My Recent Meals and the Quest for the Perfect Dinner
Have you ever wondered about the last meal you enjoyed and how it stacked up against others? In this piece, I will take you through a journey of my recent dining adventures, from one of my favorite take-away treats to an exquisite bangladeshi feast that whisked me away to a bygone era.
Fish and Chips - A Classic English Delight
Just lately, I indulged in an unforgettable fish and chips from my favorite chippy. The aroma of the batter, the crispy fish, and those perfectly seasoned chips have made it into a one-of-a-kind meal. I favor a squeeze of lemon on my cod and none on the chips, and it’s just a perfect score. No wonder it rates a perfect 10.
Sausage Sandwich
That was a simple and satisfying sausage sandwich. The combination of savory sausage, sliced neatly between warm slices of toasted bread, was a comforting and enjoyable lunch.
Grilled Octopus
Unfortunately, my next meal, grilled octopus with fennel, did not live up to expectations. Grilled octopus, though a classic Mediterranean dish, was marred by overcooking. It lacked the tender texture that wins the heart of octopus enthusiasts. While it had all the right elements, it seemed both burnt and rubbery. The promise of a delicious meal was dashed by the overcooked fennel and tenderized octopus.
Mince Pie - An Old Favorite
The last thing I ate, a mince pie, was a delightful surprise. For those not familiar, a mince pie is a small, sweet pie with a filling made of minced meat (typically a mix of beef, pork, and wild game), dried fruits, suet, sugar, and sometimes spices. Traditionally, these pies were twice-baked, with the first round allowing the excess fat to run off and the second baking to make them crusty. Back in the days when minced meat was more expensive, mince pies were a practical way to use up leftover ingredients. They’re a quintessentially British treat, and this particular one was a hit!
A Bangladeshi Feast - Meals of Nostalgia and Delight
For a change of scenery, I recently dined at a Bangladeshi restaurant, the place of my youth and a nostalgic return to the past. Returning there after 20 years brought back memories of my younger days. The menu had evolved, reflecting the passing of time, and while the restaurant had a new owner, the food remained exceptional. The meal was a journey through ingredients and flavors, as the dishes were slightly different from what I was used to at other Indian restaurants. Three courses were graciously served, each mouthwatering and top-notch. Dessert tasted like the days gone by, and it was a delightful trip down memory lane.
Minor Annoyance - Fatigue
On a slightly different note, I was momentarily distracted by a trivial memory issue. I had a lapse in memory and had to confirm with my wife what we had for dinner. But then, it all came flooding back - Szechuan fried egg rice! My answer to the perfect dinner was as clear as the day - a delicious, flavorful meal that ticks all the right boxes.
Chickens and Wings
Lastly, I'd like to share a personal preference about chicken wings. While I don’t regularly feast on chicken wings, the two types that stand out in my mind are either BBQ flavor or Garlic Parmesan. The deep flavors and crispouts of these varieties leave an indelible mark on my taste buds, making them my go-to choices when the occasion calls for a winged treat.