How to Chow Down

Let's face it. You'll eat almost anything. And several past years of vegetarianism aside, you will happily much down an eight pack of chicken mccrackguts, large fry and a diet coke. Ditto for a cherry Slurpee and hot, roasted peanuts right from the cart. You are no food snob. The only thing you won't eat is ham. Bacon, yes. Ham, no. It's reform atheist Jewish weirdness.

But you really like a good meal now and again. No? Who doesn't? So get dressed up, have your mom watch the kiddo and go out with your husband for a nice dinner.

This restaurant is so fancy that you don't even understand half the menu. There are more adjectives on it than nouns. And you were an English major! It's dark and cozy and there is no one there under the age of 5, which immediately means you like it. This dinner out will last more than 15 minutes and you will not have to pick up food from the floor. Yeah!

Order several yummy appetizers between you and share. The ubiquitous tomato salad caprese with fresh red and yellow tomatoes and creamy mozzarella cheese on top, drizzled with a slightly sweet balsamic vinaigrette and a light topping of greens. An eggplant caponata on toasted semolina bread. A bit on the strong side, but delicious nonetheless. And a small serving of potato gnocchi in a white bolognese sauce. It's luxurious and rich. You were already satiated before the main courses. But you ate those too, plus coffee and desert.

Admittedly, you know before the meal is over that you'll pay for this hedonism and not just with your credit card. But it feels deliciously decadent to sit at a table with grown ups eating good food and taking your sweet time about it.

Try this at home:
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