For the longest time, I wanted to talk about a local establishment here in Middletown, Ohio. But how do you put into words of someone else's journey? How does one define the relationship between food and community? For centuries food has had the ability to change minds and hearts while sharing bits of ourselves and the history of those before us. In our pagan communities, we focus a lot on pagan establishments. To help move our communities forward and support one another. But how come we can't do the same for those who have different paths than ours spiritually, that give safe spaces? Yet somehow embody the bonds that all spiritual paths are formed on and expressed. You can look at any given spiritual path and find a variety of foods that have been cultivated by the people who follow their word. When it comes to soul food and the meaning behind it, many people will have many answers to it. In my mind, it's about those we honor who came before us and continue the life of their spirits in the food we make. As many know Middletown, Ohio has had many restaurants come and go over the years. Yet one has pushed past what anyone in the community could ask. They have shown a generation of young people to keep pushing for their dreams. While showing hard work and a passion for food and community can bring people together no matter who they are or what they believe. Many times I've seen them donate food to the hungry. Even offering jobs to those that have fallen on hard times.
To us here at The Devine Witch that is someone we love to help uplift and help them continue to grow. Now I personally have only been able to enjoy the homecooked soul food of MzJades once, but that's all it takes. The best way I can describe the experience of cooking is the same feeling you get from a first love. It's amazing and leaves you thinking about it for years to come and when you see what they are doing. All you can think is man, I had an amazing time and that's exactly what this place feels like. Between the food and atmosphere and bringing in musicians that cultivate such an exquisite experience. It has become the hotspot in my little town and for good reason. The value and heart of the owner show all of us that no matter the success we obtain to always give more than we receive. I've watched this restaurant grow and transform since the start. Seeing how they have reached the hearts and minds of anyone who has entered their space. Everyone feels as if they have an extended family and it makes them want to return again and again. Imagine having so much to offer that people will travel hundreds of miles just to be at your door.
One thing that has remained with this restaurant is more than just the good quality of food and hospitality. Is the spiritual path they walk and how they thank god every day for the success they have been blessed with. Now our paths may be different and we may not believe in the same path, but no matter what you believe we all have those moments. Where we look at the massive positive changes and know someone is watching over us. Helping to guide our hands to create something bigger than ourselves. I promise you Mz. Jade's soulfood has done just that and I want to take the time to spread the word once again in my community. If you are looking for a place that makes you feel welcome. A place where community and friendships are formed by the power of food and a good time. I suggest you give them a chance and make the choice for yourself and I promise you won't be disappointed.
The Devine Witch
Debbie Lewis
Mz. Jade's Soulfood Facebook Page
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