Losing a part of me

Yesterday went about according to plan. The only aberration was the cupcake that I shared with Leslie. She had bought four the previous day and there was one left. Other than that, we had our salad for lunch, and in the evening, we went to the Davidoff dinner at The Cigar Lounge at Chamberlain’s. The food was magnificent, although we did have to tread carefully to avoid eating treyf.

Treyf is the Yiddish word used for something that is not kosher. While Leslie and I do not observe the laws of kashruth (kosher) as strictly as some, we nonetheless do not eat pork or seafood, and we will not mix dairy with meat.

Of the three appetizers that were provided for us, two had pork in them. They did agree to bring us the deviled eggs without the bacon toppings, and they eventually confirmed that the bison meat balls did not contain any pork. We then had to contend with the salad (which they originally brought with cheese), and the potatoes (all of their usual options contain dairy; they did offer us a baked potato, which was delicious). Of the main course options, three of them were fine, and we both opted for the filet mignon. It was out of this world! I paired these with a Diet Coke with a wedge of lemon. Eventually one of the attendees ordered a glass of bourbon for everyone, and I drank mine and part of Leslie’s (she does not like bourbon at all). When all is said and done, this was a cheat meal… but not a particularly bad cheat.

This morning I started out with an omelette, and then I went to Starbucks to get coffee for us to enjoy on the balcony with a cigar. Leslie’s morning schedule was light, and she had her phone with her in case there were any urgent calls or e-mails. Our lunch was our usual salad from our favourite place. I find it interesting that I actually prefer my salads from there with tofu over the chicken. It is not only because I can have the creamy dressings when I choose to, but also because their chicken is not the best. I still love chicken… just not theirs. At the same time, I do not mind their tofu… but I am not rushing to start preparing tofu steaks at home.

We have not decided what we will do about dinner this evening, but we will figure that out soon enough. I am teaching until 8:00pm, and then we will light the Sabbath candles and enjoy our Sabbath meal together. I thought for a minute about picking up a challah but decided against it. Between the bread that I ate before the meal last night, and the hamburger buns I had for lunch a couple of days ago, I feel I have had enough bread for the week. We will enjoy a bottle of wine though… which we will pair with a lovely cigar after the meal.

Have a great day folks!