking with him. Whether it is making banana bread and his son’s intense concentration or just the willingness to try different food choices, it is more than just another plate on the table. Appreciating the process is just as important as knowing where the food comes from. It is another example of people’s relationship with and around food.

Sharing a story of how his family used apples from a local orchard to make desserts, that concept stems from all his previous food experiences. It is more than picking a theme for a pot luck and inviting everyone to make a unique dish. It is the story that brings the dish to the table. The hows, wheres and why add the flavor which makes it even more flavorful and is often the secret to the best tasting recipes.

Even though Moscow has traveled the world, sat at people’s table and discovered a bounty of deliciousness, the reality is that the greatest lesson learned might not be a cooking technique or a cacophony of flavors on a plate. The bond between food and people is one that knows no barriers. It might be time to pull out a chair, pick up a forth and welcome the conversation that a plate offers.

From Scratch staring David Moscow airs on FYI. Both Season 1 and Season 2 episodes are available.