Some lunches stay with you because of the food. Others stay with you because of the people gathered around the table.
Ladies Luncheon Delight has long been one of my favorite American Women’s Club of Luxembourg activities. We come for lunch, but somehow we always leave with something more. Sometimes it’s catching up with an old friend. Sometimes it’s meeting someone new. Sometimes it’s simply slowing down for a couple of hours together.
This month, ten of us met at Dogado’s in Luxembourg City. The plan was to sit on the terrace, but after several days of hot weather, summer rain rolled in.
I have to admit…I wasn’t disappointed.
I’ve always loved summer rain. Instead of sitting outside, we gathered around a table indoors where nobody seemed to be in a hurry.
There were women I’d known for years and women attending for the first time. Before long, everyone was chatting and laughing together.
As I looked around the table, I realized how much of my life in Luxembourg has been shaped by the AWCL. Over the years I’ve volunteered, served on the board in several leadership roles, helped organize events, played Mahjong, taken French classes, and shared more lunches than I can count.
One of the greatest privileges I’ve had was leading Gifts for Kids by AWCL during the years it grew to support more children and families than ever before. Watching the program grow, alongside so many dedicated volunteers, is something I’ll always be thankful to have been part of.
Somewhere along the way, this club stopped being something I belonged to…and became part of my life.
One of the things I’ve always loved about the AWCL is that, despite its name, it’s wonderfully international. I’ve met women from all over the world, each bringing their own stories, traditions, and experiences. I think that’s one of the reasons this community feels so special. We all come from different places, but around a shared table those differences have a way of bringing us together.
The food was delicious, of course. We enjoyed everything from the amuse-bouche to beautifully prepared starters, main courses, desserts, and one last espresso before heading home.
But when I think back on the afternoon, that’s not what I’ll remember.
I’ll remember the conversations.
The laughter.
The friendships.
And once again being reminded that some of life’s best moments happen around a shared table.
Food really does connect us all.
A Warm Welcome
A thoughtful amuse-bouche welcomed us to lunch and set the tone for a relaxed afternoon together.
Summer on the Table
Fresh flavors, beautiful presentation, and plenty of conversation before the main courses arrived.
Lunch is Served
Every plate was beautifully prepared, making it difficult to choose a favorite.
Around the Table
By now, the conversation was flowing as easily as lunch. New friendships were beginning, old ones continuing.
End on a Sweet Note
No one seemed to be in a hurry to leave. Dessert and espresso gave us one last reason to linger a little longer.
One Last Favorite
A summer favorite and the perfect way to end a memorable afternoon.
What I Learned
- Community doesn’t happen overnight. It grows one lunch, one conversation, and one friendship at a time.
- Volunteering often gives back far more than you expect.
- Living in Luxembourg introduced me to friendships and cultures I never would have experienced otherwise.
- Sometimes a rainy afternoon is exactly what a gathering needs.
- Food really does connect us all.
Liz 'N Lux 