Classroom Diversity, Culinary Cultures, and Kids in the Kitchen with Rachel

IDK My BFF Jil with Jiliane Patriarca

The gem drop from Rachel: “Have a plan B and C pack light. You don't need as much crap as you think you need.”

In this episode, Jiliane and Rachel reminisce about their high school memories. Rachel shares her journey to culinary school, driven by her love for food despite family pressure. Her transformative experience studying abroad in Italy opened her eyes to the value of quality, seasonal, and slow food movements. She also shares tips for moving and teaching kids how to cook.

Resilient and adaptable, Rachel's life has been marked by mobility and change, as she embraces new beginnings and diverse opportunities. Her experiences with families and children instilled a profound love for crafting delightful meals and unforgettable memories.

As a new mom, she cherishes the joys of parenthood while creating a loving environment for her family.

Tune in to learn more about:

The Impact of a Diverse School Environment (07:05)

During high school, Jiliane and Rachel had the opportunity to interact with peers from various ethnic backgrounds. This exposure to different cultures sparked a deep appreciation for diversity and a broader perspective on the world. Rachel, in particular, mentions how she cherished the diverse food experiences she had at her friends' houses, embracing cuisines from different cultures. This exposure instilled in them a sense of open-mindedness, acceptance, and a genuine curiosity about different traditions and lifestyles.

A Woman’s Culinary Pursuit (15:45)

Despite pressure from her family to pursue a traditional four-year degree, Rachel followed her heart and enrolled in culinary school. Rachel recounts the pivotal moment when she decided to unenroll from her previous college and pursue her passion for food. She also reflects on her life-changing experience studying abroad in Italy, where she gained a deep appreciation for European culinary practices, seasonality, and the slow food movement.

European Food Culture (21:58)

During her study abroad experience in Italy, Rachel discovered that the ideology of food in the United States paled in comparison to Europe's culinary practices. In Europe, she marveled at the emphasis on high-quality, fresh ingredients, seasonality, and the slow food movement. European meals featured more modest portions, and food was celebrated as an integral part of cultural traditions and shared experiences. Additionally, Rachel noted a more responsible and moderate approach to alcohol consumption in Europe.

Tips for Moving (39:39)

Should you use moving companies or just sell your possessions and pack up your car? Rachel's firsthand experiences, including the challenges with a moving company and the successful use of U-Haul pods, highlight the benefits of a more hands-on approach to moving.

Teaching Kids To Cook (43:20)

Rachel advocates for teaching kids how to cook from a young age, emphasizing the importance of involving them in kitchen activities to foster a sense of ownership, empowerment, and positive reinforcement. She suggests starting with simple tasks like watching and gradually increasing involvement with age-appropriate activities. Rachel believes that teaching kids to cook not only enhances their coordination and language development but also instills curiosity and comfort in the kitchen, ultimately leading to healthier eating habits and a positive relationship with food throughout their lives.

Evolving Relationships with Parents (57:32)

Jiliane and Rachel discuss how their parents were somewhat strict during their younger years but gradually became more open and involved as they entered adulthood. Jiliane shares how her parents' trust and support grew, particularly after her sister graduated college, leading to a closer and more relaxed dynamic.

When we flip the script, Rachel asks Jiliane: “How has your relationship changed with your parents from high school to now?”