Grateful for the Food, But Especially For The Hands That Prepared It

It had happened before -- a few years ago; a generosity evoked by a conversation earlier in that week.  So last evening, when instead of taking our order the server told us that -- if it would be alright -- the chef would like to cook for us, we humbly, happily, eagerly agreed.  Yes, it would definitely be alright!

This time we understood the invitation.  While in a sense the chef had been cooking for us all week, it had largely been through surrogates and within the confines of the menu.  This culinary excursion, inspired by the afternoon's co-mingling of the chef's hopes for an upcoming trip to Italy and the recollection of our own Italian experiences, would be an unscripted generosity from the chef's own hand.  It is, I have to believe, a diner's ultimate honor.

And so we sat back and waited...and gratefully received --
...from an Amuse-Bouche of seasonal ratatouille...
...an appetizer trio of chorizo slices, tapenade, and sautéed almonds...
...through the layering courses of lime-marinated swordfish over sorrel garnished with celeriac slaw...
...slices of beef tenderloin with hen-of-the-woods mushroom, potatoes-2-ways and ricotta...
...roasted pheasant, with root vegetables, kale and a homey sauce...
...a cheese plate with local cheese, roasted grapes and shredded greens...
...and a dessert plate of chocolate soufflé, house-made fruit sorbet, chocolate, fresh cream, and a scattering of almonds to remind us where we had begun.

All prepared as an evocation of Italian memories for us, and anticipation for him.  As he presented each course and explained the preparation, he looked at us with a winsome blend of pride and humble hopefulness -- pride at sharing his own creativity, hedged by the risk that always accompanies vulnerability.  He needn't have worried.  We would willingly entrust our gastronomic selves to his culinary ministrations any day, any time.

He has become, after all, an inspiration,
a teacher,
a chef who has more than earned our trust,
but most of all -- best of all -- he has, over the course of countless courses, treasured conversations, exchanged values, visions and passionate aspirations,
become our friend.

However glorious was the dinner -- and it was glorious; however grateful for and humbled beyond expression we are for the generosity and care of the gift -- and we are grateful, and humbled -- it is this latter for which we are grateful most of all.

The friendship.  The kinship in a journey, though separated by miles, appreciatively and wondrously shared.

Mmmmmm.  Thanks Jason.  More than you can imagine.  Have a wonderful trip.  Ours already has been.