Celebrations

There are many things to celebrate right now — weddings, Birthdays and funerals (in memoriam), to name a few — all prompted in thought by a wonderful meal.

My husband and I had an unusual meal at Cava Mezze in the 8th Street Corridor area in DC recently. The meal was exceptional. The atmosphere was hip and hoppin’. We ate outside, which was just as well because when our flaming cheese arrived, the waiter could spritz it with lemon without dousing anyone nearby.

Mezze means small plates in Greek. The concept for this restaurant is similar to tapas but fortunately, the portions are much larger. The menu is organized by categories, for instance, a choice of types of cheese plates, main-meat, grain and vegetarian. An easy-to-do but decidedly-different-tasting, tomato paste spread with crushed red chili peppers and olive oil arrived to our table to start. I’m going to try this at home.

We ordered saganaki, a cheese dish I had never heard of with Kefalograviera cheese flamed in cognac and fresh lemon squeezed on top at table side. Wow! The smell was divine and the flavors were sweet and dessert-like. Then the spicy lamb sliders came and went. They were delicious and filling. We had to get at least one recognizable Greek dish like spanakopita, spinach and feta in a Greek phylo triangle, which I love. I would highly recommend this place. I took a few pictures but of course they did not come out, so here are some from the restaurant.

I was trying to get this mural seen below, that is also at the Capital Hill location but drats too dark. This is a much better visual.

The 8th Street Corridor (Barracks Row, as it is called) has come a long way. Here are some pictures of how it has been cleaned up and is now a popular place to be. I remember when it was dangerous even with the Marine Barracks nearby. Here, you can see clean sidewalks, outdoor restaurants, people lining up for the Friday night Tattoo performance and hip stores to try.

As we were eating this meal in this lovely location with gorgeous, unseasonal, beach-like weather outside, I couldn’t help but think how life is a beautiful celebration through food, through serendipitous moments, through events.

Monday, two weeks ago, was my son Jackson’s 20th birthday. How can that be? Where did the time go, really?! I keep this photo in my office to remind me of what a cute kid he was and now he’s past a milestone, out of the teenage years.

This weekend my good friend Liza was married for the second time, after her first husband passed away. There are many things to celebrate about this, most importantly is that love was chosen. I was the matron of honor and hope I did the role justice.

Finally, this was the first year that the hydrangea bloomed in a section of my Memory Garden in tribute to my father. It was given to me by dear “drinking” buddies, who also celebrate life. This was the 5th year of his death so perfect timing with its blossoms to commemorate a life well lived.

Cheers! It’s time to celebrate!