It’s amazing how a single taste can bring back a flood of memories, making the past feel as vivid as the present. The first time I ever tasted baklava was at my friend Dahlia’s house. I was in college, far from my hometown, and Dahlia’s parents were always warm and welcoming, treating me like another daughter. I loved curling up on their couch, snuggling with their adorable cat, Mish Mish, and savoring Dahlia’s mom’s amazing baklava. There was a secret ingredient in that recipe that I could never quite place—something I never found in any restaurant or bakery, that is, until I stumbled upon Luminous Café in Southdale Center. I took one bite of its pistachio baklava and was instantly transported back to Dahlia’s house, cat on one side and treats on the other—a taste of the family who gave me a home away from home. After the nostalgia settled, I thought to myself, “Well, the secret ingredient is pistachios.” We chat with Luminous Café’s owner, whose journey is as layered as the sheets of phyllo pastry in her baklava.
But Mish Mish wasn’t the only cat in my life. My absolute darling was my Pumpkin, an orange tabby who left us too soon. I’ve always wanted a portrait of him but never found the right artist to bring his memory to life. When I discovered that a local brewery hosts Paint Your Pet night, I knew it was the perfect opportunity. I can’t wait to see if my inner Picasso will emerge—and more importantly, to finally create a tribute to my beloved Pumpkin.
Eagle-eyed readers will notice a common thread running through this issue—stories of individuals spreading joy, which in turn fosters community and a sense of belonging. It’s a fitting theme for our annual family, pets and senior living issue.
This issue also kicks off our three-part series on enriching the social lives of our seniors. We begin with the power of social groups because meaningful connections and lively gatherings can make all the difference.
How lucky we are to be part of such a warm and vibrant community.
