Of Butter and PhD worries!
Ambiance is crucial to fine dining. “Butter” in Chicago is just that: stylish, elegant, with just the right dash of suggestive red in its decor.
Soft jazz plays in the background, fine red wine and to die for Hor’devoures circulate endlessly, the soft clink of glasses, the aroma of cinnamon, the rustle of fine silk and cashmere, complete the picture in this West Loop restaurant.
Except, except ,I was in the middle of the polka dotted lounge, across the velvet red bar, surrounded by my fellow PhD students and my Professors! The conversation drowning the bewitching music in the background was so unfortunately centered around : How far are you in your PhD? which conference are you attending? Are you planning to teach next semester!!! When are you taking your prelims? Have you read this particular author yet? What news of your scholarship? Oh bother!!!
As I watched the bartender caress the glasses behind the bar, surveying each shapely glass with a trained yet tender eye; my Cabarnet Sauvignon from Dynamite Vineyards swirling seductively in my wine glass, me sitting on the bar stool, fading out the shop talk, I wished for a fraction of a second, it was me in his hands instead!
Negotiating the menu at the dinner table however produced some lighter moments. The delectable dishes had exotic and not-quite pronounceable French names. Created by one of the best chefs in the country, Ryan Poli; it proved to be a tongue twister for the many Chinese, Korean , Italian and Indian students. I turned to my Advisor for help, as always.
In case anyone is wondering what I had for the main entree, it was the Lamb En Crepinette. How was it? Well, I haven’t ever tried French cuisine, so I found it strange to my untutored palate. It was almost as if I could taste the different spices and feel them leave distinct yet unrecognizable flavors, that disconcerted me. And for a moment there, I became the gourmand, and forgot my PhD worries, sinking into the bliss of the cushions and letting the flavors stun me, tease my senses, relax me!
Cheers to my School for a lovely Friday evening!
