Good Food

On a business trip awhile back a co-worker said in a conversation about choosing a restaurant for dinner that she had no interest in the taste or texture of food, so it didn't matter where we went. In fact, she would probably just eat a yogurt and granola bar for dinner. As far as I could see, she mostly ate the same, bland things every day. Where's the joy.

In disbelief, I questioned her on whether she ever craved a warm baguette with triple cream French cheese? She never did. How about a prime cut of beef, expertly seasoned, seared and brought to your table within seconds? Nope. A rich dessert prepared by an artistic pastry chef? Why bother.

This I did not understand.

Every few weeks Robin and I try to treat ourselves to some of our favorite foods, like the aforementioned cheese, salty country pate, fresh seasonal fish, lightly cooked organic veggies, rustic Rosemary bread with unsalted butter, sumptuous desserts, a crisp bottle of summery Rose.

Since our weekends are no longer for relaxing (ever since our wonderfully active children arrived), we find comfort in searching for our dinnertime adventure and then pleasing our taste buds. And as a bonus, the kids are introduced to foods beyond mac 'n cheese and chicken tenders.

Last night we indulged in our twice-yearly Heirloom tomato Caprese salad. I had mentioned to Robin earlier in the week that I resisted the tempting display at Whole Foods that featured plump, multi-colored Heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, gourmet balsamic vinegar and freshly picked organic basil. The next day, he brought home exactly those ingredients (but from Pike Place Market). The tomatoes were the size of Gigi's head; the basil was the most firm and perfect I'd ever seen. I tried not to look at the price tag on the balsamic, but I'm pretty sure it would have paid for a lunch date for two.

So last night we started with the Caprese (I like mine drizzled with olive oil, Robin prefers his sans oil) and a mouthwatering Rose that had been cooling off in the freezer. Since we'd been running around all day, we ordered a Pagliacci pizza with everything on it (we do consider good pizza a culinary delight). Then we finished off dinner with ice cream bars made from dark chocolate and pomegranate ice cream.

Americans spend the least percentage of their incomes on food, compared with other countries. I try to remember this when I'm out shopping for groceries, so I don't just go for the cheapest option every time. Anyone who loves Costco (me) knows how tempting it is to buy huge amounts of bad (or unsustainable) food. Maybe the key is to conscientiously pare down on something else (bottled water? lattes? bar tabs? Apple products?) in favor of better food, at least some of the time.

We're not giving up our occasional trips to Costco anytime soon, but at least we can try to frequent grocers who sell local or organic food (PCC, Trader Joe's, or my favorite, Pioneer Organics). I think the more care and pleasure you take in shopping, preparing and eating good food, the less likely you are to overeat or take it for granted. There's so much joy in it. Bon Appetit!