Uneggspected

My family went to Eggspectation the other evening for dinner. We hadn't been there for some years. It wasn't that we didn't like them, but when our daughter was younger the ambient noise was unpleasant for her. And then as years passed we just stopped thinking about them. My husband won a gift card in a contest, so we went.

I was really craving something healthier than much of the delicious-sounding concoctions on the menu. I went with a fish I'd never tried before: Bronzino, served over greens. The only kind of fish we ever have at home is crunchy fish fillets because that's all my natives eat. I adore fish and seafood so I have to get my fix away from home.

When our food arrived I was surprised to see that it was the whole fish. Not a problem for me. I was raised to know how to eat one. The problem was what happened to my husband. His reaction was similar to what one might feel if a plate swarming with poisonous insects had been set on the table. The waitress was a little amused, but balanced this well with a sincere show of empathy for my husband.

This fish was delicious. In fact, I didn't even think to snap a picture until it was half eaten.

My husband, determined to enjoy his steak and chips unassailed by the spectre of a fish head gazing in his direction, put his ever-sharp problem-solving skills to work. He built a wall. (He didn't make me pay for it.)

 

I really didn't know it was going to be a whole fish. I really, really didn't. I promise I won't make that mistake again.

 

We had a great meal, a wonderful time, and our waitress was the best ever. And she got a great story to tell her family when she got home.

 

Truly a memorable evening.