Audie Boo

In some people’s lives food is not important. I am amazed at people who go through life without appreciating the pleasure and love derived from food. I wrote yesterday how my son likes to show his love for the women in his life through food gestures – Audrey is no different.

Last night Audrey took me to dinner at the restaurant where she works as a hostess and as a server assistant, Next Door. It is the sister restaurant to Red Drum and is literally located, next door. Audrey has been working there for a little over a month but has yet to enjoy any of the food. She often comes home talking about how wonderful certain menu items look. She anxiously waited for a night she could try this food and she wanted to treat me to the experience with her.

I cringe at the thought of my children spending their money on me. I also cringe at the thought of my children spending money on food as there is usually always something at the house for them to eat. But this was different. This was Audrey wanting to treat me to a special dining experience. It was her wanting to show her independence and to create a memory whether she realized it or not.

I loved how she studied the menu after we were seated. She discussed the items with me and balanced out what are dishes would be so they would flow together and be just enough so there would be room for dessert. After she ordered for us, the chef sent out two cups of soup for us to try. I was thrilled as it was an item on the menu I wanted to taste but we had not chosen. I told Audrey that was a very special gesture to receive a sampling from the chef. I was worried she wouldn’t try the soup. As impressed as I am at her wanting to have this dinner experience with me, her pallet can be somewhat limited. In addition, Audrey has a habit of eating her food without savoring what she is eating. But as I was saying this to her and tasting mine I looked over and not only had she tried the soup, she had a pleasant smile on her face. “This is so good!!!” I asked her what she tasted as I knew she probably didn’t look over that item on the menu as I had. “Lime, I taste lime and a strong spice.” The soup Chef sent to us was Thai Coconut with Kaffir Lime. It was sublime. Just as we were finishing the wonderful soup, Chef came out and spoke to Audrey. It made a mother proud. He graciously introduced himself and told me what a wonderful daughter I had. Audrey thinks the world of him and as I told her upon his departure, he obviously thinks very highly of you.

Our starters arrived next and the one item Audrey could not wait to try was the Raviolo. Raviolo is a large ravioli pasta filled with poached egg, ham, house made ricotta and brown butter. This was served to her and the other item we ordered, Fettucini “Clams Tobias” with White Wine, Cream, Bacon and Herbs. As we halved each and placed the orders on side plates, Audrey was able to try the Raviolo first. “Oh mom this is so good – there is cinnamon dusted over it!” She wouldn’t even look up – as she dove in to another bite she remarked, “this reminds me of Aunt Tracey.”

For our entrée we shared swordfish with artichokes and a syrah fig reduction. It was fabulous. The fish was cooked to perfection and the flavors superb. Audrey limited herself to the entrée as she anxiously anticipated dessert. There was a triple chocolate dessert she couldn’t wait to dive in to. As the dessert menu was brought to us, we were informed the chocolate dish was unavailable (shhh, don’t tell, it all melted). While disappointed this just meant she would move on to choice number two, the cheesecake.

This wasn’t just any cheesecake though – it was goat cheese with a pistachio crust. Can I just say – Oh.My.God! This is by far the best tart I have ever eaten in my life – Audrey didn’t even speak – but sweetly let me share. This is definitely a recipe I am in need of.

The evening was exquisite. My baby girl and I had a wonderful time together. I was able to meet the people she works with and hear all the wonderful things they have to say about her – I couldn’t have been more proud. Audrey treated me to an incredible meal and a fabulous memory. I am so grateful to her for wanting to show her love through the pleasure of food. What an amazing young lady – I am so fortunate she is my daughter.

I love you Audrey Frances Bowman – thank you for being you!