Short: What’s Your Favorite
The dumbest question anyone might ask me, a new acquaintance perhaps, sounds small upon hearing.
It’s a basic get-know-you query, made by adults and children alike.
And because of the basic nature of the question, most folks give dispassionate, ill-considered answers.
But, not me, not ever.
When asked, I pause to consider my options…all of them,
Having been blessed with a depth of experience and range on the subject.
I ponder the old and the new, the textures and aromas, colors and flavors.
Naturally, I do not arrive at a simple reply.
How could I?
How could anyone compare one dish to another?
Consider a perfectly roasted duck, succulent and aromatic, wrapped in a thin pancake and smoother’d in hoisin sauce,
Smokey, meaty, unctuous with hints of anise and orange peel. It’s a perfect bite of food thanks to centuries of the Cantonese process.
Now imagine a humble peanut butter cup: nutty, creamy, and chocolatety. Sweet and savory. Better than gold. South America’s best gift.
Should I go on?
Because I’ve not yet begun.
What’s my favorite food?
Don’t make me laugh.
Need I mention the glory and world favorite know as pizza?
Or just how wonderfully clean yet deeply rich in flavor a fresh slice of fatty tuna can be?
And, what about the joy of a Parisian croissant, buttery and crisp?
Or…a medium rare ribeye, mustard-base pulled pork, or butter pecan ice cream?
I’ll never be able to give a quick answer to such simple question.
I’m too far down the hole.
The world is delicious, land and sea,
And I’m blessed to know it.
