Next-Childhood

I did not blog about my first Next experience, which was Thailand, but not because it wasn't wonderful, because it truly was. Thailand, well, I wanted to keep that just between Brian and myself, more of a selfish act on my part. 


Having said that, I feel the need to share my evening about Childhood. As soon as we walked in and took our seats, we heard the music playing.  “Flintstones, meet the Flintstones…” Throughout the night, the soundtrack alone brought smiles to our faces. Once again, the service was impeccable and anytime my glass of wine went low, there was always someone there to fill it back up again. As Brian and I were dining, with every course, we were able to recall something from growing up, sometimes funny, sometimes sad - but each and every time we related to what we were eating. 

There were two points during the meal that actually brought tears to my eyes. In fact, I am getting weepy-eyed right now just thinking about it! The macaroni and cheese meal... ah the beauty and the flavors that surrounded it. I took a bite of the macaroni and cheese with piece of apple and Brian began telling me how his mom would give him some apple pie and pair it with some sharp cheddar cheese. Joan would have loved joining us for this meal. I can only hope that she can hear me thank her for raising such an amazing man and someone that I can enjoy my life with. 

Then came the Lunch Box meal!!! As I stated in my first blog, the noises that I make when I eat are sounds of pure enjoyment. As I opened my Alice and Wonderland lunch box, poured my drink from the Poochie thermos, and opened up the Ziploc snack bags, I squealed with delight. When I placed an amazing truffle cookie into my mouth, I went into this inexplicable nostalgic charge and the floodgates started to open up. It was a combination of laughter with tears and these mind blowing flavors in my mouth. I stared at the lunch box and not only did it bring me back to ham sandwiches and chips with a juice box - but I began to think of the lunches that I pack for my son, with the same Ziploc snack bags! 

To end my perfect evening, one of our wonderful servers asked us if we wanted to visit the kitchen. Now, who would turn down that opportunity? Not only did we have the chance to take a peek at what goes on, but also Chef Dave took time out of his hectic evening to come and say hello to us. I only hope that I didn't make an ass out of myself while talking to him. I thanked him for his magic and told him what an amazing meal we had and thanked him for taking us back in time.

Chef Grant and Chef Dave, I know I have said this before, and I will say it again, what you create in that magical haven that most of us call a kitchen, is beyond words. With every bite, there is a new delight, and for that I thank you.