The Grateful Table

Thanksgiving Celebration Across Borders

Writing about Thanksgiving is a privilege. This day of celebration carries a distinct meaning. A moment when people pause their lives to gather, travel, cook, welcome, and reflect.

For many, it is a chance to create new ones. In my own life, the harvest of thanks has unfolded across countries, from India, Hong Kong, the USA, Luxembourg and Spain. Each place adding its own character, its own lessons, its own generosity to the wonder of Thanksgiving.

As a culinarian who has spent more than three decades immersed in hospitality - curating, sourcing, procuring, traveling, serving, and nourishing - I have learned that the true essence of this craft has never been about the plate alone. It is about the invitation.

The act of saying, “you are welcome here!”

Hospitality sharpens one’s awareness of people, in the small gestures that make others feel seen, in the care that builds trust. My deepest satisfaction has never come from a perfectly executed menu, but from caring for others with conviction and purpose.

The Giving Day, in that sense, mirrors the world of hospitality. It is a celebration built on attention, generosity, and gratitude. Values that have shaped my life as much as any recipe has. And as we continue our autumn series, this chapter is dedicated to the way global experiences shape a single table.

(Photo: hearthandpetals.com)

A Global Table, One Story

When your life crosses borders, your table naturally becomes a reflection of that journey. My Harvest table is less a collection of dishes and more a map. One that honors the cultures that raised me, inspired me, taught me, and welcomed me.

We begin in India, where I was born, with crisp Pani Puri bites filled with Chickpea, Coriander, and sweet Tamarind. Bright, playful, and meant to be eaten in a single delighted moment.

California contributes an ode to comfort and depth, Mushroom Wellington layered with Chanterelles, Portobellos, Cremini, Porcini, and Caramelized Onions. A modern, elegant take on a classic.

Hong Kong, a city that shaped my professional life in profound ways brings; Peking Duck served three ways:

Thinly sliced crispy skin with delicate pancakes, fragrant scallions and sweet hoisin, a classic presentation.

Duck Salad - tossed with vibrant greens & a tangy dressing. Duck Soup - a comforting broth infused with aromatic spices and herbs, offering a warm embrace that lingers on the palate. A celebration of mastery, precision, and conviviality.

Luxembourg appears through a sweet finale inspired by cross-continental fruit; Aprium & Frangipane Tart, delicate, fragrant, and warm. A reminder that new flavors often arise when two worlds meet!

A nod to Spain, my home today: Socarrat-Style Vegetarian Paella, where the toasted base becomes the star, aromatic, layered and deeply satisfying.

This “grateful table,” diverse, confident, unafraid of contrast, represents how life shapes palate, perspective, and gratefulness.

Gratitude, At the Table & Beyond

Thanksgiving also invites us to widen the lens and consider communities that rely on our continued commitment.

For 18 years, the Malawi Children’s Mission has been a central part of my life and my family’s. Seeing these children continue to grow, academically, emotionally, socially, has been one of the greatest joys of our lives. Their resilience teaches us what strength looks like; their joy teaches us what hope feels like.

If any understand the true meaning of gratitude, it is these children who have gone without for much of their lives. Their table is a genuine grateful table.

To those who support the mission through gifts, time, expertise, or heartfelt encouragement, our appreciation is immeasurable. And to staff and team who serve the children daily with consistency, dignity and compassion; you are the embodiment of what caring leadership looks like.

As always, I appreciate you, my readers. Your thoughtful engagement, your kindness, your curiosity, your willingness to travel through these stories with me, these are gifts. As you gather for your own season of celebration, I hope you feel surrounded by nourishment, belonging, and connection

I would love to know, what traditions shape your table? What rituals of acknowledgement anchor your home?

Reflections of Thanks

As we step into this season, may we remember that gratitude is not an occasion, rather a practice. A way of moving through the world with intention and awareness.

“Thankfulness, a light that guides us through shadows”

– Kiran Robinson

Wishing you and your loved ones a meaningful Thanksgiving wherever your own table of gratitude may be!