Sodexo Live! cultural destination partners have discovered that thoughtfully curated culinary strategies can offer visitors a deeply immersive experience. When the food being served aligns with the message of the venue itself, the interplay between cuisine and culture presents a delicious way for guests to engage.
At Sodexo Live!, we don't just serve food; we continue our partner's story through a unique dining experience. As Ryan Shanley, Sodexo Live! District Manager, explains guests don't just learn about the past; they taste it. This approach deepens their connection, making their visit a truly immersive experience.
Learn more about how Sodexo Live! partners with clients to help engage all five senses.
Preserving History Through Culinary Experiences at Plimoth Patuxet Museums
For Sodexo Live! partner Plimoth Patuxet Museums, ensuring historical accuracy in culinary offerings is crucial. "This commitment not only honors the narratives the Museum shares but also enhances the educational experience for all who visit," said Shanley. "In our 'foodie' culture, tasting one of the dishes served at a historically significant time may be the entry point for our guests who want to learn more about our country's early history." This educational aspect of our culinary offerings is a key part of our mission at Plimoth Patuxet.
"By incorporating historically accurate dishes into our menus—such as recipes using locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking techniques—we create a living history experience," said Shanley. At the Museum, dining offerings are designed to celebrate the foods and cooking methods used by early settlers and indigenous communities. Every autumn, Plimoth Patuxet offers dining experiences like no other, including immersive encounters where guests may experience first-hand the inspiring story of the First Thanksgiving. With four unique dining programs, the New England Harvest Feast, a Thanksgiving Day Walk-In Buffet, "The Story of Thanksgiving" Dinner, and a Thanksgiving Day Homestyle Buffet, visitors are not merely learning about the past; they are tasting it.
Creating menus grounded in historical facts is not a simple task. It requires extensive research and a deep understanding of the time period. At Sodexo Live!, this process involves studying period cookbooks, historical texts, and accounts from early settlers and indigenous peoples. We delve into the ingredients available in the region at different times to guide our recipe development, ensuring we use items that were genuinely part of the diet during those periods.
The Sodexo Live! team, drawing from authentic Pilgrim and Wampanoag recipes, ensures that diners experience foods that are true to the historical period. To maintain high standards of accuracy, the team collaborates with Museum historians to gain insight into the cultural significance of certain dishes and ensure that all aspects of the culinary experience—from ingredients to preparation methods—align with historical practices. The Museum operates a historic grist mill in downtown Plymouth, and Sodexo Live! uses fresh samp (from the Narragansett word "nasàump”) from the mill for many recipes.
"We take the time to understand the nuances of cooking from different periods and respect the traditional methods passed down through generations. We're trying to make sure that we're doing everything the right way, to make sure that we're giving the best experience that we possibly can, from a historical standpoint and a food service standpoint."