I Must Confess

I don't normally do this, but I confess that I had a love affair tonight.

Time slowed as I saw her. My eyes were fixed, drinking her in as if she were the sweetest wine. I saw before me Aphrodite; she was coming toward me. I knew that this was going to be a night not soon forgotten. She was saucy and fresh, but not to a fault. Her subtleties and complexity kept me wishing that this night would never end. It was as if I had fallen in love with a beautiful sonata.
We both understood that it was only for tonight. There were no obligations for the future. We didn't let that keep us from smiling and enjoying the intricacies of one another. I was as giddy as a little schoolboy who has found his first frog. It has been a long time since I felt that way. Love does funny things to a person.
She gave and gave to me until she was no more. They came and took her away; leaving me with only a taste and a memory.

There is a beautiful relationship between a man and his salad.

I went last night to a restaurant that is by far the best place I have eaten in months, maybe even years. My salad was composed of crispy lettuce leaves, fresh corn cut right off the cob, craisins, pumpkin seeds, tiny cheese crumbles, and a dressing hand-crafted by the Gods. Words cannot adequately describe the entree's we experienced. I will say though that when I sampled a vegetable from my friend's plate; I was positive that I was eating the season of Autumn. I don't how else to say it. The food was beyond words. It wasn't only the food that was outstanding, for the atmosphere in the restaurant was perfect as well. My friend Al and I, sat under a glass roof looking up at the evening sky though it wasn't necessary to look up to view the heavens for the tables were glass on the top and reflected the sky beautifully. Our waiter, no he was much more than that. Our guide, tantalized our taste buds with his extensive knowledge of every aspect of our dining experience. The entire restaurant exuded an aura of organic elegance; beauty and charm without chicanery. It was like what every restaurant wants to be when it grows up.

There is a reason why the subject of blending, forming, and combining foods is called culinary arts. It is because it is an art. Perhaps one of the most under-appreciated forms of art, but art nonetheless. People often associate the word "art" with forms such as music, poetry, sculpture, painting, or literature. It is not too often that we associate it with food. It well may be because we are used to a steady diet of big-macs and fries. Fast food fits our lifestyle. It is easy; it is adequate; it is inexpensive. How often though do we really enjoy it? I am a staunch advocate for the enjoyment of life. If I am not happy and enjoying life then something needs to happen, usually that involves a book or movie and lots of chocolate in a plethora of forms i.e. cakes, brownies, ice cream, pies, or just a classic bar of chocolate. Anyway. Life is meant to be enjoyed and food, really yummy food, is a beautiful way to enjoy it.