Hello Hive friends! I hope you’re all doing well.
Today I want to share a little story from one of our recent family dinners—a night that turned out to be so much more than just eating together. It’s about our visit to Rafael’s Kitchen, a place that gave us not only good food but also beautiful memories.
The moment we arrived, I couldn’t help but stop and look around. The place was glowing. Warm lights were hanging everywhere, almost like tiny stars scattered across the trees. It gave the whole place such a magical vibe.
The air was cool, the breeze carried the scent of food, and the atmosphere just felt so alive. It was the kind of place where you instantly knew you were going to have a good time.
Rafael’s Kitchen opens at 7 p.m.,to our right, we saw a long buffet spread that instantly made everyone’s eyes widen. The first thing that caught my attention? The lechon—golden, crispy skin that looked so perfect, I couldn’t resist planning in my head which part I’d grab first.
Around it were colorful trays of chopsuey, plump shrimp that smelled heavenly, and tender beef brisket that looked like it would melt the moment it touched your tongue.
And then, tucked on the side, was a dessert station that felt like a dream—cakes, pastries, and sweets just waiting to be devoured.
We each grabbed our plates, laughing as we teased one another about who was piling the most food. (And, yes! I am guilty—I went straight for the lechon skin while some went heavy on the shrimp!) After
filling our plates, we went back to our table.
At one point, I just sat back, looked at everyone, and thought, Wow, I needed this. Life has been busy and a bit overwhelming lately, and sometimes I forget how refreshing it is to just sit, eat, and be present with the people I love. That night reminded me how important it is to make time for moments like this.
As the evening went on, conversations shifted from old stories to new plans. My Tita suggested another dinner, others mentioned going on a short trip, and soon enough, we were already daydreaming about our next family adventure.
It was comforting to know that this wasn’t going to be the last night like this—that we were all excited to create more memories together.
When it was finally time to leave, we walked out with happy hearts and full stomachs. The glow of the lights behind us slowly faded, but the warmth of the night stayed.
I realized it wasn’t just about the food (though the lechon deserves its own round of applause). It was about togetherness—the joy of gathering, the laughter that heals, and the love that only grows stronger when shared.
A night of good food, great company, and simple happiness. And if you ask me, those are the best kinds of nights.
