This was one of the first posts where I let the blog stretch beyond style and into everyday life. Food has always been part of how I connect with people. I network over food, build and repair relationships over food, plan adventures over food. You name it.
Brunching as connection
At the time, Seasons 52 lived in the “special occasion, evening only” category in my head. Then one of my besties suggested it for a long brunch where we could talk about business, life, and whatever caper we were planning next. I’m glad she did.
We ordered small plates to share and started with blistered shishito peppers. We were hoping for a few spicy ones mixed in, but no luck. What they lacked in heat they made up for in flavor, especially with goat cheese and lemon aioli. We took our fingers to the bowl. Zero shame.
The caramelized Bosc pear and burrata salad was another favorite. My friend would have called it salty and sweet. I would have called it creamy and sweet. I was already leaning heavily pescatarian, so the prosciutto went straight to her. I happily kept the pears, aged balsamic, and burrata. My word. Cheese remains one of the reasons vegan life and I have never quite connected.
We also shared a golden beet salad with pistachios and feta. It ranked third for me that day, but that is more a reflection of how good the first two dishes were than any insult to the beets.
What I still love about this memory
Restaurant menus change, so I would not expect these exact dishes to still be waiting years later. What has not changed is why I love brunch in the first place. The food matters, of course, but the real draw is the time. A long table, something good to eat, nowhere to rush off to, and a friend you can talk to about everything.
That part of brunching never gets old.
Honestly, this is probably why giving the gift of time still means so much to me. Food is great, but the real thing I remember is the conversation. That is basically the whole spirit of my Galentine’s Day idea too. And if you want to stay in the food lane, my non-traditional Christmas dinner is a very different kind of gathering around the table.
xC