Roaming Frames

On a rainy afternoon, while visiting Sibiu, I found myself wandering through a quaint little market nestled in the heart of the city. The air was thick with the aroma of freshly baked bread, spices, and sizzling street food. My eyes darted from stall to stall until they landed on an old, little family restaurant, which had a small framed display, adorned with an array of traditional dishes. What caught my attention was a large deep pot simmering with the unmistakable sight and scent of sarmale—cabbage rolls filled with a savory mixture of rice and meat.

I approached the display, and the vendor, an elderly woman with a warm smile, offered me a portion. I took a bite, and instantly, the world around me began to blur. The taste of tender cabbage, seasoned meat, and the hint of dill transported me back to my childhood kitchen.

I was eight years old again, sitting at the family table during one of our many festive gatherings, such as Christmas. The kitchen was filled with the comforting scent of sarmale cooking on the stove, mingled with the laughter of my relatives and the hum of conversations. I watched as my mother, her hands skillfully rolling each cabbage leaf, prepared her famous sarmale, a dish that brought our family together.

“Want to help, dear?” she asked, handing me a small cabbage leaf. I eagerly scooped the filling, trying to mimic her movements as I rolled it up. She chuckled softly, guiding my hands to ensure each roll was perfect.

As the sarmale simmered, we gathered around the table, my mom sharing stories of her own childhood and the traditions passed down through generations. The anticipation built until she lifted the lid, releasing a cloud of fragrant steam. We each took a roll, the first bite always the best, bursting with flavors that felt like a hug from the past.

The memory faded as I swallowed the last bite of the sarmale in that quaint restaurant. The rain had stopped, and the market seemed to sparkle with renewed life. I thanked the vendor and walked away, my heart full of warmth and nostalgia. Every bite of that simple dish had been a journey back to a time of love, laughter, and the simple joys of childhood.