Happy Almost Anniversary

To Mama and I, in a few weeks, we'll begin our 14th year as a couple.

And so, with only 5 more opportunities before Babysitter leaves for college, we had a celebratory lunch at the locavore restaurant, The Dressing Room, founded by Paul Newman. It was such a delightful lunch. Tapas in style, with small portions and an a la carte menu, we were in starch heaven: an heirloom grain "risotto" that was so creamy though it was vegan, cornbread with specially-milled corn flour and this amazing honey on the top, sugar snap peas in a light lemon sauce, creamy fresh macaroni and cheese, and the wonderfully corn-y (not corny) grits. Wow. And then there was dessert: pan-seared angel food cake, both crisp and tender, kinda like French toast, and drizzled with that incredible honey, plus a peach/blueberry crisp which would've been better if I couldn't have tasted as much of the skillet, and this smoked sugar ice cream that reminded us of smoked Thai desserts.

I'd love to be able to report that we had a significant and meaningful conversation, befitting the nature of the occasion. But it was much lighter than that--talking about the food, thinking about our upcoming schedule, trying not to talk about kindergarten, relating the events of the morning. But in many ways, it is the details of ordinary life that are important, not just the extraordinary, special occasions.

Though, it's nice to celebrate those, too.