my new things

So, I have decided to be more open about trying things. Especially food. Growing up I never was given many different foods. Just the basic meat and potatoes kind of family. Then along came my husband, who was the opposite of me. Always willing to try something at least once. He would try and bribe me to try new and, what seemed to me, strange things. Alas I have opened my mind, well a bit anyways.

Recently we were invited to the Oregon Culinary Institute for dinner. First I have to say the school is amazing and the food, the students make, is more than amazing. They use locally grown, in season produce which makes the experience even more enjoyable. Before going, I told my husband that I wanted to try something new. Not just one thing but all four courses needed to be something new or something I would not normally order. I started off with the butternut squash fritter with quince dipping sauce which also included thyme, which I not only found unique but intriguing. I then had the roasted pumpkin salad, to die for, with frisée, pickled raisins, toasted hazelnuts and dry jack cheese with Saba vinaigrette. Then for my main course I had the grilled venison– parsnip and potato purée, glazed cippolini onions, cavolo nero and sauce Muscovite. And to top off the evening I had the Angel food cake with a sorbet trio.

I have to say it was one of the most fascinating eating experiences I have ever had. I have never eaten veal and had said many times in the past that I would never eat veal. I feel ashamed for not discovering this sooner. It gave me new hope that there are foods out there, that if I am willing to just give a try I will not only like them but possibly love them...