Tis the holiday season and we're all running around trying to get our homes ready for visitors and/or gifts purchased for friends, family and co-workers. As tough a year as it has been for many, whether financially, socially, professionally or otherwise, this time of year can help revive the feelings of genuine good will and love. However, it can also emphasize the stresses of our daily lives. Money is tight, family is far away, and broken hearts ache even more on cold winter nights.
As the years after college are adding up slowly, my friends and I have come to terms with the fact that buying each other personal gifts may no longer be impractical. While still fun, it adds to the "to do" list and doesn't provide what we truly want. Speaking for myself, I cherish time; time with friends, time to catch up and time to laugh. In place of the cookbooks, candles, games or whatnot, this year we sent thoughtful cards and pictures. For those who live close by, I've chosen to schedule plans so we can really enjoy the time I crave.
Last evening, I went out with two close friends for our holiday celebration. A common three-some, Kurt, Melanie and I do try to see each other regularly whether it be for shows, movies, dinner out, or cooking in. Like most other things though, life and money often get in the way. My solution is to schedule something; make it a concrete plan. We all know I am a list-maker, calendar-writing, plan-securing, reservation-calling junkie. And I didn't disappoint.
Always scanning the web for upcoming shows, I perused ticketmaster, live-nation, seacoastonline.com, and so forth, and located the "A Merry Funny New England Christmas" scheduled at the Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH on December 19th. It fit some basic requirements: cheap, easy, tickets were still available, and while it was on the Sunday before Christmas, it wasn't far away. So, after confirmation with the other two, I purchased the tickets online. True to form, I wanted the evening to have more 'substance'.. so dinner was next on the agenda. A 7pm show screams for the need to have dinner plans before, doesn't it? Sure enough, the other two agreed. We could have stayed in, we could have had a pot luck.. but at the time, I was feeling like I had some extra money, and also a "special" event translates into going out, for the most part. I conceded that we needn't make reservations at an expensive spot. Selfishly, my reasoning had more to do with wanting to wear comfortable, casual attire. And it worked out beautifully.
Right around the corner from The Music Hall is The Flatbread Company. The mission of the restaurant, in my own words, is to encourage the use of organic (and local?) produce to create specialty flatbreads that are delicious, nutritious AND socially conscious. Every Tuesday, this restaurant donates some percentage of the proceeds from dinner checks to a cause. I have been on a few different occasions, for special causes and not, and each time I have noted the food is spectacular, the waitstaff is gracious, and the ambience is warm and inviting. How could it not be with a hand built pizza oven smack in the middle of the main dining room?
The menus are decorated with the hand-drawn creations of school children. While inside, the fare is ample but not overwhelming, with unique toppings like caramelized onions and one salad option. It's not about quantity here, it's about quality. Don't get me wrong though - they don't skimp. Portions are just right.
We ordered the "special" carne pizza and a small "Joe's Free-Range Chicken" pizza. We sat tight at the corner of the bar (since the wait was 30 min for a table on a SUNDAY night!!), enjoying our 20 oz beers (mine was Hefeweisen.. mmmm) until the thin, crisp pizzas were delivered straight from the oven.
The small Joe's pizza was awesome; no tomato sauce but brushed with garlic oil and layered with black beans, chicken, corn, taco seasoning and dolloped with sour cream. While I do enjoy variation, my pizza is classically enjoyed with a tomato sauce. This recipe could have me reconsider though; it was awesome. The crust was perfect, supporting the toppings, while doughy enough to want to eat the part most people consider too bread-y. As I finished the first piece of this pizza, our second selection was served. Just looking at the second pie, I knew (if possible) it could be even better then the first.
Imagine - a large thin crust pizza with prosciutto, roasted asparagus, goat cheese, red peppers, and... after cooking... drizzled with a balsamic reduction. I could barely restrain myself. And it was good. It was better then good, it was FANTASTIC.
Imagine - a large thin crust pizza with prosciutto, roasted asparagus, goat cheese, red peppers, and... after cooking... drizzled with a balsamic reduction. I could barely restrain myself. And it was good. It was better then good, it was FANTASTIC.
Between savoring each bite of my pizza (not cut like wedges since we want to be sure to maximize the flavors and live on the edge ;) ), I enjoyed sips of my cold, lemony beer, the hum of other patrons, the smile and delightful personality of our bartender, Lauren, the laughs and conversation with friends, and the warmth and delight of the dining room. I don't often go to this restaurant.. it is a pizza joint afterall. But I like it a lot. It was clear it is a place I enjoy enough that it would be worthwhile going more. should And I will.
Sometimes the best things in life are the simple pleasures. And simple doesn't mean it's boring. The Flatbread Company is the perfect example of simple perfection - sticking to the basics. Good food, good fun, good people.
Sometimes the best things in life are the simple pleasures. And simple doesn't mean it's boring. The Flatbread Company is the perfect example of simple perfection - sticking to the basics. Good food, good fun, good people.
Oh, and the comedy event was pretty fun too. Nothing like New Englanders knocking each other for putting up with 6 month-long winters. Overall, the whole night was a recipe for success.. and may you too find the fun in this holiday season over warm fires, friendly laughs, and delicious food. Happy Holidays!
My Christmas Tree - 2010
