I’ve been dreaming of this meal for two years. As a religious devotee of the TV show The Bear, I knew I wanted to save my first Nannas experience for a special occasion. After working in food service, and specifically after working at a place that puts a high value on hospitality—seeing the detail, intentionality, and care that this restaurant puts into their presentation, ambiance, and how they treat their guests was a delight.
I was giddy in my seat.
This is probably the best meal I have had in my life.
It was a gorgeous, decadent, mouthwatering meal. We ordered without flinching; we wanted to taste everything the restaurant had to offer.
We started with scallops—buttery, herby, luxurious scallops. Two were smashed and fried and placed in the center with a tasteful ease.
Then we were gifted two glasses of sparkling Spanish wine! They were beautiful and bright. It was a treat that felt like it fell right out of The Bear’s playbook.
Then we moved to the entrées, which were an NY strip the size of a dinner plate, cooked on a wood-fired grill, and a rich duck ragù tagliatelle. When we bit into the steak, we could taste all of the flavor that comes with such a unique cooking experience. The sides were very close to outshining the main course as well—slightly charred asparagus and perfectly cooked broccoli.
The dessert was no afterthought. We were gifted a celebration moose—and it was a celebration of flavor. We also ordered a chocolate soufflé. We came away from this meal in a food coma that we will remember and treasure.
This was how I celebrated my birthday with my Mom. It’s been a couple of years since we’ve gotten to celebrate it together, so it felt really special that we got to share this artful and intentional meal together. Every element on the plate had earned its place.
When I was a kid, we didn’t always have the funds to celebrate in what others might think is a decadent way. We did cake for breakfast—and it felt and still feels so special. So it felt a little full circle to indulge like this together.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes me feel alive. Not for any particular reason other than this: what’s my proof of life? What makes me feel like I am alive, here, and present. Recently, it’s been sharing meals, beverages, and time with friends and family. It’s sharing a glass of wine on a deck, it’s sharing in a collective sugar crash after digging into three pies, it’s enjoying a beautiful meal full of decadence together.
There are such interesting and beautiful memories attached to food and age. I am glad I’ve had such an enriching month filled with lovely memories of great food and company.
Izzy Nunez graduated from Calvin in 2022 after studying graphic design and sociology. Today she lives in North Carolina where she is living out her dream of being a graphic designer.
