Appetizing Muse

Wilbert and I had a rather low-key Valentine's Day. We exchanged cards and gifts: his to me was a black ink tank for my printer which I asked for, and I gave him two big bags of pistachio nuts. I'm not one to celebrate maudlin holidays, even though I wrote an article about St. Valentine last year, but I'm often struck by how sentimental my husband is. There were tears in his eyes as he read the lines in the card I gave him, which I found touching. On the other hand, I read his card to me and then went back to work. I'm not comfortable with mush-in-person, I'd much rather write about it.

Our last experience at Golden Corral a few months ago was not the best. The food seemed to float in excess grease and we both went home feeling rather ill. So today we decided to try the Old Country Buffet near our house for lunch. It was our first time in the place. We went around eleven o'clock before the midday crowds. Wilbert tried the meat loaf, stuffing and fried chicken while I sampled Spanish rice, cheese enchiladas, sautéed whitefish, kernel corn and vanilla pudding. We did manage to swipe one chicken leg for the dogs, which I hastily stashed in a plastic baggie in my purse. I know this is not the kosher thing to do, but it's not as if I loaded up a side of beef and tried to make a getaway.

The food was good, and I also liked the atmosphere much better. The selection of dishes at Old Country Buffet is smaller, but I prefer it that way. When there is too much choice one tends to eat everything in sight. As it was, I jokingly told my husband we could take turns rolling each other out of the restaurant back to the car.

For our third wedding anniversary later this month, we'll be trying the Shogun Restaurant in the downtown area of Spokane. Two of my favorite foods are Mexican and Japanese, and I'm slowly breaking my husband in to various Asian specialties. I would love to take him to Benihana but the nearest restaurant to us is located in Seattle.

Shogun is said to be quite similar to Benihana, so I'm looking forward to the experience with great anticipation.