READING FOR BREAKFAST

HAPPENINGText: Gisella Lifchitz

During 2002, things changed and so did the breakfasts. While the local government at that time decreed the state of siege, this people managed to continue their reunions in public places. Their conversations and discussions took place at architectural studios, bars and coffee shops and a subway parking lot situated in the middle of the most centric avenue of Buenos Aires, the 9 de Julio. They not only talked about sociology, art history or politics. They acted them. From the writer and assistant to the meetings, Graciana Mendez, point of view: “Each encounter leaves everyone breathless and longing for the next one. The magazines that they edit are filled with interrupted dialogues, as every lecture should be”.

It is said that a gift from the kitchen is a gift from the heart. There are hundreds of novels, tales and films based on this unique way to capture our hearts: food. The sensual feeling of tasting something rich and textured while listening to a soft voice is almost irresistible. The memory of those grandmother’s tales and breakfast in bed accompanies everybody during a lifetime.

It reminds us of a happy childhood without worries or pollution. A clear shiny existence covered with chocolate, milk and sugar. The taste of a homemade meal goes beyond any explanation. Maybe that is what this people know so much and precisely what makes the readings more edible. The recipes of the homemade cookies are published on the website as if they were another lecture. In fact, the spirit of the whole event evolves around them, making their little sugar sparks the star of the reunions.

At the big event in the English Tower, there was a little table with coffee, tea and, of course, them: the cookies with a life of their own. Yes, how could we resist them? Actually, the presentation of the book was a great excuse for everyone to be among this incredibly enthusiastic and creative people who kept our hearts and tummies truly warm, during a whole winter afternoon. Isn’t life wonderful?

Reading for breakfast
Date: June 7th, 2003
Place: English Tower
Address: Del Libertador Avenue, San Martin S, Buenos Aires
Tel: +54 11 4372 3612
https://www.desayunandolecturas.com.ar

Text: Gisella Lifchitz
Photos: Gisella Lifchitz

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