Ah, to dine. Food, I think, is one of the best reasons for living. There are so many options to fill the immanent want that it can be difficult to settle on one thing. Have you ever looked over a menu at least 21 times because everything sounds perfect? I feel that I'm a pretty good order' but sometimes I end up with pan seared Ahi, and it's just not hitting the spot, or any spot for that matter.
But what if we only had one chance; one meal? What would we choose then?
I think most of us would start with a great appetizer like wings, artichoke dip, or chips and salsa to take the edge off our hunger and excite our taste buds for the real stuff. Then we would fill our plates with savory nosh meant to satisfy with color, texture, and taste. Maybe we would choose by the brief description on the menu that sounds soo appetizing but may not be what our guts tell us we want. Let's assume that we are true to ourselves even if that means we want mac and cheese. Then, when the plate is clean what would we crave? What would fill us with complete satisfaction? Dessert anyone?
Some would argue that dessert should be enjoyed first, just jump right in. But if you only have one chance, why would you jeopardize your appetite by indulging in dessert before you have tasted the amazing dinner that is offered to you. Also, you run the risk of crossing a masterful chef who has slaved over your supper. If you were to have dessert before dinner you wouldn't truly be full and you haven't experienced genuine nourishment. Essentially you've spoiled your dinner. The instant gratification of taking dessert first is not lasting, the sugar where's out and your left empty, still needing sustenance. The greatness of dessert is wasted in impatience. So let's not ruin it.
Back to our meal. your plate is before you. The Carb side: rice, pasta, bread. Not terribly exciting, if it's made well it can have some flavor, but for the most part it's just something to chew on. Store up that energy. The Veggie: green beans, salad, broccoli. It's healthy, crisp, but let's be honest, it's not that substantial, and it's not that good unless it's smothered in something that we really shouldn't be too fervently indulgent, like butter or cheese. Still we are left wanting. The Protein: steak, chicken, fish, (sorry, I'm not catering to the vegan's out there). This takes some time to get through, filling, engaging, there is some kind of comfort in it, and maybe it's a bit rare. Surely a notable element of the spread.
Now you can sit back and bask in the wealth of full. Okay, great meal; tasty, interesting, balanced. We made good choices to benefit our body, we have explored our unique taste and have come out better for it. Could there be something else? Are you finished?
Not me. I want dessert.
Does dessert ever get lonely waiting there for all those other inferior foods to be enjoyed and digested? Is dessert envious of the crispy salad, the zesty pasta, or the juicy steak? I think not.
Dessert is decadence. Dessert is sweet and rich, the pinnacle. It is completeness. Without doubt I would say dessert deepens the joy of a well crafted meal. And if we are talking the only meal, then dessert should most definitely be a part. It is the finish line, and is patient as such. Dessert is the essence of perfect timing, giving all it has to make one satisfyingly whole. Dessert has many forms, but generally has taken great care and time to become what it is. It is the goodnight kiss.
What am I saying? Dinner isn't over, save room for dessert.
