Busy schedules and the swift passage of time often keep us separated from friends much longer than we'd like, but what a blessing to be able to pick-up right where we left off when we reconnect as though no time had lapsed at all.
I had that experience today when I had lunch with a dear friend I've known for many years. We were trying to determine when we last saw each other, and it was probably Dec. 2010 at a Christmas tea I coordinated at Ardmore Park Place. My friend, Valerie, is on my left in the 2010 photo below.
Today's Meet-up
We went to a quaint shopping area called "The Village" on Kercheval Ave. in Grosse Pointe, MI, near her house. We started out at Marais Market - a place that sells gourmet and specialty foods and much more. I couldn't resist taking a picture of their Macaron counter.
Whoever does their ordering/buying isn't into tea because there was only one sparse shelf designated to tea. Twinings and Tea Forte were the only two teas represented. They did, however, have a large assortment of Kombucha in their refrigerated section. Surprisingly, there's no tearoom in this upscale area that would be so conducive to one.
We walked a few doors down and decided to have lunch at Koi Nu Asian [an Asian Fusion Restaurant]. The colorful Japanese lanterns were very festive in the newly opened restaurant.
We shared an appetizer of Crispy Egg Rolls - very good.
Val ordered an Arnold Palmer, and I ordered a cup of Japanese Sencha. [The only two hot tea choices were Sencha and Matcha.] The Sencha's flavor profile was grassy/vegetal [like cooked spinach], but it wasn't astringent. My taste buds didn't declare it Um Um Good with the first sip, but the more I drank the more my palate became accustomed to it, and I finished it with satisfaction.
I ordered Teriyaki Chicken. This was their generous lunch portion. I used a fork instead of chopsticks, and the Teriyaki was very tasty. Have you mastered the knack of using chopsticks?
It was a delightful afternoon, and Val and I said we'd get together again soon. I drove home with a thankful heart as I reflected on the blessing of friendship!
Friends like that are a true blessing! I love all the colored lanterns in that restaurant, and the pictures of your food have made me really hungry. I might have to find some Chinese food for lunch tomorrow. I eat it with a fork, too. My 6-year-old granddaughter is learning to eat with chopsticks, and tried to show me how, but I'm not a good student. :-)
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