Pasta al Pesto

52. The subject of food is never far from our minds here in College Admissions. It is a topic of serious conversation this year on campus, too, with the publication of a book called The Hungry Soul: Eating and the Perfecting of our Nature, by Leon Kass, M.D., a Chicago faculty member who teaches in the College. The book takes a philosophical look at what food, eating, and table manners have to tell us about our human estate. Compose an essay about a memorable meal you have eaten. We are especially interested in the details: the occasion, your company at this meal, its physical setting, the kinds of foods you ate, or their preparation. (University of Chicago)

I was 11 years old. I had just flown to another continent, and been on two flights. It was winter. It was cold. It was evening. But I had reached. I was at my aunt’s house for the Christmas holidays.

That journey sticks out in my memory as it was the first time I had travelled alone. I left my departure country early in the morning, and arrived at my destination in the evening (local time). I had gotten very little sleep on the journey, and was exhausted by the time I reached my aunt’s house.

I was also very hungry, as I do not have a particular liking for airplane food and not eaten much on the journey. My aunt had cooked a simple but absolutely delicious meal of Pasta al Pesto to celebrate my arrival.

I had spent time with my cousin, catching up and talking for a bit, as my aunt prepared the meal. The pesto was home-made, and the aroma made my mouth water. We all sat at the dining table, which was laid out for the four of us (my uncle, aunt, cousin, and I). The room was not overwhelmed by bright, glaring lights. Instead it was filled with warm and mellow lights from a few candles and soft light bulbs. The room had a very Christmassy atmosphere.

The food on the table was simple, traditional, and perfect. After the long journey, I could not have wished for a more satisfactory meal. It filled my stomach, and made me feel welcomed. Yet, the setting, the good food, and my family, were not enough to keep exhaustion from me.

My eyes slowly began to shut, and as the pasta disappeared off my plate, my mind began dreaming. I soon went to sleep.

This meal is memorable to me for many reasons. But what I think makes this meal truly memorable was my company. Without my wonderful family who were present, and so graciously welcomed me, it would have just been another Pasta al Pesto. They made this Pasta al Pesto special.   

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