February Is For Valentines

   Okay, I finally got it. You'd think I'd know as a woman, about Valentine's Day.  It's not celebrated the day before or after, otherwise, "My girlfriend won't be a happy camper!" (Hmmm how could I forget that?  I myself had to remind Pete about the protocol.  Of course that was a while ago.)  Last year, I offered the Valentine's Day Special a day and night earlier, and after, only to get that response.  I tried lunchtime too, but, no takers. 

   Ho-kay den. We'll be open on Sunday, Valentine's Day on February 14th.  The first seating is at 4pm and last seating at 8:30pm.  Early reservations will be discounted to $50. At the door, it's $60.

Join me at The Chef's Table

   I'm also offering a reservation for singles at The Chef's table at 4pm.  No need to stay home on Valentine's Day.  Come and keep me company for dinner.

Our Valentine's Menu

*French Onion Soup

*Crimini Mushroom "Escargot", 

MacNut Garlic Butter

*Caesar with Sunflower Seed Croutons & Nori 

*Living Lasagna

*Wicked Chocolate Tart with

+ Riko's Vanilla-Mint Ice Kreme

   If you haven't been following me on Facebook, Riko arrived on January 31st from Japan, to "intern" at Greens & Vines, and is also my new "roomie."  It's because of her that I totally de-cluttered my home starting on January 1st, right up to 15 minutes before picking her up at the airport on the 31st.  I dropped my last load off at the Salvation Army and electronics at Best Buy, then circled back to Kmart for black and green hangers, before heading to the airport.  Perfect!!! What a joy to learn from each other.

 

RSVP: 536-9680 Now

$50 Early Reservations, $60 at the Door

"Kansya"

(Japanese word for appreciation and gratitude)

   When I saw a large floral arrangement of red roses last year in the restaurant kitchen on Valentine's Day, Pete had just gone into the hospital the day before.  With all the other ladies in the kitchen Valentine worthy, I wondered whose roses they were.  It looked like the ones Pete got for me from Jr. & Lou's for years, but I didn't want to assume.  Wing said that they were for me, and that Travis had delivered them for Pete.  It warmed my heart and made me realize and appreciate how my man planned for me, for us.  Now I'm giving back the roses to Pete each time I scatter the petals into the ocean. 

   It's so wonderful to read about love my friends share on Facebook, like a friend's happiness in hearing his wife's laughter and voice upon opening the door.  Like the surprise message(s) my son leaves for Shanna.  "For:  My very special lady friend love Trav."

   I was very fortunate that Pete made it a point to take me almost everywhere he traveled.  To as many dinner parties or meetings I chose to attend.  To the male dominated Burgundy Club (at which I was often either the only woman or one of two or three attending).  We traveled through the United States in the major states, cruised from Barcelona to Istanbul, flew twice to Mexico, twice to Canada, three times to Paris, and the Champagne, and Burgundy districts, sharing our love of gourmet food, wine, and jazz.  Sure we had our dark days, but we both learned from those and it made us become very close and not take our relationship for granted.  We loved till his dying day.

     Riko taught me several words that convey appreciation or gratitude from the heart instead of just a Thank You.  The one that can be used universally is "Kansya," (pronounced like the marijuana weed, Ganja-oops how would I know that?).  While the one used before eating with the universal hands in prayer position is, "Itadakimasu."  The one expressed after eating, "Gochisou samadesita," again with hands in prayer position, again conveys appreciation or gratitude. 

   Before I close this newsletter I'd like to express my deepest Kansya to all of you who have supported our business and helped us attain the Gold Hale Aina Award.  I finally put the plaque up today, and I know Pete's beaming his Kansya down on you too.  You're making my dream come true, which is to spread and popularize tasty gourmet vegan food, and the Award is the icing on the cake.  

Un-Cooking Class:

Set aside the date

Sunday, March 13th

from 12-3pm

Kaffir Miso Pad Thai (by popular demand)

$65 register now  

I will be traveling to Amsterdam with my sister to visit my nephew, his girlfriend and their new baby boy. Leaving on February 17th, and return on March 3rd, so no Un-cooking classes in February.  

There may be a second Un-cooking class in March, as our first Lasagna class in January was filled so we had a second one to accommodate the waitlist.