I’m borrowing that title from a wonderful author Kent Keith who wrote about ten principles called the Paradoxical Commandments while at Harvard in the 60s. His principles will be the topic of ongoing blogs – stay tuned. But it is very relevant as the principle behind this story I would like to tell you.

There’s a wonderful deli in Melbourne’s Brunswick Street called Alimentari. It’s been a place I’ve always gone back to. I have such fond memories of moments there by myself, with friends, and especially with my dear friend – who like me, just finds something extraordinary in this place. It’s always been a special haunt for its gorgeously honest food and sense of community. Nowhere, is more Melbourne than Alimentari.

Two high school friends started it in 1998 as a rustic and cosy deli paying homage to both Italian and Middle Eastern heritage. A vision of two passionate women, it came to life purely through a belief in good food and community. And so, with no money (who would give two women a bank loan in those days without a man in the picture!), Dolores and Linda laboured hard on its physical space and its heart and soul in the cooking, and with the help and support of family, friends and others with the same beliefs, this institution has been and still remains, central to many lives.

The success of this little deli on Brunswick has developed to see an expansion to a restaurant, serious demand for take home meals, and a new food store in Smith Street. With the release of her book Linda Jones one half of the success story (Dolores passed from Cancer in 2010) writes that she is often asked about their business plan in early days. She says, “for the past 18 years the business has told us what to do. The key was, and still is, to listen to it.”

Through the power of what is true, two founders and countless others by association, have created the freedom in themselves to follow through on what makes sense to them. And in doing so they’ve created more than a place to eat – it’s a meeting ground in so many different ways. And while their actions have intrinsic value – there’s a burgeoning business behind it.

How often do we start from a place that is so genuine, honest and real in its intentions and create a lasting, joyful legacy not just for ourselves, but also for everyone who touches it?

What’s your Alimentari?

I hope to see you there sometime.