Here in Massachusetts, we’ve been in our homes since mid-March. We have done well to flatten the curve of Covid-19 and I feel like there are clear directions on how we can slowly come out of our houses again. (Details on the 4 phase re-opening in Massachusetts here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-four-phase-approach) If you’re like me, you haven’t physically seen friends or family in quite some time. I miss the physical connection with people!!
Connection is something we value in our family. It’s also part of our mission at Corsello Butcheria. Part of what inspired us to open our business was that connection, with our customers and our farmers. One of our farmers came from a parent-teacher conference when our daughter was in second grade. Her teacher’s husband, Josh Porter, was a beef and pork farmer and he’s been with us since the beginning. Even supporting us when we first opened with words of encouragement. While connection looks differently in the shop these days, we still make the effort to connect through our face masks and 6 feet away. We really care about the wellbeing of our customers, this is why we do what we do.
So how might it look to slowly reconnect with our social circles, albeit in very small groups following CDC and state and local guidelines? Well, it is grilling season, which also means that when the weather is good, we can eat outside. Grilling and eating outside can be conducive to social distancing. It is easier to safely maintain a 6-foot distance from each other while we eat and we also can wear a mask when we cannot maintain that distance. Hand sanitizers can be placed at the table and be used frequently. It can be done with some planning and preparation in small intimate groups.
This past week we had our close friends over grilled dinner al fresco. Like us, these friends have been home throughout the stay at home order. We made a mixed grill: whole quartered chicken, sausages, and some steak. We grilled some sweet onions, peppers, and asparagus. Here in the valley, it’s still asparagus season which is a real treat. Our friends brought the watermelon, also a treat and so indicative of the impending summer season. We also had freshly baked bread as, like many of you, I have been doing a lot of that lately. (Cue yeast and flour shortage...)
The food was delicious! What made it even more so, was the time spent, with our friends. We made sure that all of us were comfortable, and informed on how to do it safely. Yes, there is a way to do this. Vincent, is well informed, having worked directly with the board of health during this time to understand safest practices when dealing with employees and the public, and that of course translates here at home. Certain changes were made to accommodate eating, fewer people at the table, some putting plates on their laps being 6 feet apart. (It might also work to have immediate family units sit together where you don’t have to maintain social distance because you already live together. And if you are really concerned, bringing your own prepared picnic food to share with your immediate family.) Was it weird and awkward at times? Yes, it was. Any time we change something, it can be weird and awkward. Did that awkwardness make things a little lighter and humorous? Absolutely! Did we feel safe? Yes, we did. We were mindful of the process which helped us to stay present to the plan. Was it fun? Yes. There is a greater appreciation of these times together as we have been apart for a long time.
Our gatherings will be smaller this summer, less carefree, more to consider when getting together, and limiting the number of people together at one time, but the intention remains the same. Connection. To our food, ourselves, nature, and each other. Seems like a nice slow-paced summer to me.
Corsello Butcheria, a family owned, local, Italian style butcher shop is located in Easthampton.
130 Cottage St.
Easthampton, Massachusetts 01027
https://www.facebook.com/corsellobutcheria/
(413) 203-2330
