Elevator Music

As anticipated (though not mentioned), three weeks is too long to wait. I've been uncomfortably nostalgic and sensitive, and anxious, to discover the life that awaits me. But, three weeks seems to have been just enough time to leisurely reconnect with those who matter. We enjoyed a family barbecue last night, and in the days before, I've caffeinated/lunched/museum-ed/hiked/picnic-ed/happy hour-ed with the best of friends. This past Sunday is of special note, too. La crème de la crème and I dined at The Cleveland...
From beginning to end, it was the perfect meal experience. We shared a bottle of crisp and chilled rosé, our appetites soon piqued with the addition of black sesame bread, soft orange blossom butter, and jalapeño pesto. As the sun set on the streets of New York, we savored Chef Max Sussman's New American cuisine (e.g. brussels sprouts salad, crisp duck pastry, grilled whole eggplant) with more wine. Then, much to my surprise, our waiter treated us to almond cake (served with a fantastic rhubarb curd and creme fraiche gelato) for dessert and "good luck in LA". Had the ladies not enticed me with a digestif at Mother's Ruin, I may have never left. What I am sure of: I most definitely miss their company already.