Monday, February 11, 2008

Sunday Night Dinner

I'm relieved to report that the Sunday night dinner was accomplished without drama.

My step-dad took Ken and I out to the same fancy Indian restaurant as last time, where we feasted on fresh naan, rich curries, chicken jalfresi, and garlic shrimp.

The restaurant is called The Kama Sutra. It's a large, almost square space, dim, candle-lit, with wine-red walls; wooden floors stained such a dark brown that they're almost black; and gold-painted moldings and trim. Every table has a pristine, white tablecloth and linen napkins. The wait staff wear black from head to toe. There are a few gold-framed, Indian-themed paintings hanging on the walls, and subtle, traditional Indian music plays in the background.

It's the kind of place that I feel I should dress up for.

It wasn't too busy, which was a nice change from how it's been when we've been there on Friday or Saturday nights.

I have a limited tolerance for noisy restaurants. After a couple of hours, I lose the ability to tune out the ambient noise and focus on the conversation at my table. I start to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and irritable. By that time, everyone else is still contentedly nursing their coffee. I'm dying to leave, but it would be rude to try to rush them, so I always try to hold out as long as possible. I fidget, I do deep breathing, I smile and nod. Then when it's time to put on our coats and go, I'm the first the run out the door.

Last night wasn't like that. We had a very civilized conversation about business, the economy, and politics, as usual. The candle flames flickering on silverware and wine glasses created a cozy atmosphere. Even by the time my chamomile tea was served, I was in no rush to leave.

I was a bit sad, missing my mom, but this is the new normal, and I can get used to it. Life goes on, and there are still many good things to be enjoyed.

14 comments:

Warped Mind of Ron said...

Glad things went well. Surprisingly I get the same way in crowds :) Sounds like a nice place I should go there and try it out.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad she didn't go, even though it sure was weird.

And yes, I know that anxious "I wanna leave NOW" feeling too.
Other times I am the one that can sit forever. Strange.

Glad the evening wasn't a complete loss!

Karen said...

I am glad you had a nice dinner. I also know that feeling of wanting to leave somewhere. I don't get it often, but it happens in places like parades or general access concerts. Anytime I don't feel like can leave easily, I start to freak out.

Jameil said...

i like positivity. i looove crowds and hanging out. i can sit in restaurants/bars as long as they'll let me. have you ever had a mango lassi @ an indian place. OMG!! i almost died the last time i went to one. DELICIOUS!!

Sparkling Red said...

Warped Mind of Ron: Next time you're in Toronto, let me know and we'll meet you there. ;-)

Nicole: I was also relieved. We actually picked up my step-dad from her place since he was there getting his mail. She was all dressed up... but it turned out she just got home from somewhere else. I thought she might be joining us! Yikes! But no.

Karen: I can't stand big crowds. There's a lot of places I won't go because I get too uncomfortable being hemmed in by people.

Jameil: I love mango anything, except I can't handle dairy, so that rules out lassis. My fave Indian sweet treat is Gulab Jamon. It's like donut holes soaked in rosewater syrup. Very gloopy.

R.E.H. said...

Excuse me? Did you say the name of the restaurant was The Kama Sutra? I only know of one thing that's the Kama Sutra, and I'm thinking I need to go to that restaurant ;)

Maxie said...

Interesting restaurant name... yes.. my mind is always in the gutter.

I'm glad it went well through. I can get through just about anything if i'm given food.

Sparkling Red said...

R.E.H.: Yeah, the food's so good it'll make your eyes roll back in your head. But no moaning is allowed. After all, it's a classy place. ;-)

Maxie: That philosophy works for me. :-)

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you had a real lovely evening. I love Indian food! Unfortunately, I guess you'll get used to the no mom thing.

Anonymous said...

That is awesome! I am happy for you - you survived it and it turned out well! Yay!

And by the way, how could it NOT turn out well when you have Naan and Chamomile tea in the same meal?!!?? Seriously - I'm jealous! : )

Jenski said...

I'm glad you had a quiet uneventful evening and a nice dinner. I'm sure that is a relief.

Kell said...

"The new normal." That seems like a very healthy way to think of it and move on. I'm jealous of such great Indian food. We have a couple of places here, but nothing as good as we've had elsewhere.

Emma Gorst said...

Sounds like a really nice restaurant! Yes, I can relate to that feeling of needing to rush out the door after a meal is done. There's a time limit on how long you can tune out noise.

Sparkling Red said...

1218blog: Yeah, I'll get used to it. I've often seen my mom without my step-dad, but I've almost never spent time with my step-dad without my mom around. It'll be a new phase in our relationship.

Binky Ink: :-) Even if all I'd eaten was lots of fresh naan and chamomile tea, it still would have been a feast! Naan is the most amazing stuff. At the end of the meal I'd like to roll myself up in a big, warm naan and fall asleep.

Jenski: It was a relief. That was the first drama-free family event in a while. I have more than had my fill of drama for now.

Kell: I feel so lucky to live in Toronto where we have an abundance of excellent restaurants. I wouldn't want to give any of them up.

Aurora: Some places get unbelievably loud. After a while it gets tiring, all the shouting, and straining to hear.