Squealing my head off because of season 1 episode 6 "Ceres." Starting off with Richie and Mikey telling the story about Richie's voicemail "Hi, you have reached the voicemail of Richie Jerimovich, the Goddess of Agriculture."
Ceres, the Roman Goddess of Agriculture is Demeter in Greek mythology, the mother of Persephone and the goddess of harvest. The mother of the goddess of seasonal change. The mother of hospitality. Hospitality, which is something that Richie now excels at. The writers planted that freaking seed in this episode! His "deep connection to agriculture" is the reason he chose to change his voicemail, something that was unknown to him because his purpose hadn't been cultivated yet.
This is also the episode that springboards Sydney's bid to Carmy for the braised ribs and risotto. Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, known for her deep connection with mankind and her service to them through her nurturing nature, nurturing with food and motherly love. Sydney, known for her deep love and connection to food, who derives a deep connection with people from the food she serves them, who stopped a fight from breaking out in front of The Beef with the connecting power of food. Providing nourishment to mankind, and motherly instincts as she clears up a childish dispute.
But wait! There's more!
Richie's hatred of Sydney stemming from his refusal to accept change, his naivete of the joys of hospitality. He hasn't yet accepted the change she brings. Sydney is the embodiment of Ceres, goddess of agriculture, mother to change. It isn't until he accepts change and embraces his role and purpose in hospitality that Richie finally accepts Sydney and essentially adopts her into the world of people he considers family.