Dual nature

We don't always equate eating with love. Oh, many of us "love" eating, but how about preparing dinner for friends? There is nothing more lovely than to make a meal for someone. In my last post, my musing about love-only thoughts brought me to making breakfast. As a child, we take food for granted. "What are we having for dinner?" "Liver!" "Awwww, Mom! I eating at Larry's."

Last night I attended a dinner party at my dear friends' house. We have gone to several of these 'wine-tasting' themed parties at their house. They are wonderful! With love on my mind, I saw this outing with new eyes. Two of the guests had brought martini makings. Molly and Tom had planned a unique recipe. Molly volunteered to alter the drink in any way that might be more pleasing-more alcohol, less, etc. Meanwhile, Tom was carefully threading candied ginger, a peeled slice of lime and a leaf of basil on a paper umbrella to garnish the drink. The two of them took such care with these masterpieces you might have thought they were to be on display somewhere.

At the same time, Spiro, the host of this party was carefully preparing one of the dishes to be served that night. He was not frantic, like I would have been, he was slowly and carefully creating his masterpiece too. This was a purple potato and asparagus pizza on flatbread. It was different, adventurous and ... well, full of love. He loves to cook and is extremely gifted in that area. All night long he lovingly prepared food and served to eight of us.

Now Joan, our lovely hostess, had created a valentines day themed decorated table. Pink and red with hearts, but tasteful, elegant and together. The menus where computer printed and placed on the table for us to follow along. There were individual, pink clipboards with a multiple choice test for guessing the wines being paired with the dishes. This was the gimmick of the evening to give us a unified subject to talk about and make it fun.

The two of them delighted in every second that they served us all as if they were our servants. Each carefully prepared plate with the wine pairing served to us as if we were the Granthams at Downton Abbey. To top off the evening of incredible food, stimulating conversation and delicious wine and coffee, they carefully prepared food to go home with us in tupperware and not the disposable kind.

This is LOVE people! Love practiced. There is nothing more loving to do for someone than to make a meal for them. When a family member is in the hospital or someone has lost a loved one, you make a meal for them. It is practical, tangible and undeniably selfless.

Note to self: Plan and make meals for people.