“still worth it.”
olive oil poached tuna with chili flakes; chicken liver paté with grappa soaked raisins; heirloom tomato bruschetta; sweet and sour peppers atop grilled bread; skewers of tomato gelee and watermelon with local honey.
Not every meal can be spectacular. While last summer, Five-O blew my family away with its creativity and quality, this season’s new chef dropped the restaurant right off that culinary pedestal. The family split these mini tapas to kick off our meal, and they were really the only good part.
I notice that many people seem to believe restaurant meals should always be life-changing – otherwise, the meal isn’t “worth it.” My mom, ever waistline-conscious, is fond of the phrase “not worth the calories.” My grandma, always a miser, might say, “not worth the money.” Personally though, I’m not sure food and worth ever go hand in hand.
Really: what makes a meal worth it?
Though the food at Five-O was generally unimpressive, it quieted my growling stomach. Plus, the meal was part of my vacation in my favorite place on earth. It was preceded by a long afternoon on the beach, where my family swam in the Atlantic and warmed up in the sun. It was followed by a nice sunset walk down to the town playhouse. Our table’s location in the restaurant put us right at the front window, overlooking Shore Road – the town’s main thoroughfare – which allowed for a nice amount of vacationing-people watching. Put all that together, and it amounted to a one-hundred-percent-worth-it evening.
Sometimes a meal isn’t great. It doesn’t mean we should be sad about eating it, or regretful, or annoyed. Like the other elements of my night, life provides such a variety of opportunities for happiness. There is no need to dwell on a single lackluster piece.
And hey, the appetizer was fun.
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i love this new style!
um, my first thought upon viewing this picture was: that is NOT enough food for dinner. maybe a small lunch. maybe.
disappointing meals are most disappointing when you spend good money. otherwise, there’s always tomorrow’s breakfast, lunch and dinner. and happy hour. never fear. happy friday! (oh wait. you’re on vacation. psh!)
Yes, many a meal eaten out is lackluster, but it’s just a meal, and just some money. And then you learn not to go there again, or to wait a very long before trying.
We have a few favorite places to eat because the food always tastes fresh and excellent, but I like to try new places too, with the chance that the food will just be okay, or even poor.
Bravo!
..and one more thing, I miss you.