A Quick Bite of Appreciation

Tea: Iced Chai

Music: The Who, "Eminence Front"

Time: Night.

I like to cook. Occasionally, I even love it. And I'm not bad -- or so I hear from time to time.

But I still envy the people who can be handed random ingredients and make magic. The food whisperers, if you will.

The Iron Chefs (one of whom I once got to meet) come to mind, obviously. But they're just the most famous examples.

I'm in awe of anyone with an intuitive knack for what is both art and craft -- as well as a basic human need. To look at a piece of fish, heft a melon, sniff a bunch of herbs and know just what should be done with each, for how long and in combination with this or that -- well, that's a fine gift.

And while I might not have it, I'm not jealous. Just appreciative of those who do, and who share it with the rest of us.

Why do I bring this up?

Because many times I use this space to rant or gripe ... and tonight I just felt like raising a cup to artists of the culinary stripe.

The Faces of New York

Tea: Earl Grey Bluestar

Music: Autumn's Grey Solace, "Eve"

Time: Morning (tea)/ Night (writing)

So many faces here. So many colors (skin, eyes, hair.)

It could be overwhelming, if I let it. Sometimes it threatens to be overwhelming, whether I let it or no.

What saves it from being so is the humanity of this city. I expected masks, focused on getting from Point A to Point B with neither time nor inclination for interaction.

It's both humbling and gratifying to admit that I was so wrong.

I've seen so many smiles here. Genuine smiles. From sidewalk vendors, from a guy on the subway with the greatest hoodie I've ever seen (it was red, with a skeleton on the front, back and hood). From an Iron Chef, who shook my hand.

(I have to credit the often-mentioned friend/collaborator/kindred spirit Seánan Forbes for that. She took me to Morimoto for lunch, then bounded over to ask if he'd say hello to me after he walked in near the end of the meal. I was too much the fanboy to say hi.)

And those are only three of the faces. There have been hundreds. More likely, thousands.

And I'm here until Saturday.

I really never thought I'd say this ... but I think I just might love New York.