Health knowledge made personal
 There were delicious chunks of butternut squash, tomatoes, black beans, and a surprising addition of cabbage. It was subtly spiced with a little cumin and cilantro, but perfect for a late-morning, laid-back brunch. And I--of course--couldn't resist ordering a side of pickles.   ...where a trip to Mykonos Cafe, a Greek diner somewhat oddly positioned in the middle of a strip mall, resulted in a standard Greek Salad (sans feta), with Greek Vinaigrette on the side. The best part of lunch was the Roasted Eggplant Dip, which we would all call baba ghanoush. It was served cold, and unseasoned, resulting in it tasting just like the mashed up eggplant it proclaimed to be. (To be honest, it tasted like the Cortas canned baba ghanoush * I find at Mediterranean stores on occasion.) *I mean this is a great way...except for the fact that Robert Irvine would be upset about them using canned foods in the restaurant.  The pita bread was phenomenal, and I went through quite a bit, passing up the saltines (but shoving some in my purse...) served with both the salad, and my small sampling of the housemade lentil soup. I had been struggling with whether or not to order this, and the owner ended up bringing me a complimentary taste. It was silky smooth, and incredibly flavorful and comforting. If I ever get back to the cafe, I will NOT hesitate to order this. From lunch dates to (Book Club) coffee dates...or should I say coffee and pickle dates?**Not a completely peculiar pairing, really. They are both quite acidic when you think about it.  A big thanks goes out to Dennis at Panera, who, while I was waiting with a friend who was getting her food, asked if he could get me anything. I made a quip about how enticing the pickles he was dishing out looked....and he hooked me up with four....and then three more. And no day of dates is complete without the dinner date variety.  Especially when someone has made that dinner for you himself.  And attempts at making everything "completely vegan" result in a rather delicious basil quinoa and bean chili combo. The chef, not being vegan, clearly loves his sour cream.  And obviously, someone figured out the secret to keeping Miss Smart happy is curing constant ice cream cravings with a coconut milk version of her favorite treat.... [This Cherry Amaretto Coconut Bliss is incredible by the way.]  ....stocking the fridge with cans of Diet Coke, because he remembered her opinion that it "just tastes better that way".... ....and serving water in Mason jars. With handles.  Nothing makes Miss Smart swoon like a Mason jar.
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*Of course, "to go on a date" with someone translates literally as "to leave with" him...and anyone who has been to a college party knows that certainly ain't the truth.
*They follow the Kashi rule of "exclamation points make everything better."