Gourmet Business January 2017

The first days of 2017 have been mostly cold and rainy on this part of the California coast. I’m sure I will get no sympathy from those in northern climes and indeed most of the country where it is doubtless much colder and where the precipitation is in the form of snow rather than merely rain. Nevertheless, weather being a relative matter, it is still cold and it is still raining. But that’s as it should be for the beginning of a new year. Even though it’s an arbitrary turning of the calendar page that nature pays little attention to, for us it’s a time of reflection and the making of resolutions, both of which are very good indoor sports. I like to reflect as much as the next man or woman. Of course, I like my reflections to be accompanied by rich, hearty stews, vegetable gratins, cheeses with some age on them, and good red wine with even more age on it, but that’s another story. People love to say they don’t believe in making resolutions but I like to make resolutions. For example, I would like to finish my new book this year and begin the publishing process. I also resolve to improve my Spanish, a language I come into contact with almost every day, including with my granddaughter who goes to a Spanish- speaking pre-school and whose family on her father’s side is all from Mexico, all hard- working Americans who own their own businesses and contribute so much to what makes this country so great to live in. And thinking about Spanish and all my Mexican friends and in-laws gets me thinking about other things too, such as inclusiveness and tolerance for cultures different from my own Scottish-English-Norwegian ancestry. I love the diversity of this country and of our industry. Our national fabric, as well as that of the gourmet community, is woven from the threads of many cultures, races, religions, skin colors, and happily, cuisines. I resolve to celebrate that diversity as much as possible in the coming year and I urge others to do the same. I look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming trade shows in 2017 and throughout my various travels. I also look forward to reporting on, and continuing to learn about this wonderful, multi-cultural food and housewares industry. Happy New Year to everyone and with that my fondest hopes for peace, tolerance and prosperity. 

Feliz año Nuevo! 

James Mellgren 

Managing Editor, Gourmet Business 

jmellgren@gourmetbusiness.com