Girls' Night Out

We decide to find an eatery we have not frequented recently. Though we talked about Indian cuisine, we ended up at a place over on the east side of the city, nestled in a charming little cluster of specialty stores cuddled beside the canal called Aladdin's Natural Eatery.

I used to shop at a toy store there which sold toys that kids loved and were good for them at the same time. Pricey, but even when I barely had two nickels to rub together, worth the investment to challenge and build minds. Besides, they had all kinds of displays that kids could play with, and the boys got absorbed with things there for hours. Nice break for Mom, good list making event for Santa.

Parking is a bit of a challenge, but we find a place near the restaurant and enjoy the short walk in the chill of the evening air. The place is in the final gasps of summer tourism, just empty enough to be enjoyable. We manage to find the front door and step inside. The place is bustling, filled with tables of customers indulging in wonderful foods. The counter by the hostess station boasts all kinds of decadent desserts and we drool over them while waiting to be seated.

Our table is downstairs - we refuse the outdoors option. Too chilly. I look over the menu, quickly realizing that any restaurant that offers natural food does not have the kinds of things I can eat. I know better than to go with anything garlic laden ("but everything we cook has lots of garlic in it - its so good for you!" the waitress exclaims).

There are only 2 things on the menu that I feel comfortable trying. One is a cheese ravioli (despite the garlic, and I would have to ask that there be no tomato sauce). Instead, I go with the chicken dish. After we order, we sit shivering, trying to converse. Finally we ask a passing waitress to close the door to the patio, which she does. That's better.

Our food comes - it is very delicious though my plate has lots of greenery trim that I cannot eat. We chat, catching up on family, events, issues - my son's upcoming wedding, one friend's parents, the other friend's uncle. The setting sun glints multi colors off the water in the canal as we enjoy being together in the breaking of bread (and other goodies).

At last we are stuffed and the sun hangs low in the horizon. We are all ready for a cozy nap by a crackling fireplace, but we tear ourselves away, quickly wandering past the dessert counter with not so much as a regret. With a sigh, we climb into the car and settle in for the drive back to the west side where we will go our separate ways.

The evening has been like a cherry cordial - sweet and satisfying, a cherished time of fellowship and camaraderie. I am so grateful for good friends who graciously listen to me whine, then move on to better subjects without ostracizing me for being less than fun.