I’ve known Mark for more than six years and our relationship still feels young. We enjoy exploring new places and new flavors. We open up our minds to new sounds and new ideas. It’s been like that since our first date on a thrift store scavenger hunt in San Francisco.
Moving to Kansas was like moving to another planet. Thank God I had Mark with me for this adventure.
Kansans were friendly to new people, like me but hostile to my home state. It was difficult to balance being friendly and defending the Golden State, without sounding hostile. I couldn’t afford to burn bridges. But now at work and at Bark Park, I think I’ve achieved balance with my Cali roots and my new home. I will always root for the A’s, even if they’re playing the Royals. However, I will cheer on the Royals and Chiefs in other games. That’s because Topeka doesn’t have professional sports and locals turn to Kansas City for their prime time atheletic fix. I think other folks appreciate my wanderlust leading to independent restuarants, business and festivities. Chain stores and food joints are workshipped here in the Heartland. It was a big deal when Chipolte opened up a store in Topeka last month. On the other hand, I guess people like having me play the guinea pig when it comes to trying out new places. Perhaps that helps them explore outside of their comfort zone when they check out my pictures of non-chain establishments in Kansas.
And lord knows, I couldn’t have survived Kansas without Mark. He’s my best friend and my only family in the bible belt. I can go up to him and get a hug, whenever I want. That’s such a blessing for me. I can bitch about my day at work and share the cool stuff we pulled off for the show. And I still learn new things from him…anything from the NASA’s shuttle plans to his adventures with MLB 06 (his new game doesn’t have net connection…so sad). He drives when I’m tipsy and he’s my guinea pig when it comes to new recipes. I love him very much.
On August 26, we celebrated being man and wife for one year…and for being a couple for the last six years. We started off with a fall menu tasting at Freda and Maude.
We picked up coffee and chair for the tasting. Miki whipped up these tasty peach butter pieces and fresh biscuits. Any baked good from Freda and Maude is a winner. And the peach butter had a neat sweet tinge added to that savor buttery goodness.
We headed to Lawrence to check out new playstation games, music and more food. Mark liked this stenciling on 7th Street and Mass. Ave. I think we’re starting a new annivesary tradition, buying CD’s for each other. I fell in love with the Love Garden music store on Mass Ave. An amazing selection of music…and enough to appease my indie soul.
At Pachamamas on New Hampshire, we started off with a flight of red wine. I enjoyed the
Cabernet Sauvignon, from Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma. It had a nice velvet texture, with bright tones an it went well with most of our entrees.
I loved the Kobe Beef Tartare with quail eggs and horseradish foam. The beef tasted amazing - rich, strong and succulent. And for some reason, it works with the soft egg yolk. The horseradish foam tickled my current obsession with Ferran Adrià and el Bulli. The foam was so light but sharp on my nose. And perfect with the beef.
For dessert, the “Truly Madly Deeply” Chocolate Cake with cinnamon-banana ice cream and Grand Marnier truffles. Obviously, I ignored my diet for this weekend. This tasted so rich and decadent. I loved the truffles. The ice cream helped cut through the dark sweetness of this dish.
An amazing annivesary celebration. I can’t wait for the next one!
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