the people's park

I've been perusing the 30 year old Dallas Arboretum Cookbook. It's quite a trip down retro lane. So much margarine! 

That stood out to the cook in me but having lived here since before its publication, so did many of the contributor's names. A few may be coincidence, but the majority are obvious: DeGolyer, Hamon, Crow, Winspear, Minyard, Halliday, Marcus, Pyles, Kirkland, Strauss, Knox, Josey.

At our last picnic, W and I packed up candied salmon from a market and the skin-on potato salad I made with German grain mustard and sweet & sour cucumbers I've had marinating in the fridge. (The key is to slice them super thin.)

We sipped a still chilled enough Sauvignon Blanc and people watched from our bench in the shade, wishing we had chosen the next one over which was getting all the sun. There were singles, couples, clusters, and many large families enjoying the park with its glorious spring gifts of color and scent. The people were of so many nationalities! W and I were fascinated by the variety of cultural attires and accents that passed by us on every garden path.

Back home these several days later, continuing my reading of Garden Gourmet, I'm embarrassed that I am so slow finishing my own cookbook. Mine is good; really, really good. But as I should be focusing on it this coming week, I'm instead thinking of a new and adventurous cookbook from the Arboretum. I have such a grand idea for it. If anyone has a foot in the garden gate, please refer me to those in charge.

Like everything else in Dallas, the Arboretum has changed as it has grown. The strolling guests are global, arriving from all parts of the world. It hosts hundreds of thousands visiting, but many who frequent the park likely live here. They, W and I, and I'm guessing those of you reading this, are very far removed from the lifestyles of the rich and famous; the committee members and contributors highlighted in the decades old cookbook. That thought is not a criticism. I have so much admiration and appreciation for the people and corporations which privately build and promote arts within cities. (I personally wish for them not to be outrageously taxed so that they may continue with their generous contributions.)

How unique and unifying it would be, I thought, to have a modern Dallas Arboretum Cookbook version which is reflective of the patrons who visit. The people walking through the gardens that day were such an international presence, why not feature them through their favorite recipes? The format might remain the same but present English, Indian, and Japanese appetizers to Cajun, Irish, and German entrees, to French, Italian, and Vietnamese desserts. Let the recipes be from around the world, shared just as we so happily share this park's space. 

I have not a single time visited the Dallas Arboretum without seeing a photo shoot of a bride-to-be or a young quinceanera teen. People pose throughout the vast grounds among bountiful flora, in pumpkin patches and the many extravagant Christmas displays. W and I once picnicked on a small hill in view of a timely marriage proposal. (She said yes!) We also witnessed a very small and subtle wedding somewhat tucked within the cover of shrubbery. 

In contrast to the still shots in the cookbook, this new, exciting version could and should feature the people who helped build the park. Use photos of patrons by the lake, the culinary garden and cafes, the waterfall and koi pond, inside and outside the beautiful DeGolyer hacienda. 

There is no greater connector of people than that of a table with food shared. People bring energy to the Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and I'm positive they would bring such energy to a cookbook, through their recipes for dishes shared at their own tables.




Garden Gourmet, The Dallas Arboretum Cookbook
1994 The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden