Pear
That up there is my FAVORITE course of the night. It's really more of an intermezzo than a course, but let me just tell you how incredibly cool and sensual and, well, eye-popping it was.
An orb of curry-infused cocoa butter is filled with the purest, sweetest pear juice you can imagine. It's hanging out in a specially-designed glass, along with a small pool of celery "nectar". The instructions are to "do it as a shot -- and keep your mouth closed, otherwise the juice with squirt out."
The orb explodes in your mouth, with this incredible play of flavors - the fresh greenness of the celery, the nearly tropical fragrance of the pear, the exotic spiciness of the curry. It's a moment, nothing more. But the flavors linger, and three weeks later, you're still thinking about it.
On another note:
Happy Anniversary to my love, best friend, and partner in crime.
I have come to appreciate the analogy of marriage as roller coaster: After three years, the view from the top has never been more breathtaking. And those scary drops? They aren't nearly so scary when you're holding my hand.
Technorati Tags: Food | Food & Drink | Alinea | San Francisco | Chicago
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Posted by: Beth | May 26, 2006 at 09:57 AM
Fattie Joon,
Happy Anniversary again and I love the way you feel about your life.
Love,
Mom
Posted by: Jaleh | May 26, 2006 at 10:15 AM
I respect the relationships that work hard to be strong the most. Congratulations on having a hand to hold and a person to adventure with!
You have single handedly made me want to go to Alinea. Thank you for this shot by shot, course by course play. Beautiful. Intriguing. Delicious.
PS I think you should send the links to Grant and his team.
Posted by: shuna fish lydon | May 27, 2006 at 07:05 PM
Happiest of anniversaries to you and your honey, Fatemeh. You deserve your happiness.
Posted by: Tana | May 28, 2006 at 08:41 PM
Beffie, Mom & Tana - THANKS! We had a really lovely time - Calistoga mud baths, a great dinner at Coi (about which I'll write this week). It's been a great weekend.
Shuna - Anyone who says marriage isn't hard didn't stay married very long. It's damn hard, and there are days that we want to kill each other, but I can't imagine my life without him. And, I know, without a doubt that we will be there for each other through thick and thin.
Posted by: Fatemeh | May 28, 2006 at 10:28 PM
Happy anniversary! Looking forward to seeing you both again in about a month!
Posted by: Lenn | May 29, 2006 at 08:20 AM
My dearest Fatemeh,
The world may never know just how special our bond is, as we are both somewhat private people in that respect, but suffice it to say, you are my ultimate complement!
While the road we’re on has not been without its bumps, there is no one I’d rather share the journey with than you!
As long as you are by my side, I cannot wait for what is around the next curve.
I love you more than you will ever know!
Forever,
C
Posted by: c | May 29, 2006 at 02:24 PM
That curry-coated pear ball was bigger than it looked! And you're right, it was amazing how those flavors converged. Our waiter said: "Seal up!"
Posted by: Lance Martin | June 02, 2006 at 09:04 AM