Eating Memories

After that rather heavy topic of my father, I decided to lighten things up a bit.

Today after power washing the house and cutting the grass, I started the Weber charcoal grill.  Chicken thighs and drumsticks into the stainless bowl with olive oil, thyme, rosemary and Italian parsley. Pink salt and cracked black pepper go in. Give it a quick toss. The chimney is heating up the hardwood coals.  they begin to edge that desired whiteness as a few on the bottom glow a bright red. Toss the coals into the grill and oil the grate. Chicken on.

I found two yellow beets in the fridge. A quick wrap in foil and they joined the chicken on the grill, along with a lemon halved for that grilled lemon finishing touch. Meanwhile, small multicolored potatoes par-boil on the stove. Another stainless bowl and the potatoes are drained, halved and tossed with, yes, you got it, olive oil and salt & pepper. Bang, on the grill. Moments later crispy chicken skin, potatoes caramelizing to a golden brown. Oh, wait! I forgot the Romaine Lettuce! Yes, the appetizer to die for. Romaine lettuce you say!?!

Watching a cooking show one day, I watched a chef take a head of Romaine and slice it in half lengthwise. Olive oil, salt (Himalayan Pink Salt) and cracked black pepper and just a half a minute on the grill at the hottest point and perfection. It isn’t just Romaine lettuce anymore! As a perfect accompaniment, my wife made a light and refreshing salad as a counterpoint to the deep and heavy tastes of the main dishes. Julienned radishes and cucumber with a rice wine vinegar dressing and cilantro as a splash of color and brightness in taste. I love cooking with her!

So, my original thought when thinking of this latest blog. I had just written a serious story about my father and losses in life. Later I took a walk around the neighborhood with my wife and thought about how we create memories. A thought came to mind after enjoying our great dinner.

How about creating fabulous memories over food, drink, and conversation? No, this isn’t a new invention of mine. I have heard of pop-up dinners happening among foodies in different towns and cities across the country. Picture it, the sounds of chopping and mixing. The sizzle of food being cooked and the aroma of it all! Sinatra or some cool jazz playing in the background and laughter and conversation! I think it would be fun to have a Saturday where good friends and family get together and create amazing dishes, enjoy conversations and create those memories that we so need to add fullness to our lives.

Dinner party anyone?