Meals as Connection Time
…“The whole thing?!”
Meals are where culture and connection comes alive. In the Netherlands, I once watched guests try pickled herring for the first time. The tradition is to grab the whole fish by the tail, dip it in onions, tilt your head back, and let it rip. Whether you saw it as a rite of passage or a test of bravery didn’t matter — everyone ended up laughing, with a story they’re still telling. And like any good story, the fish seems to get bigger each time.
And then there are the quieter moments. It’s about more than food — it’s about memory. Let me illustrate: a damp Dutch morning, hands wrapped around a cup of coffee, a stroopwafel set on top to soften in the steam. The smell of caramel and coffee rising together, the taste as simple as it is unforgettable. That’s what guests carry home. Not just what they ate, but how it felt to share in something simple, subtle, and local.
Everyone’s got a seat here
When a host opens the door to their kitchen or a restaurant, it’s more than physical. It’s an invitation into the stories, the people, the land — and to each other through food. Guests may arrive for the adventure, but leave remembering the warmth of the welcome. Especially around mealtimes.
Making sure everyone has a place at the table, remembering what someone likes, or just pacing the meal so the group can slow down — it all says: you’re in good hands. And, as with with any great meal: it’s best shared at a table that always has room for one more.
Pass the…erm… you know…that thing!
When guests look back on a trip, they might not recall every mile or checkpoint. But they remember how it felt to sit down together — to share food, swap stories, and feel part of the circle. It’s at the table where culture is passed hand to hand, where differences turn into shared experience, and where the heart of hospitality shines the brightest.
Every trip runs on food. Meals keep the group fueled and ready for the next stage of the journey. But for guides and operators, meals aren’t just about nutrition. They’re one of the most powerful connection points on a trip — a chance to slow down, build relationships, and share the table.
If you’re looking to weave more connection, culture, and care into your guest experience, let’s connect. We’d be glad to share ideas on how something as simple as a meal can become one of your most powerful tools for hospitality.
