The Art of the Pot Luck

Basically, there is no art to the pot luck. It’s a pure random mixing of community, friends, folks and food and always — always — turns out just fine. Usually closer to stupendous, rather than just fine!

Pot lucks are pretty commonplace here in the hamlet. We are lucky to have a community hall, built in 1890 as a private village school. It also houses our Wednesday and Saturday (now Tuesday and Saturday) afternoon library. It’s a charming place, with fully equipped kitchen and piano. There have been memorial services held in the hall, birthday parties, yoga classes, Scout meetings, Horticultural Society meetings & shows, musical performances and the ever-popular pot luck dinners as part of these occasions or ‘just because.’

When I moved here from the city in 1998, I had no experience with pot lucks. When told about the first one after my arrival, I asked, “What should I bring?” “Whatever,” was the answer. “No,” I said, “I mean appetizer, main course, salad, dessert?” I really didn’t understand. I don’t remember what I made for that first one, but I do remember how surprised I was at the food. It was fantastic! As a vegetarian, I had been a tad worried that there wouldn’t be anything for me to eat, but there was loads. There was more than plenty for every course, and it was all home-made with care.

This particular event was to celebrate a neighbour’s 65th birthday. Music was performed by a professional musician (also a neighbour). A wonderful time was had by family, friends and neighbours from near and far!

This pot luck was last Sunday — there’s another for my sister’s birthday in Cobourg this Sunday, and there’s another in the Gore’s Landing Hall tonight — everybody’s invited; really! Just show up with your contribution, dig in and enjoy!