How can a vacation be so much different than life at home?
It’s the little things, the big things, and everything in between. This post is
dedicated to food; oh great sustainer of life.
Shortly after our arrival, we pulled up to my aunt and uncle's house and I
was asked if I wanted a mandarin orange. We were standing outside, so I was a
little confused until my uncle pointed behind me to a small tree on the
boulevard that had a few perfect examples of the sweet citrus fruit enticingly
dangling from the wispy branches. I obliged, and in under a minute I had peeled
and eaten the freshest fruit I had had up to this point in my life. I had the
thought that I could actually taste the sun. That was just the beginning.
I’ll skip forward to lunch, because this is about food. I
will backtrack when I get home, and share with you the great moments of this
vacation, and probably more about food. We went to Ironside Oyster and Seafood where
I ordered a sampler of fresh oysters from six different spots along the coast. They
were all delicious and different in their own ways, and they were sided with a
Champagne-shallot reduction, and a horseradish sauce that could have started a
fire without incitement, and without the need for an accelerant. The chef began to shuck them as I made a trip
to the coolest bathroom I’ve seen in years, maybe ever. When I came back they
were waiting for me and the feast began. One-by-one I slurped down the ugly,
salty, briny morsels and I was in heaven. I honestly must say that I nearly
teared up as my senses were encumbered with true flawlessness on every level.
The view from our seats.
For some reason I will never truly understand, maybe because
he could tell I was a foodie, the chef walked across the entirety of the
restaurant with a plate that I had a sneaking suspicion was headed for us.
There was no reason to think that, but I guessed correctly. He didn’t even
offer an explanation, he merely told us what was on the plate, and set it down
in front of me to eat. I was gasping. What lay before me was a true work of
art, and I knew something about it would be special.
I took one bite, and in one second I said out loud, “This is
the best octopus I have ever had.” And I really meant it. If you know me, and
know what I like, you know that I love octopi—as a food—and nothing I have ever
had held any weight to this masterpiece which was surrounded by chorizo sausage,
and chipotle aioli. Never had I bitten such tender, flavorful tentacle. I had grasped
total nirvana in that restaurant, and I believe it may take years to have an
encounter like that again, and I also believe that it may be when I go back
there next time I’m in California that I achieve it again.
Hannah's BF Matt, tending to the veggie side of the operation.
Here's my work. That is an 18" Weber, if you're trying to judge the size of those steaks.
And just a few short hours later it was time to fire up the
grills and begin making dinner. I say grills because we as a group have two
vegetarians, and respectfully I grill their food separately. Anyhow, we had
made trips to a butcher for tri-tip and chicken wings, and the farmers market
for fresh veggies, so some of us prepped the vegetables while the others of us
set the table, manned the grills, and made various side dishes. We were busy,
and in the end we all sat down for a giant meal and great conversation that I
will never forget. Again I was elated; so happy to be surrounded by the things
I love most, food and family. It’s Christmas Eve, and it’s time for bed, so,
Merry Christmas and to all, a good night.
