A taste of something new

A good friend came into town this week. And coming to town for her is no small thing. As she now lives on the other side of the world in France. I always love when she comes to town. Because even if we have not seen each other in 5, 10 or even 15 years, it is as if we never apart.

We talk and reminisce until our throats are sore and laugh until our guts ache and our mouths are sore from smiling.
I love her.
Last night we had a chance to meet up with her younger sister and brother, my daughter and a few other friends.

I love food. I like to try new things but I am not too brave. I like to know what I am eating, and I like to keep to ingredients which are not too far from my regular palate.
There are many culturally diverse choices in eating establishments in our area. Not as many as possibly the larger cities in the US but a good mix.
As much of a food wuss I am, however, I have been hesitant to venture into new cuisine areas as the menus were intimidating. I didn't want to order and pay for an entire dish only to discover I hated it. I needed a foodie. I needed a restaurant tour guide.

For a few years, I worked with a man on visa in the United States from India, another from Peru and one more from Argentina. However I left those jobs and they left town before we had a chance to meet for dinner.
Last night, thanks to my good friend and her family. I had my first taste of Indian cuisine. I loved it!


My daughter, her boyfriend Brandon and I all fell in love with this food on first bite. We tried most everything at the table.

I will definitely be eating more Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Briyani, Mango Chicken and Garlic naan bread very soon.

After dinner we had some time to kill before our next event started. It was a beautiful although chilly for June, night and we once again caught up on old times and new.
One highlight....or low light of the evening was the passing of a man in his possible late fifties, running by. Not a bad looking man. Until he chose to whip his shirt off in the middle of the crowd forming. the loose skin on his chest bounced with every step. More power to the man. Truly he was comfortable in his own skin.
I however would have preferred he keep his shirt on.

While we were hanging out downtown I came to the realization that the tickets I had purchased online for the comedy show were still at home. I had neglected to pick them off the printer. I sent my daughter and Brandon home after them. ugh.
As I was standing in line awaiting their return just before the show was to begin, the door hostess informed me that with an online purchase the actual tickets were not required. We were in-fact already on the reservation list. I felt horrible. But they showed up in time and we ended up with front row seats.

Comedy sports is a very small improv comedy venue. The picture is a bit deceiving as this building is no bigger than an alleyway with a roof. Two groups of four actors act out short comedic skits in a competition style show. It was hilariously entertaining.

The above skit was extra funny because it was a Russian (left) and a Frenchman (right) and they did the accents spot-on! And as I was sitting next to an actual French woman, made it that much more fun.

And as we were on the front row, my daughter was dubbed scorekeeper.

I wore my new converse shoes and we decided that they went well with our coca cola.

We had a wonderful night. Will definitely return for all.
Although I feel a little funny accepting gifts from my friend when she visits. Who could really pass up on French chocolates? and perfumed soaps, and a yuuumy wine infused mustard I cant wait to try on my next sandwich. Thank you again my friend.

The best gift was a hand written recipe for chocolate mousse. I will be sure to post it here when we make it as long as Darlene is O.K. with that.

I wish her a safe trip home and can hardly wait for her next visit, or the time I get the funds to visit France.. whichever comes first.