Page 22 of Tarek

Archie

Ok your AI skills are getting better. Where is this supposed to be?

Me

bro it’s The Glasshouse.

Archie

How did you get it in?

Me

Long story gtg.

Archie

Wait Pen.

I put the phone away as a statuesque waiter approaches me.

“Good evening, my name is Dreas. Welcome to The Glasshouse.” Dreas gives me a thin leather-bound menu.

My heart beats against my rib cage in excitement.

“Tonight, I will be your guide for your culinary journey.”

“I am excited, Dreas.”

He smiles politely as he begins to explain the menu and its drink pairing. Fresh oysters and a cucumber mignonette. Seared scallops with lemon beurre blanc, lobster bisque, trout almondine. I lost him somewhere around the fourth course then I heard my favorite words.

“To the end of your journey, we will close off with a decadent chocolate fondant. This delicate mousse has a molten velvety chocolate center. Its balance with an in-house made raspberry sorbet.”

My cheeks hurt as I smile. “That is a beautiful contrast.”

“Correct and it also cleanses the palate. I recommend pairing it with a dessert wine.”

All I do is nod. I am a foodie; it’s more than just the taste. I love how food makes people gather together. There is something spiritual when you break bread with family and friends.

As the time floats by, I had the privilege because that is what this is…a privilege, to have dined at The Glasshouse. Dreas was right each plate, evoked my senses. It takes all of me not to scrape the plate where the last streaks of chocolate sauce lays.

Sleep can take me right here on this soft warm booth.

Archer has to get us into this place again.

I’m so lost in thought that I didn’t see Tarek slide into the booth.

He signals the waiter to come to us. Dreas appears at Tarek’s side bending to hear Tarek as he whispers in his ear.

Dreas quickly departs and Tarek turns his attention to me.

“So, how did you enjoy the food.” His voice sounds like smooth soft velvet.

“It was an epicurean adventure,” I reply.

He chuckles low as he rubs the side of his cheek. “Epicurean adventure. Hmm is that a bad or good thing?”

“Oh, it’s a great thing.”

---