Let's Do Lunch

Nothing soothes the soul quite like it, satisfies your mind and body so fully or quenches the spirit in such a manner; in the category of “let’s put this on the agenda to thank a higher authority for”, it would have to be… lunching with the ladies.  This is an amazing phenomenon, obviously created by a woman, of an epicure marvel that has been around for centuries and is a celebrated rite of passage in probably every country around the world.

The dynamics of such a dining occasion can be so varied that to the untrained eye may take on an unfamiliar look and go relatively unnoticed as to the level of fulfillment it actually is achieving.  Great thought may go into the location, or not.  Celebrations of birthdays, discussion of highly sensitive matter (such as shopping, husbands or premenopausal symptoms) or the need to pamper one’s self may get the preferential nod in selecting an above average restaurant.  Ambience is a factor, as is the level of hustle and bustle and ones wish to be seen or be tucked quietly in the shadows for a hush-hush conversation, knowledge of cleanliness of the restrooms and how quickly service will be contributes to the equation of choosing “the place”.  The food plays only a secondary role in the determination of where to feast and should be pointed out loud and clear when it is a known fact that it is nasty, too expensive or far too little of it, which translates into a big, stay away.  On the other hand, there is an exception to food policy when there is a need of one of the members of the lunch party to indulge in a specific delicacy to satisfy a craving for emotional, physiological, or monthly reasons, and then consideration of the victuals must be duly given.

The single most important criteria in a successful lunching event would be the “who”.  I have had the privilege to indulge in delicious delectables in the company of many practiced lunch-bunchers.  I have had lunch with one and with many.  Business associates, cohorts and acquaintances have expanded my horizons in lunchrooms, quaint teahouses and five-star emporiums.  Never limit your lunch dates and let the journey take you where it may.  The luxury of feasting mid-day with several who gathered at a well appointed table with fine china, crystal and silver, tiaras firmly in place to help make merry and to rejoice in camaraderie, the New Year and a book of inscrutable intent made for unforgettable moments and likelihood that we come together again for another fabulous reason… like celebrating a Monday or Tuesday or that my hair turned out okay that day.

I must go on record (for my future well being and lunch redemptions) that I am not saying that doing lunch with your angel-face isn’t a gratifying, exceptional experience, it is.  It is just that this shared event with your loved one is pleasurable on a unique level with the discussion and eating, shall we say, at a limited yet quite agreeable degree.  Not better or worse, just different.

As you can see it is the nourishment of the company you keep.  Take time to “do lunch” and have your people call their people – you’ll be glad you did.

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life. Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area.

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-