The Generosity in Senegalese Stew

My brother Lam, it is good to see you after you have come so far, all this way. It has been a long time, too long. How is your health, and your feet after such a long walk? It is my hope that your parents are well, that your grandmother is even wiser than the last time and that your granddaddy is at rest where he is now. Tell me, how are the goats and the chickens. You had mentioned some disease in one of your cousin's cattle. The groundnut harvest is looking good here, how about yours? Those playful children of yours are no doubt keeping you young, as will be your kind wife. Hamdullah.
Now that you have reached the compound (Mr Lam and I have been conversing ever since we spotted each other 600 metres away, you must guess his side of the exchange - writer's comment), come, come my brother, please wash and take your place where the children are tidying up the spot I have been keeping for you.
With fond memories of countless meals and encounters in Dakar. One is forever stopping for chats and snacks. One day it took me five hours to get to the sixth floor of the building where my office was on the second (premiere etage).
A wonderful article, in terms of raising understanding and respect.
Bonne continuation de ton voyage, mon frere.

Great article--thanks. Looking forward to trying their chicken mafe.

Crazy-fantastic photography and art direction.
I love it.
Thank you.

Wonderfully written Mr. Lam. I imagined myself at that table enjoying that meal and sharing in all that teranga.

In southern Spain, in families, this tradition of all eating from the same dish(es) also endures. It took a bit of getting used to. But I came to really love it.

Thank you for this opportunity to recall so many dinners with my husband' family in Andalousia.

Odd tone of colonial style wonderment in this article

Isn't the fufu missing from this article?
-dlj.

sharing food is important to maintain good relations - the Chinese greeting 'che fan le ma' (have you eaten [rice] yet ?) implies the understanding that if you're hungry you're more like to be hangry and make bad decisions - if you've just eaten, you're more likely to be friendly, relaxed and expansive.

Even Jesus Christ's Last Supper - breaking of bread over the table - signifies a meeting of minds, togetherness, group happiness, working out of everybody's problems.

The selfish individual fast-food model of 'I eat by myself' tends to run counter to those traditions.

Some of my favorite dining experiences have been at west African restaurants. Not only for the delicious food, but also because of the intensely welcoming environment. Some of the humblest looking places have provided the best food and most caring atmosphere. I'm looking forward to making this dish at home.

What a lovely piece. I hope their restaurant prospers.

The meaning of wealth has never been better expressed.