First Writing Assignment

As you know, my fellow readers, I have recently begun a food writing class at the Boston Center for Adult Education. Our first homework assignment was to write about a meal we miss. It didn't take long for a vivid image of the meal I have been missing for the last seven months or so (since I began keeping a kosher home) to appear in my mind. Sigh. Cheeseburgers.

The following is my homage to this delectable, American dish.

Before moving in with my husband, I never spent much time considering kashrut, the dietary laws spelled out in the Torah, along with the other rules governing Jewish life. I have always considered myself to be Jewish (I go to synagogue on the high holidays, had my Bat Mitzvah etc), but was raised in what I would consider to be a “low-key” household, where keeping kosher was viewed as a practice that only very religious Jews like the relatives on my father’s side of the family in Brooklyn subscribed to. Surprise! As the result of an unexpected turn of events I now do what I never thought possible, and keep a kosher home myself. Although the 2 week transition was definitely a challenge, once in practice, keeping kosher is much easier than I ever expected. There are the rare occasions however, where I cannot help but remember the flavors, textures and sensations of my eating life before keeping kosher.
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Walking into the carpeted foyer at Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse, I hear the clinking of glasses and the boisterous revelry of happy hour patrons enjoying a pint at the bar (or probably two). I steal a moment away from my parent’s latest movie critique to study the chalk board displayed prominently in the entryway, which strangely always reminds me of elementary school. The bright pastel colors sing out the Charlie Brown’s siren song. New additions to your Charlie Brown’s favorites! Pan seared Asian ahi tuna salad, $11.99. Bourbon flat iron steak, $15.99. Fresh cedar plank salmon, $17.99. Visions of tender grilled chicken, rich and buttery steak, and flaky tuna dance across my mind as we approach the petite blond hostess. “Table for three?” she asks in a cheerful tone. “Great! Follow me please.”

The hostess leads us like a hunting party through a labyrinth of booths and tables. “Enjoy your meal,” she says with a smile as she hands us our menus before walking back to her station. The maroon leather seats give a satisfying squeal as we sidle into our booth and open our menus. I peruse the dish options carelessly, letting my eyes wander to the sandwich section and the listing I had been obsessing over all day. Swiss cheese and mushroom burger with farmer’s market salad bar for an additional $3.99.

My mouth begins to water as I approach the large salad bar in the center of the main dining room. Like the scout of our hunting party, I circle my prey slowly and deliberately, taking in every detail while planning my attack. I place my round, white plate on the tan, rectangular tray and move toward a bucket of greens. I rake a leafy green and red pile onto my plate, and then adorn the mound with a crown of bright red and firm grape tomatoes, wet with beads of condensation, and a tongful of crisp cucumbers. I find more ornaments to decorate my salad as I continue my second lap around the bar. Plump yellow kernels of corn, slices of green bell peppers, and fragrant diced kalamata olives each find there way to my expanding plate. I scoop a small handful of toasted garlic croutons on top and drizzle a light rain of ranch dressing from above, before heading back to our booth.My parent’s earlier conversation about their most recent movie viewing blooms back into life. I nod along at the appropriate pauses, happily munching away at my salad, appreciating each cool crunch, and garlicky bite.

They are deep in debate by the time our food arrives. A wide smile spreads across my face as I pull the dish toward me, careful as to not allow any of the fries piled high to escape. I cut the medium rare, half pound burger into two pieces, causing a river of pink juices to pour onto the plate, washing against the lightly browned fries. I take my first bite, making sure to include a piece of each element in the dish. The melted swiss cheese complements the earthy flavor of the beef beautifully, the softness of the cheese seeping into each meaty crevice. The mushrooms add another layer of texture, the slices firm against the melted cheese and crumbles of beef. I alternate between mouthfuls of burger and thin cut fries dusted with a mystery spice to give it a little extra kick, taking an occasional break for a bit of sour pickle and sweet coleslaw. Eventually my plate is clean and I push my plate towards the center of table and close my eyes with a contented sigh.