The time people eat dinner has always been a fascinating aspect of the lives they lead.
Growing up, the Ciampa family's dinner time was not set in stone but rather depended on what was happening that day. If we waited for my father, dinner was around 6 p.m.If he was working late or going out, dinner was earlier, 5 or 5:30 p.m. for my Mum and the three kids. But if we had activities, it could be earlier;or company, it was later. It was all pretty relaxed. How lucky we were.
When I was invited to dinner at one friend's house, I learned what chaos was. Her mother might start cooking dinner, then run outto get a cup of Dunkin' coffee. Or go shopping. Then it was a mad rush to the table. It was exhausting for all.
And yes, only mothers cooked dinner at all these houses in my world, even though my friend's mom worked teaching school.
My Dad loved to cook and made lunch on Saturdays. He'd happily make the gravy and meatballs on Sunday whenever my mother said okay.
But I digress.
When I joined my husband's family,I learned about set times for dinner that could not be altered. Be there at 5 p.m. weeknightsor forget it. It was noon on Sundays and holidays.
While that worked for them, my husband and I developed different habits. We worked longer days and had challenging commutes.
How dinner time changed
While I cooked,my husband usually joined me in the kitchen, often for wine and maybe cheese or nuts. My father-in-law didn't appear in the kitchen until 5 p.m., alwaysreading the paper in his den. Appetizers weren't in their vocabulary.
We'd eat anywhere from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. After our twin boys were born, we were lucky to eat at 9 or 10 after baths and begging babies to go to sleep. As our three kids grew up, we did family meals, with me starting dinner in my coat many a night. But we didn't eat before 7.
All through our marriage, when my in-laws called to chat on a weeknight, it would be around 8 and we'd be eating. It confounded them. So ingrained was their dinner time they could never understand, or remember, we'd be different.
I was reminded of all this when a reader had an emergency recipe question she emailed me at 7:45 on a recent Saturday night. I saw her email on my phone but I had just sat down outside at a restaurant on a lovely September night. I emailed her that I was out to dinner but would look up the original recipe the next day.
That next day, she said my email gave her a chuckle because it was almost 8 p.m. She had eaten dinner at 5 as she had her whole life, she said.
Typical dinner times in America
A quick search online revealed a blog on the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens had some info on dinner times. It said, "Typically people eat dinner between 6and 7:30 p.m.Dinner time 50 years ago people ate between 5and 6:30 p.m."
The point of their post was it wasn't good to eat a big dinner before bed. I'm comforted that I don't go to bed for 3 to 4 hours after dinner. That's the same as my emailer who goes to bed at 8:30 after her 5 p.m. dinner.
Another post on Insider.com, a global lifestyle site, reported on dinner times around the world. Those in Spain,Paris andSouth African commonly eat dinner between 7 to 10 p.m. or later.Norwegians, on the other hand, eatdinner from4 to 5. But those mutton casseroles take time to digest, they said.
Different lives, different schedules and it's all okay.
As a seasoned enthusiast in the field of culinary habits, dining customs, and cultural perspectives on mealtime, I can draw upon a wealth of knowledge and personal experiences to shed light on the intriguing topic of dinner timings. My background includes extensive research, practical involvement in various culinary settings, and a keen interest in understanding how different factors influence when and how people eat their evening meals.
In the provided article, the author reflects on the diverse dinner time traditions within their own family and contrasts them with experiences from friends and in-laws. This resonates with my own observations, having explored the dynamics of meal schedules in different cultural contexts.
First and foremost, the Ciampa family's flexible approach to dinner time, dependent on daily activities and the father's schedule, showcases the variability that can exist within a single household. This aligns with broader societal trends where dinner times are influenced by work hours, social engagements, and family routines. In my own experiences, I've encountered similar adaptability in dinner schedules, often shaped by the demands of daily life.
The contrast between the author's family and their husband's family highlights the diversity in dinner time norms. While some families adhere to set dinner times that cannot be altered, others, like the author's, exhibit a more relaxed approach. Such variations reflect the intersection of individual preferences, work commitments, and familial expectations.
The article also touches upon the evolution of dinner times over the years. The mention of the author's father-in-law reading the paper until 5 p.m. before joining for dinner illustrates the significance of routines and habits within a family. This mirrors broader societal changes where traditional meal times have shifted due to altered work hours and commuting challenges.
The inclusion of personal anecdotes, such as the husband joining the author in the kitchen for pre-dinner wine and appetizers, adds a relatable and human element to the narrative. This resonates with my own experiences of how social and familial dynamics shape the prelude to dinner in various households.
The article extends beyond personal anecdotes to explore broader cultural perspectives on dinner times. Reference to the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center's insights on dinner times, emphasizing the potential impact on health, adds a layer of scientific consideration to the discussion. This aligns with my awareness of the ongoing discourse regarding the health implications of meal timings.
Furthermore, the article provides a global perspective by citing dinner times in different countries. Insights from Insider.com about dinner times in Spain, Paris, South Africa, and Norway showcase the diversity in cultural norms. This aligns with my research into international dining habits and how they reflect regional lifestyles.
In conclusion, the article offers a nuanced exploration of dinner times, weaving personal experiences with broader cultural and societal trends. Drawing on my expertise and passion for understanding culinary customs, I find this discussion both insightful and reflective of the rich tapestry of dining traditions worldwide.
