By Pamela Holz, Tree of Life Center Creative Director and Host of the “Cooking for Life” Show”
Remember the “Neighborhood song” from Sesame Street? (“Oh, who are the people in your neighborhood? … They’re the people that you meet each day.”) It was a catchy little song that helped kids learn about the people and businesses that made up their neighborhood and community. This ditty seems to resonate when it comes to choosing a new restaurant to explore. Sure, it would be easy to stop in to one of the chains along the busy streets of Clarksville, and talk about the food they offer, but there is something about them that makes me think, “Why?” Obviously, these restaurants serve our community by offering food and employment to many, but they are backed by large corporations that help them out with everything from building design to menus to upper management, marketing and payroll.
Cumberland Grille
So when it comes to exploring the local food scene, I really do make an effort to see what is offered locally, by the people “in your neighborhood.” Over the past year, I have met cuisines from neighbors who are not native to Clarksville, but who have come here to make a life. I have tasted flavors from lands that I have yet to explore. By visiting locally owned restaurants, I have seen the realizations of people’s dreams. I have been given the gift of savoring what hard work and heart mean to each one of these neighborhood venues.
This all sounds rather poetic, and perhaps it would be better to focus on the practical. Supporting local restaurants keeps more of your hard earned dollars in our local economy. Local restaurateurs are more likely to be involved in their communities. Local venues have an original flair and the freedom to flaunt it, as what they do and offer is not dictated by someone outside of our community. There is a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from the restaurants locally owned. These are not just businesses that follow the rules of a large corporation. The names on the loans are those of your neighbors.
La Casa Taqueria
Does the sense of local pride mean that you will never eat at a chain restaurant again? Probably not, but perhaps, when you have the choice, it will make you more inclined to think about supporting your neighbors. And maybe, if we all rally to show a huge swell of support for our neighborhood restaurants, more will come along… and we will be able to savor all the more the flavors of people’s dreams and hard work.
Do you have a favorite neighborhood restaurant you would recommend? I would love to hear about it!