I know it is totally a simple pleasure, but lets discuss: Your favorite foods! If you have a similar story share it with me! :)
You know those foods that evoke an amazing emotional reaction? Those indulgences that can uplift your mood every time you eat them. You know those elusive delectables that sometimes you can only get when you are in a specific geographical location? There are several for me. When I visit the Pacific North West I love getting a plate of mussels from Anthony’s home port, I love the “No Name” at Ixtapa. I also love the "Hot ham and cheese" from Pilchuck Drive In, along with a pineapple cheesecake milkshake. I have to note also that Anthony’s seasonally will carry several dishes containing Rhubarb and so I keep my eyes open for that.
Growing up Baskin Robbins offered seasonally Lemon Custard Ice cream. It always showed up for a month or two surrounding my birthday. It became a tradition for me to go get a giant waffle cone with as many scoops as it could hold, to celebrate my day. I never once felt bad for eating that ice cream for two reason. The first; its not available all year so slim chance of constant indulgence, and two; ITS SO DAMN GOOD.
After moving to Los Angeles I would check into the local Baskin Robbins from time to time. I started to get worried when people would look at me strangely or tell me they have never heard of that flavor. Finally one person explained to me that not only are the flavors seasonal, but also regional, and So Cal probably wasn’t getting the Lemon Custard distribution.
Instead of freaking out about loosing my annual treat, I thought to myself.. “Ok you will find a similar tasting product surely at a grocery store” So I began my hunt for a similar texture/flavor combo.
*13 years later…..
I was at one of my local malls here in LA the other day picking up two things, lingerie for a photo shoot, and coffee creamer for the morning. My mall has a target integrated so I can sometimes grocery shop/mall trip at the same time. I was feeling snackish so I bought a bag of sugar snap peas to munch on. I was headed out of the mall happily eating my healthy peas, and I passed a man sitting with an ice cream cone. My eyes literally zeroed in on that particular shade of yellow. “Excuse me sir, May I ask where you got that ice cream?” I think he was surprised because he just looked up at me without answer… But I saw the BR label! I quickly found a directory and ran back across the mall. They were near closing time and I absolutely had to check to see if my eyes were playing tricks on me or not. I was so happy to find that it WAS my long lost lemon custard!!!! I looked at the peas in my hand and said “well fuck these peas right now” and ordered an ice cream instead.
Here is the proof that I adore this ice cream. I took it out to my car and actually sat in silence while enjoying it. Most people would have continued some kind of multi-tasking while eating, but it was just me and the custard for a good ten minutes.
I don’t know what I did to deserve that little surprise from the universe but I am thankful for it.
Lemon Lips forever
K.
