Dining during the Holidaze

It was a challenge to get the five of us to dine this week. In the end, there were three.
We headed downtown and took a quick little adventure down 42nd Street off J. If you are in need of some holiday spirit, as I was, take a drive to look at lights. On these streets in the Fabulous 40’s, it looks like mandatory participation. What a delight it was to see the trees lit up from trunk to tops. I love it! The adjacent streets were decorated and brought oohs and aahs from our vehicle.

For dining, we chose The Cafeteria on 15th and L Streets. We went to valet parking rather than fight the Nutcracker crowd. It was easy. The dining room was festive and bright. The white lights and fixtures sparkled in the room. Our service was excellent. The food was really good. And, we had a mayor sighting to boot!

We started with the fries, a combination of BBQ, Sweet Potato and Garlic accompanied by three sauces of ketchup, an aioli with a bite and a cool creamy version. The dips complemented the fry flavors. We thoroughly enjoyed all aspects and combinations created with the fries and dips. We probably owe an apology to the busser who attempted to remove the tray before we had eaten every morsel. We may have raised our voices to say, we aren't done yet!

The spicy pulled pork sandwich was spicy. It was also moist and flavor filled. The Grilled Cheese Sandwich was a combo of parmesan and sharp New York white cheddar on white bread with a golden toasted crunch. The sandwich could have been served warmer. It came with a tomato soup that did warm the body from the inside with a strong tomato taste and a little kick. The combination of the strong cheeses in the sandwich and the dark red soup made a delightful pairing. To top it off, we all had mixed greens in light vinaigrette to compensate for our attack on the fries.

The overall view from where we sat was cosmopolitan. The modern glass and bright color upholstery were warmed by the wooden floors. Looking through the garage doors and the windows made the room feel big and bright. I loved the light fixture made from a crate the hung over the table behind us. Very creative and whimsical.

The restrooms are big and the three sided sink is interesting until you notice that you can see men in their room and they can see you, only at the hand washing area…a little strange but hey, kind of fun too!

Which brings me to an issue I struggle with. Why does a glass of wine have to cost nine or ten dollars? Two glasses cost more than an entrée. Give me OneSpeed and their little wine glass for $3.50 any night. I have no desire to purchase a bottle, just a glass or two. Both the wines we were served can be purchased locally for less than $15 a bottle.

Overall, a very nice cafeteria with many upgrades and a few surprises.
I recommend you try it. Happy Holidaze!

Treasures

I am counting down the days till 2011. It’s been a difficult year for so many people I know. There is little comfort in knowing I have had company during this economic down turn. I still love blogging about food experiences and I will continue. This blog is a slight deviation from the norm celebrating treasures in my life.

The past two years, Christmas has morphed into less of a gift giving contest and more of a spiritual time for me. Especially this year. As always, my wish is for peace. In the world, my country, my city and my home. Peace.

This has been an especially trying year as my parents depend on me more than ever. It is a challenge for me to give them the time and love they deserve while keeping my head above water so to speak. Life changes.

I have had shared some fabulous meals in restaurants and with friends in their homes this year. I need to mention my chef (and dishwasher) at home. He has wowed us with some great meals and dishes from his garden. The love of my life still loves me too. We have shared so much and I wouldn’t have wanted to do this with anyone else.

My friends’ laughter has sustained me and their meals have filled me. I will never forget the kindness of friends. They have been generous with their time and given when they knew I needed it the most. My hope is to nourish these friendships and guard them like a treasure.

I have the pleasure of young children in my life again. Neighbors and friends who share their children with me. To see their joy at play and hear their laughter is a sure cure for the blues. There is nothing like laughter to clear the brain and jump-start the heart. They are a treasure.

Family dynamics have changed for us. A daughter married. A son-in-law. They found each other and true love. The same kind of love I have had for 34 years. We are blessed by their union. True love is the one true thing I wish for my children to find.

I am proud today especially, of my son. He is playing in a golf marathon to benefit a 7-year old boy with cancer. Some of you received pledge letters and I hope you have the ability to contribute. He hopes to play over 100 holes of golf and has sponsors at $1 a hole or whatever they can give. He gave up a day at work and took his Dad for a caddie; leaving early this morning for a local country club. I am proud of my son’s compassion and dedication to help others. If you would like to contribute, let me know and I will put you in contact with him.

So, my married daughter is living her dreams, my son is following his dream on the golf course and then there is my “kiddle-in-the-middle”. She is my joy. She has been such a help to us financially and emotionally this year. She is always upbeat and full of life. I am grateful everyday for her. She is my light.

I am full of hope for my family and friends that 2011 will bring jobs, peace, abundance and joy. And great food experiences. I’ll keep you posted.