Corny I know - (pun intended) - but true. That is how it felt yesterday as I walked across town to the bookseller in Hillsboro Village, BookMan BookWoman, and scoured the shelves for my two all time favorites. The intention, to send them to two friends in a FaceBook book challenge; a gift to keep the magic of reading alive in the world and remind us of the simpler things. This adventure did more than that and just that in one beautiful November breath.
The collection of Truman Capote shorts, including of course Breakfast At Tiffany's, was an unexpected surprise, as it contained a few short stories I have never read. Collecting it with all the pleasure of knowing I would read them before mailing it along, I quickly scoured the shelves for my other goal. I found To Kill A Mockingbird with ease and tucked it under my arm.
The store was bustling with readers; a birthday girl with a stack of books piling up above her face sheepishly giggled at me and said: "I'm hoping my husband will let it go just this one day." I assured her she was supposed to buy herself as many books today as she wanted. "Just remember to buy him one as well." I winked at her. She nodded and somehow managed to indicate the one on top of the pile. "Got it covered." There were three young girls in the poetry and Shakespeare section, a wonderful sight to observe. So many readers, all without phones visible, many sharing their discoveries with each other, in library-like joy.
You may wonder what all this has to do with tacos...
It's simple really. Hunger set in. As I began the walk back towards my side of town, the autumn sky was brilliant, the wind and cooling air working up my appetite. I considered several places, but continued walking; plenty to eat at home...
And then along Edgehill the thought struck me and the craving was unstoppable. The air and the neighborhood vibe taunted me with the promise of the best Chicken Tortilla Soup in town. Taco Mamacita. A cool cantina with both the classics and their own cleverly creative cuisine. A neighborhood hang as welcoming as home.
I made my way to this gem of an establishment where much to my surprise not a soul was sitting outside. The place was jamming, and I was the luckiest patron of all. The hostess beamed when I asked if I might sit outside. She indicated I had my pick of positions. I chose a stool midway at the outside bar that overlooks the street. Watching passers by and taking in the quaintness of the neighborhood, I ordered my soup from Ben, who was amply as pleased to have an opportunity to soak in the sun. In fact, all three servers, who enthusiastically attended to my solitary needs, seemed as happy as I to be out in the fresh air.
I could not have a tequila today, but I perused their familiar list just soaking in the "what ifs" with a sensory-memory pleasure. It was almost as good as the real thing. Their list is extensive, reasonably priced, with choices to satiate every palate.
I opened the Capote Collection and devoured A Christmas Memory, while savoring the freshest, slightly spicy, succulent-cilantro-infused soup with gusto. The broth alone will make your mouth water. This soup has the most wholesome of ingredients, and all are not only of the highest quality, but also portioned to make every bite come out perfectly. Tender roasted chicken, chunks of Queso Fresco, diced tomato and perfectly ripe slices of avocado, are topped of by crunchy tri-colored tortilla strips. Comfort food at its finest.
The tale I was reading tells of Christmas memories through all the senses with expertise. Most of all through the making of thirty fruitcakes, homemade decorations and the gift of kites that "...get aloft even when there isn't enough breeze to carry clouds." It begins on a day in November, a day much like today. "Fruitcake weather" and Tortilla Soup weather must be synonymous, for it was the perfect compliment to my slight indulgence and momentary meditation.
As the holidays approach, and the colder weather moves in, remember the simple pleasures. Take a moment to get back to the basics. Revisit an old book, an old memory, a favorite standby like Taco Mamacita. I promise, It will bring you great peace. And remember to spread the joy...
As Capote wrote: "It's bad enough in life to do without something you want; but confound it, what gets my goat is not being able to give somebody something you want them to have." Treat yourself and a friend. Sit outside at Taco Mamacita and savor the season.
The collection of Truman Capote shorts, including of course Breakfast At Tiffany's, was an unexpected surprise, as it contained a few short stories I have never read. Collecting it with all the pleasure of knowing I would read them before mailing it along, I quickly scoured the shelves for my other goal. I found To Kill A Mockingbird with ease and tucked it under my arm.
The store was bustling with readers; a birthday girl with a stack of books piling up above her face sheepishly giggled at me and said: "I'm hoping my husband will let it go just this one day." I assured her she was supposed to buy herself as many books today as she wanted. "Just remember to buy him one as well." I winked at her. She nodded and somehow managed to indicate the one on top of the pile. "Got it covered." There were three young girls in the poetry and Shakespeare section, a wonderful sight to observe. So many readers, all without phones visible, many sharing their discoveries with each other, in library-like joy.
You may wonder what all this has to do with tacos...
It's simple really. Hunger set in. As I began the walk back towards my side of town, the autumn sky was brilliant, the wind and cooling air working up my appetite. I considered several places, but continued walking; plenty to eat at home...
And then along Edgehill the thought struck me and the craving was unstoppable. The air and the neighborhood vibe taunted me with the promise of the best Chicken Tortilla Soup in town. Taco Mamacita. A cool cantina with both the classics and their own cleverly creative cuisine. A neighborhood hang as welcoming as home.
I made my way to this gem of an establishment where much to my surprise not a soul was sitting outside. The place was jamming, and I was the luckiest patron of all. The hostess beamed when I asked if I might sit outside. She indicated I had my pick of positions. I chose a stool midway at the outside bar that overlooks the street. Watching passers by and taking in the quaintness of the neighborhood, I ordered my soup from Ben, who was amply as pleased to have an opportunity to soak in the sun. In fact, all three servers, who enthusiastically attended to my solitary needs, seemed as happy as I to be out in the fresh air.
I could not have a tequila today, but I perused their familiar list just soaking in the "what ifs" with a sensory-memory pleasure. It was almost as good as the real thing. Their list is extensive, reasonably priced, with choices to satiate every palate.
I opened the Capote Collection and devoured A Christmas Memory, while savoring the freshest, slightly spicy, succulent-cilantro-infused soup with gusto. The broth alone will make your mouth water. This soup has the most wholesome of ingredients, and all are not only of the highest quality, but also portioned to make every bite come out perfectly. Tender roasted chicken, chunks of Queso Fresco, diced tomato and perfectly ripe slices of avocado, are topped of by crunchy tri-colored tortilla strips. Comfort food at its finest.
The tale I was reading tells of Christmas memories through all the senses with expertise. Most of all through the making of thirty fruitcakes, homemade decorations and the gift of kites that "...get aloft even when there isn't enough breeze to carry clouds." It begins on a day in November, a day much like today. "Fruitcake weather" and Tortilla Soup weather must be synonymous, for it was the perfect compliment to my slight indulgence and momentary meditation.
As the holidays approach, and the colder weather moves in, remember the simple pleasures. Take a moment to get back to the basics. Revisit an old book, an old memory, a favorite standby like Taco Mamacita. I promise, It will bring you great peace. And remember to spread the joy...
As Capote wrote: "It's bad enough in life to do without something you want; but confound it, what gets my goat is not being able to give somebody something you want them to have." Treat yourself and a friend. Sit outside at Taco Mamacita and savor the season.
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