People
make the claim about a variety of foods. Pizza is usually the
most common. Idea expressed is that even when it’s bad, it’s still
pretty good. Or, alternatively, even when it’s bad, it’s still
better than most other options.
Honestly,
I’m not so sure. And over the years I’ve found that when it comes
to most types of food, the reality is that something is not always
better than nothing.
But
then there’s cake.
Let’s
admit the truth here, cake is amazing. We’re talking delivered
from the heavens stuff.
Still,
if you’re going to tell me there’s no such thing as bad cake,
well, you’re wrong. It’s actually become one of my rules for bakeries
as a result. If I like a bakery and think I might be back, I usually
make it a point to try cake and perhaps a brownie. If you’re claiming
to be a bakery and you can’t make a brownie, then you should close
your doors. I know… and you do as well… there are some horrendous
bakeries out there that couldn’t make a good brownie even if you
just let them use a box mix instead of their crappy recipe.
(But
I might be heading off the track.)
Have
you ever moved?
Ok,
you can put your hands down. I actually mean where relocated means
you relocated, not changed your address to something a few streets
down and less than ten minutes by car back to your parents. I
mean, not quite sure how to get to your house for a few weeks,
moved.
People
think about all sorts of stuff when it comes to a new house. Schools,
commute to work and a yard for the dogs. The idea that there won’t
be terrific food may be on the list, but it normally isn’t right
at the top. And yet, there you are, in your new home with no clue
where to go to find a decent pizza.
I
moved out of my parents’ house about thirty years ago. Two apartments,
one rental house, and two home purchases. More if you include
college addresses. I have yet to find pizza within twenty miles
of any of those locations that would crack the top five spots
for pizza within five miles of mom and dad. And Chinese food?
Forget it. We go to visit family almost as much for the food as
we do to see those we love. (But please don’t tell them that.
They think we’re heading to town to visit them, not to order clam
chowder, hot wieners and egg rolls.)
Funny
thing about all those moves. We did find new places to enjoy for
other things. Friends often recommended places that were brilliant
and became regular spots for us to go. That might just be where
our philosophy needs to be modified in order to truly work.
It’s
not that all pizza is good. Because, it’s not. But there are certain
things that when we’re looking for them, it’s a complete picture
of what they are providing that is significantly more than the
item itself.
The
pizza could be horrendous. But if I’m surrounded by friends, and
we’re playing cards or watching a movie or just sitting outside,
it’s quite possible the company will overcome the food quality.
Yesterday,
Terry decided she wanted some cake. Yellow cake. Chocolate frosting.
I already had to go to the store, but wasn’t planning on multiple
stops. Don’t judge me. Box cake. Container of frosting. She loved
it. Occasionally it’s just an offering of what we are looking
for that makes its mark.
In
a few nights, we plan to throw some steaks on the grill. Will
probably toss a few pineapple slices on with them. I’ve got a
horseradish cream sauce I’ve been making lately (and might just
be close to perfecting). We’ll add some baked potatoes, maybe
even some fresh asparagus. It will be a great meal.
For
the purposes of this essay though, it’s not about the fancy meals.
I think the good part comes from getting the most out of it. And
toward that end, having a bowl of cereal with my wife is just
fine. Because even when the cereal isn’t great, with company like
that it’s still really good.