June242009
6/13/09 - Iron chef Potluck.
Photo: Kristin & Andrew’s gorgeous cupcake… I wish I had made it.
Two Saturdays ago, Stephen took me to an Iron Chef Potluck competition.
The secret ingredient: basil.
We had no idea what to expect. Stephen had only met Iddo, our host of the night, the week before. The two got along so well that at the last minute, we were added to the guest list for the group’s third competition in Philly.
Way ahead of time, we began exchanging emails back and forth to plan our entry. We even made multiple sketches of our game plan. When the day finally arrived, we set aside the entire afternoon to perfect our dish. It was more than enough time. I suspect we both volunteered our day not so much out of a desire to win, but to spend more time with each other.
We cooked to hip hop. Stephen and I are soulmates on the club floor. I don’t go out so much anymore, now that I am pursuing tango. But it’s still the case that when we dance, the rest of the world disappears. We can dance by ourselves and in crowds with equal ease. Wherever we go, we are usually the ones who get the dancing started. Sometimes, we even take over the floor.
***
Our basil leaves wilted, so we walked a few blocks to buy new ones. The sky was funny that day. It could not make up its mind, touching us sometimes with rainfall, sometimes sunshine.
I feel like this weather is flirting with me, Stephen laughed.
Are you seduced?
Oh no, I’m not fooled.
When we went back to the apartment,
he opened the door and let me through first.
Thank you, I said.
My pleasure.
One of the first things I remember about Stephen is this phrase. He doesn’t say you’re welcome. He says my pleasure, and you can see he means it.
***
You know, you are my second favorite person to cook with,
Stephen told me as I sliced pieces of cheese.
My favorite’s gotta be my mom.
I’m still smiling about the flattering second place,
and the adorable choice of his first.
Stephen and I work seamlessly in the kitchen, helping each other out, cleaning as we go. We cook together the way we dance.
***
The Iron Chef Potluck Entries:
Tomato Soup with Basil Puree (Doug)
Shredded Duck Lettuce Wraps (Zhanna, Holly and Neil)
Mini Basil Gorgonzola Burger (Jodi and Jon)
Potato Salad (Ben)
Scallops with Basil Pesto Pasta (Lauren and Iddo)
Chicken Parmesan with a Twist [Fried Cheese on top] & Pesto Mashed Potatoes (Stephen & ABby)
Chocolate Cupcakes with Basil Orange Infused Buttercream Frosting
with a Chocolate-covered Basil Leaf (Kristin and Andrew)
See more photos in my Flickr Album.
***
Stephen and I took the title for the night. We were up against amazing competition, but I think the fried cheese instantly swayed the men’s opinions in our favor. It helped too, that we bribed everyone with a bonus round of bruschetta, made more delicious with sprinkles of brown sugar.
