Food, in its solid and liquid form, is more than simple subsistence.
The search for a stable food supply has led to the development of agriculture and, as some scholars would argue, our civilization. Without food, our social structures, cultures, and traditions would not exist. Everything has revolved around food: how it’s been produced, prepared, and consumed.

We have been disconnected
Unfortunately, our connection to food has grown more and more distant. Our modern and globalized world brings increased pressure on our lives: efficiency and speed have become paramount. By embracing this ever-faster environment, we have become too busy to think about food, losing touch with our essence, and our human compass.

Today, we are concerned with social status and making money. In our consumerist era, we ask fewer questions, taking for granted what is trendy or promoted. We have become blind consumers.

The 3 pillars
However, some of the major issues we face today are the direct results of our modern societies and globalization. And food holds a particular place as it is at the intersection of 3 of these issues, divided into three pillars:

• Climate change and environment: how can food production and consumption have a positive impact on our environment?

• Culture and tradition: how can we produce, distribute and eat food to resist multinationals and globalization pressure to defend our local cultures and traditions?

• Social, societal, and economic justice: how can a more ecological food system foster a more just society, greater equality, inclusion, and justice?

Redefining Our Relationships
Eventually to tackle these problems, we need to redefine our relationship to food hence our relationships with ourselves, others and the planet.

Ourselves
What and how we eat has an impact on our health and well-being. Food is not just a commodity, an item picked up on a supermarket shelf. Our food selection is a way to care for ourselves. Many modern diseases are diet related. It’s important to realize that. And to care for ourselves.

Others
Sharing food is one of the oldest ways to create and strengthen our social bonds. It is an essential part of our culture and civilization. These moments should be cherished. The interruption created by modern technology, and the invasion of mobile phones at the table, all weaken the link we have with others.

It is also caring about who makes the food and where we buy our food. Have you ever wondered who is behind the products you buy? Under what conditions they have been produced? How do these people live? It’s about reconnecting with the food chain, and its people.

Our Planet
The food industry accounts for about 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. The production methods, including the chemicals used, have a direct impact on soil and water health. It’s all related. We are not removed from the earth. The type of food we consume has an impact on our environment. As there is no planet B, our relationship to food needs to change.

The Mission Of A Table For Two
Through our different formats (podcast, documentary, live event, etc.), you will discover the stories of people in the food industry: producers, farmers, chefs, winemakers, hospitality professionals, scientists, activists, and more. Their work will help bring positive answers to the problems we are facing.

Ultimately, I hope our programs will make you rethink your relationship with food, and that you will join our community and be part of that change.

Antoine Abou-Samra
A Table For Two Founder

Every journey sees an evolution. It’s never static. Mine, developing A Table For Two, is no stranger to that.

That is why I am writing this updated version of the About section. The previous About tackles gastronomy, food and wine from one angle. I still agree with it and kept it below. But there is more to it.

At the beginning (pre-Covid), there were events where the audience discovered the stories of my guests and enjoyed a food and wine experience. Listening to the stories and then drinking the wines of the guests, the audience enjoyed a more vivid experience and a real connection.

Then Covid hit, and our world went online.

Evolution comes from external and internal factors. Through the many conversations and interviews, it became clear that there was more than just talking about ingredients, dishes, grapes or vintages.

The world of food and wine is fascinating because it crystallizes every aspect of our lives and societies. It’s about sustenance, pleasure, culture, social norms, environment, economics, politics and more. From that standpoint, the areas of conversation get all of a sudden much bigger.

And eventually, it’s all about people. By now, I have had the chance to talk to many guests at the top of their game. They are people who have dedicated their lives to their craft. And what interests me is the reason why they are doing what they are doing. To get to know more about their journey. Their struggles and successes. What matters to them. The values and ideas they are defending. And then to share it with you.

If you got that far reading, you might wonder why I am doing this, why I have created A Table For Two though I am not a chef nor a winemaker or a wine expert?

In a sense, it’s been a logical development of my career. It’s where I find meaning. But allow me to explain.

This may sound familiar to you:

• I didn’t build anything
• I didn’t align my work aspirations to my life
• I made wrong choices
• and most importantly, I wasn’t fulfilled

Each one of us has different ways to resolve these issues. For me, it was the creation of A Table For Two in 2019, working only in areas that have meaning and purpose.

The jobs I had were ok in and of themselves, but they were just jobs. I could and did find a reason to engage in them, but ultimately I realized there was a dissonance between my aspirations and what I was doing.

In the early 2000s, I followed the so-called path to success and happiness. Went to Business School (INSEAD), became multiple times CEO (Luxury and Household Goods, Tech, and Education). But it didn’t work for me. I wasn’t happy and still felt unfulfilled. So I looked back at my earlier career.

In the ‘90s, I dedicated myself to my passion for Windsurfing and Snowboarding. I worked on the development of action sports in Lebanon and the international promotion of Lebanon through these sports. While a top athlete participating in World Championships in both disciplines (ranked 10th in Snowboarding and 19th in Windsurfing), I was involved in import, distribution and promotion. I also spent a lot of time organizing and producing small- to large-scale events gathering up to 120,00 visitors (trade shows, competitions, entertainment events, and concerts). I regularly partnered with and contributed to the printed press, radio, and TV. In 1993, I also produced and hosted a daily live Jazz radio show (the highlight being the interview of Ravi Coltrane!).

Curiously, food was also a part of my life.

It started in 1990 as I sold home-cooked Lebanese dishes to students while studying at McGill University. In 2000, I launched a health food catering business in Lebanon. My connection to food and wine was strengthened during my extensive travels and living in different countries. For me, they will always remain one of the best ways to discover other cultures and connect with people.

Finally, the search for my purpose led me to create A Table For Two, mixing food and wine with media and event production.

If you are still with me reading this, the following logical questions are: But why does it matter to me? And, most importantly, why does it matter to you, the audience?

To be continued

Antoine Abou-Samra
A Table For Two Founder

Photo by Greg Demarque