I could have sworn I talked about our visiting professor who took me out to lunch back in September or October, but apparently I’m mistaken. Anyhow, we have a lovely visiting professor who hails from Ireland. She collarborates with several professors at UF, and she’s just so pleasant and friendly. She was in the states this week after having gone to a conference in Daytona, and she dropped by to invite me and my boss to lunch again. My boss couldn’t make it, but Professor Wonderful and I made arrangements to go for an early lunch to allow me time to go home and feed the baby in a timely manner.
So, I got to pick where we ate, and I picked Chop Stix Café — a delightful little Pan-Asian restaurant right off of Bivens Arm (a lake). I had never been there before and thought it was an excellent opportunity to try them out. They have a gorgeous view of the lakeside of Bivens Arm, where you see white ibis, ducks, alligators, hawks, and other such wildlife going about their daily business. I chose a bowl of udon (thick Japanese noodles). I absolutely adore pasta and noodles of all types, and I knew I would love udon. I was so right. The udon was prepared lo mein style with tender chunks of chicken, crisp slices of carrots, fresh zucchini chunks, strips of scallions, and slices of onions. It was everything my noodle-loving self had hoped for. To end the meal properly, I ordered a scoop of red bean (azuki) ice cream. I know what you’re thinking — BEAN ice cream?! Yes, in Japan and other asian countries they have different ideas of what constitutes dessert. I, however, have the knowledge that azuki are actually quite sweet. The ice cream? It was delectable! The presentation, the flavor, the color, the texture — everything about it was a foodie’s fantasy. I now wish I had a carton of the stuff. Next time I fully intend to try the green tea (matcha) ice cream.
Today I am so very grateful for good company, good food, and for good fortunes. Of course I still got a fortune cookie! Today’s piece of wisdom: “Minutes are worth more than money. Spend them wisely.”
I distinctly remember reading about this lunch. Trust me…I rarely forget anything having to do with food. Still can’t wrap my mind around bean ice cream. I’ll have to take your word for it.