I can’t think of many things I’ve had to do that feel harder than this, but I’m writing to let you know that, effective immediately, after this week’s Tuesday supper, I will be stepping down permanently as head chef of Open Table MDI.
Just over a year ago, I had major surgery—one that most people take two to three years to fully recover from. When I came back in May to continue running the supper, I thought I was strong enough. I was not. Each week, my body told me it was too much. Each week, I told it to be quiet. Last weekend, I received the unmistakable message that I can either continue to run the supper, or I can continue to be on this Earth. I cannot do both.
It is with deep sadness, and also humility, that I choose my health and my life over the thing that has brought me such joy and purpose for the past seven years. I would be lying if I said I don’t feel like a failure. I would be lying if I said I don’t feel like I’m letting you all down. But that is my work to do, and for now, I am only beginning to reach the place of acceptance.
What does this mean for Open Table MDI?
For now, after the meal on the 12th, the community supper will be on hiatus for an undetermined amount of time. Our board will be meeting soon to explore options moving forward, including the possibility of hiring a part-time cook to take over the supper. More updates from them will follow.
What about Cottage Street Ramen?
Cottage St. Ramen will continue its normal hours (Thursday–Sunday) through October 25th.
What can I do to help?
If Open Table MDI matters to you, and you want to see it continue beyond my time here, the best way to help is to donate generously and encourage others who can to do the same. In addition to our regular operating expenses of about $17,000/month, it will cost an additional $50,000–$60,000/year to hire someone to run the supper.
When Puranjot and I started this in the basement of the Bar Harbor Congregational Church in 2018, we had no idea it would grow into what it has become: a loving community project. We have nurtured it as best we could, given it everything we had, and watched it become something far bigger than us. Open Table MDI has always been about you—our community—and it has always relied on you. If it is to survive, it will be because the community wants it to.
WIth Gratitude…
I want to thank all the volunteers who have been the backbone of Open Table MDI from the very beginning, many of whom I now count as forever friends—people I might never have met otherwise. It has been one of the great blessings of my life to work beside you, laugh with you, and learn from you. You taught me how to be a leader, something I didn’t know I had in me. You gave me strength, courage, and the confidence to do hard things and still smile about it. I owe you a debt of gratitude I will never be able to fully repay.
I also want to thank the many amazing people who have supported us over the years—especially the McNally Family and the Witham Family. None of this would have been possible without your kindness, generosity, and steadfast commitment to community and food security.
In addition, I want to extend my deep gratitude to our Board of Directors. Your dedication, guidance, and steady support—often behind the scenes—have carried Open Table MDI through both celebrations and challenges. You have given your time, your energy, and your wisdom to keep this mission alive, and I am so grateful for the care you have shown to me, to our volunteers, and to the community we serve.
Finally, to everyone who has ever stepped into the warmth of our Tuesday suppers: thank you. Thank you for bringing your hunger—not just for food, but for connection, for belonging, and for care. Thank you for trusting me to feed you, to welcome you, and to make a place for you at the table. This has been the work of my heart and the joy of my life. Even though I will no longer be stirring the pots each week, I will carry the spirit of this table with me always. My deepest hope is that you will, too—and that you will keep finding ways to feed each other, in body and in spirit, for years to come.
With love,
Mahandeva Singh, Executive Director
