Food often sits at the center of celebrations associated with fond memories of family and friends. Two years ago, this celebration of food and culture brought four local families together, which they fondly call their “framily,” in what has now become a monthly tradition. “These dinners are a great opportunity for us to get together and show off our culinary experiments,” says Stacey Petler, owner of C & C Bracelets in Placentia.
“This is where real life happens,” says Lindsay Nicholson, owner of Yorba Linda’s Sweet Cheeks Sugar Cookies. “When you get people together around a big crowded table without cell phones, takeout, judgment, or pretenses…we cook, we connect, we laugh, we let our kids play, and something magical happens.”
Up until March of this year, they held themed dinner nights, including costumed attire, featuring the countries of Brazil, Italy, Hawaii, and for the holiday of Dia de los Muertos. Even the littlest ones took part in making meatballs for Italy night and sampling the pad thai on Thai night. “We wanted to not only have a reason to get together, but also to show our kids how to cook and explore these different cultures,” says Katie Toscano of KT Business Solutions.
“After a few months of quarantine apart from one another, we shifted our dinners outside for a tailgate party where we could continue our fun themes but also practice safe food handling and social distancing. It was the best decision!” says Yorba Linda resident Kim Green. Although the themes are a little less fancy or intricate nowadays, they are still a “framily,” where the fun and enjoyment around food remains.
