Dinner Conversation

Hubby is tired from his Phoenix flight and in the mood for sushi. I'm utterly delighted because he normally wants to go straight home after an all-day flying session; but who can blame him when we have our choice of Bad Airline or Even Worse Airline? But his particular desire to eat sushi tonight springs from necessity; he has consumed only three bags of peanuts (because Bad Airline out of Atlanta has given up all pretense of customer service) in 9 hours. We are in Atlanta. That means Chris at MF Sushibar.

An hour of superb omakase later, we're both in much mellower moods. Hubby is infinitely more relaxed. The Sapporos have helped him to lose his edge; and the cold sake is bringing about a rounded state of bliss.

I think some of the best conversations I've ever engaged in have happened over great meals. Some of the most profound, funny, sad, and exciting discussions. Some of the most passionate; and sometimes angry. Sometimes I like sitting at a restaurant and watching how other people interact, how they commune over food, how they share food and talk about the best things they ever ate, the happiest things they remember, the worst things they've experienced. Hubby and I have had our share of sweet, funny and thoughtful conversations. At our French Laundry excursion, our conversation was hushed, reverent, in keeping with our awe over the food. At the Palm in L.A., we pondered the cult of celebrity worship when we were seated across from a table of L.A. Lakers players. At our favorite dive bars and holes-in-the-wall, we've talked about books and music and politics. At a cafe in San Francisco, I got a crash course about the Beat Generation.

But at MF Sushibar this night, we are in fine form. Plate after plate of Chris' thoughtful selections are savored, oohed over, and consumed. During a lull, I lean over and ask him:

"Do you want me to teach you that soliloquy?"

He nods. "Sure."

"Okay, here's the full text first." I recite a monologue that has been keeping us steadily amused (he only recently discovered that I know this piece by heart). We both crack up. It's hard not to; then, I tell him: "Now repeat after me: 'During the rectification of the Vuldronaii...'"

"During the recommendation of the Vuldron...Vul-what?"

"RecTIFICAtion of the Vul-droh-nai; that's V-u-l-d-r-o-n-a-i-i," I spell.

"Rectification of the Vuldronaii..."

"The Traveler came as a very large and moving Torb!" I wave hands in the air to emphasize the grandeur of this image (which somehow still conjures up a fat green tomato worm).

"Tor?"

"Torb. T-o-r-b."

"The Traveler came as a large moving Torb!" (He doesn't wave his arms)

"Very large and moving Torb!" I correct. "Okay. Then, of course, during the third reconciliation of the last of the Meketrex supplicants..."

"Mechanics?"

I shake my head. "Meketrex! Meketrex supplicants!"

"Say it again," he demands.

"Then, of course, during the third reconciliation of the last of the Meketrex supplicants, they chose a new form -- that of a giant Sloar!" Adding: "Don't forget to raise your voice on the end."

He repeats it. Sort of.

"Many Shubs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Sloar that day, I'll tell you!"

"Subs and Zoos?"

"SHubs and ZOOLs."

"Shubs and Zuuls. Many Shubs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Sloar that day I'll tell you!"

Ah yes; the sophistication of our conversations cannot be believed unless you actually witness it in action. Hubby has the excuse of beer and cold sake. What have I got?

And why do I want marshmallows?

Comments

[Kimberly]

LOL ... Someone was recommending their favorite food 'blogs, and this came up. That's not what's funny, though. What's funny is how I nearly jumped out of my seat at 'During the rectification of the Vuldronaii...'

I've had that whole thing memorized for ... ack, too long to really say! Over a decade, and closer to two!

Marshmallows are definitely in order! Have you made them before? I just made a batch last week, and yum! They didn't try climbing up the side of my building, though! ;)

Thanks for the laugh!

[Cathy Hong-Praslick]

Yes! Oh yes, a fellow sympathizer, a compatriot! And I've probably had this thing memorized for about two decades too...ack, where has the time gone?! Haven't tried making marshmallows yet -- can you share a recipe? Thanks for making ME smile!

[Kimberly]

Sure thing! Actually, I have pics of the whole first escapade here: http://www.livejournal.com/users/simplykimberly/206296.html I'm starting up a new food blog, and I should move that over there soon. But in the meantime, enjoy! If you've got a good mixer, you're set - marshmallows are dead easy, really, and SOOOOOOOOO good! As long as they aren't trying to kill you, I mean!

[Cath]

Hey Kimberly! Thanks so much, can't wait to get started on these...