The other night I had dinner with a friend at my favorite neighborhood Italian spot, Noodle Pudding. My friend is a regular. Beyond a regular. They actually drilled a small name plate with his name onto the bar, laying permanent claim to his usual perch.
It's no surprise when you are an extremely loyal patron that the kitchen might send out an item or two on the house from time to time. In fact, it would be downright inhospitable if they didn't. So, I wasn't at all taken aback when my pal informed me that dessert was going to probably be heading our way -- compliments of the chef.
I was picturing Tiramisu, Panna Cotta or a wedge of Italian Ricotta Cheesecake. Instead, it was fruit. A straightforward plate of fruit. One look and I was instantly wary of my friend's "pull" at Noodle Pudding.
One bite changed that opinion in a flash. A simple dessert? Yes. An unworthy finish to a delicious dinner? Hell to the no!
Just a few nibbles into the juicy white flesh of sliced Persian melon and the plump sweet red raspberries and blueberries that also adorned the plate, and I realized that my pal has some serious influence. This was some seriously good fruit. And, I was seriously satisfied.
Goes to show, sometimes it's really all about the ingredients. (And, the friend you're sitting next to too!)
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