A New Project

This post is a bit of a deviation from my Marjorie Standish project.  It's a deviation and a celebration.  I am a fan of celebrations in general, but I am an even bigger fan when there is an actual milestone to celebrate.  For me, it's a venture into food writing.

I love food.  Sharing a meal tops my list of favorite things to do.  I love the intimacy, the language of the menu, the anticipation, and the meal's delivery. I love restaurants themselves, too.  When plate glass windows get steamy because of the cold rain outside?  Or the first outdoor patio seating in early summer?  I love the hum and rhythm of the waitstaff, the sounds of kitchen tools, and the occasional glimpse of a fiery brick oven.

My husband and I do not live a lavish lifestyle, and in this economy, we are extra careful with our money.  Our household budget is stretched on the tightest of shoe strings.  Our budget is stretched, but every Sunday we have a standing restaurant date.  Old favorites, diners, fancy decor, the quest for pho, the quest for noodles-we consider this time and money an important investment in our relationship.  The rest of the week is a crapshoot of scheduling and demands and projects and late night gigs, but Sunday afternoon?  That's when the rest of the world gets put on hold, and for a couple hours it is just two people and a shared table of something indulgent.  Or something simple.  Or a sandwich.  We love it all.

So, imagine my delight that I now get to share the best of dining options in the best of states (Maine!!) with a dedicated audience!  I am so very excited about the opportunity to contribute food experiences for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram.

Starting with a longtime Portland institution, Bintliff's American Cafe.

Enjoy!

Challenge:  What are your passions?  Make a list. Now think of ways to prioritize those passions into your weekly routine.