Everything Counts in Small Amounts

It was about halfway through our, oh, third amuse-bouche – a miniature fish bowl swirled with custard and coulis – that I realised this wasn’t right.  It was a Saturday night.  This was The Ledbury in Notting Hill, sparkling with as many accolades as the series of delights that dotted our table.  It was romantic, mood-lit, and the food was so well plated it could have hung from the walls.  And I was sitting there with Krista.

What the hell was going on?  Why wasn’t Krista there with one of the sensitive, yet street-savvy men who must read her daily gastro musings?  Where is the lucky guy who’d lend her a sip of his lentil and truffle soup, cleverly costumed as cappuccino?  How come he’s not there ordering her third bitter lemon (Krista has worryingly given up these days)?  Why isn’t a thoughtful man contemplating the layers of sea bream, Poilâne and crab with this most curious diner?  Who is meant to be pushing that last melting dollop of orange and cardamom ice cream onto her creamy vanilla date tart?

As our bellies swelled and we dunked our spoons into the final petite surprise of crème brûlée with green apple sorbet – in the kind of slow motion you use when you know the pleasure is coming to an end – I vowed to rectify the situation.  So here’s mysinglefoodiefriend missive: if you’re a man anywhere in your thirties, available, have a discerning appetite and good teeth to indulge it (Krista’s special request), then email the answer to this question to me at ripelondon[at]btinternet[dot]com:

What amuse-bouche would you be and why? 

And I’ll set you up.  Do it before Krista changes her mind, and certainly before she decides to pull something like this on me.  “But I need to help you, too,” she said after I came up with my plan.  “Don’t worry about me, Krista,” I replied after a mouthful of sorbet, “It will come."

The Ledbury is at 127 Ledbury Road, W11 2AQ.  Arrive with an empty stomach and an open mind.

Comments

[Krista]

Ack!

I will find a way to return the favo(u)r, you know...

[alicia]

Cute!!

[arlene]

You won't belive this but it was playing on the radio right now as I read this....is it a sign ??????

[Jenn]

Ok...seriously, I really think we need to start our little business venture...=)

[kira]

i am so with jenn! love this idea.