Sometimes Your Father Setting You Up On A Date Isn't Such A Bad Thing:
For Chanukah, my father gifted Rhonda and me with two seats to a Central Market cooking demonstration by Monica Pope. Monica Pope is a bit of a food celebrity, and someone Rhonda and I have idolized (in terms of culinary talent) for years. We held our rehearsal dinner the night before our wedding at Monica's restaurant, T'afia. As far as I'm concerned, she's a culinary genius. Eat her food and you'll find yourself proclaiming, "Wow. I NEVER would have thought to cook these things together. But it works. And IT TASTES AMAZING." No two dishes are the same, and I have been blown away every time I've ingested her cooking.
This was my first time attending a Central Market cooking class, and I would absolutely do it again. Rhonda and I arrived early enough to get seats on the front row, where we could practically drool over the food being prepared in front of us. There were only about 30 to 35 people in the class, making it an intimate and fun experience. Monica chatted us up as if we were all hanging out in her living room, while she provided insights into how she works, creates, lives and breathes cooking. As someone who has been a huge fan of hers for a long time, I nearly vibrated out of my seat with giddy excitement. Thank God they gave us wine to chill us out.
I don't have to tell you, the food was amazing. But I will. THE FOOD WAS AMAZING. One of the many things I have always loved and admired about Monica Pope, is her adamant stance on cooking with fresh, local ingredients. She will take an organic, locally grown, plain-Jane looking vegetable, and turn it into a taste explosion so yummy, you'll never want to stop eating. Last night's meal spared no exception; and now Rhonda and I cannot wait to try out some of these dishes at home. *
However incredible the food experience last night turned out to be, I have to say the best part was the date. Sharing with Rhonda something that we both really, really love; and the added bonus of getting to know a person I've really only known through her food, was 100% delightful. I truly admire and respect Monica for what she preaches through her life's work; and can now say with absolute conviction, that she is every bit of the rockin' human being that she appears to be.
*Local friends, beware the guinea pig feedings!