CARY, N.C. — As the New Year begins, many people indulge in special foods they think will bring good luck and prosperity. In Southern culture, this often means dining on traditional dishes like black-eyed peas, collard greens, cornbread, and pork.
At Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen, the community is invited to share in these culinary delights. Executive Chef Dan Hoskins has been preparing New Year’s meals for over a decade. He noticed a surprising turnout on New Year’s Day, leading to this tradition becoming a staple for locals.
Chef Hoskins explains the meanings behind these foods: “Pork symbolizes moving forward, black-eyed peas represent coins, cornbread stands for gold, and collard greens are linked to paper money.” His popular New Year’s menu includes ham with red-eye gravy, crispy black-eyed peas, collard greens, and cornbread, showcasing these lucky items.
Lucky 32 General Manager Tiffany Maye emphasizes the power of food to create memorable experiences. “Some of the best moments are made over a good meal,” she says, highlighting how important these traditions are in their culture.
Many believe eating cakes and honey can sweeten your year ahead, while grapes are consumed for a year filled with fortune. Interestingly, data from the American Farm Bureau Federation shows that food traditions like these can have a positive impact on well-being, fostering connections among family and friends.
In 2022, a survey revealed that 66% of Americans planned to incorporate traditional foods into their New Year celebrations. This demonstrates how deeply ingrained these customs are in American culture, particularly in the South.
Each of these dishes continues to be available year-round, ensuring that anyone who needs a little extra luck can find it anytime. Lucky 32 has locations in Cary and Greensboro, welcoming those eager to partake in these enriching traditions.
For many, these rituals aren’t just about food; they’re about the connections formed around the dinner table, echoing sentiments that resonate through generations.
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APP Human Interest, VOD, Sasha Strong, Central NC, North Carolina, News, On Air Ticker Article, Human Interest
