The Wandering Foodie

The winding drive led down through the vineyards where gleaming tall vines of grapes stood ripening in the northern sun. The restaurant is simple but well appointed. I’ve made a reservation for one. Just me. Tonight I’m not eating dinner in the usual way, i.e. on the floor watching Netflix or working on my laptop or both.

Instead, I’m eating in a dining room that is spacious, cool, and inviting. Classic Motown tunes play on the speakers. Two women sip wine at the bar in front of the wood-fired brick oven. The menu is full of variety and nuance featuring rich, locally sourced flavors. I choose the double cheeseburger with arugula, smoked cheddar, pickled onions, and garlic-paprika aioli. The sandwich wows me when I see it in person making me hope I can finish the beef beast. I do and it gives me the energy I need to tackle an evening climb on the Dunes and watching the evening sky darken over Lake Michigan.

Tonight, I’m not thinking about morning meetings, datasets, or the evening news. It’s just the peace, comfort, and joyful tiredness at the end of great day.