I made another visit to Food Lab, and was completely wowed. This time we shopped for a picnic.There was still a great crowd and a fantastic vibe.
I chose what turned out to be a superb meatloaf sandwich, garnished with really good caramelized onions and slightly spicy mayo with flecks of red pepper and small pieces of pickle. My husband thinks that it was Russian dressing. Maybe it was, but I'm detailing the contents for you because even this humble condiment felt carefully prepared. On this day I spared myself nothing: I also ordered cider vinegar and sea salt potato chips, lingonberry lemonade, the famous homemade s'mores and a chocolatey cookie. My husband had a delicately flavored wiener schnitzel sandwich, cheddar and chives chips and lingonberry lemonade.
One thing that happens at Food Lab is that there are so many good looking items around that it's hard to stop ordering. Because it was my birthday, and I was hesitating about getting yet another sweet, they threw in alphabet gummies on the house. I absolutely adore gummies, so the gesture was very much appreciated.
And perhaps because it was my birthday, the whole day was filled with grand gestures. Shortly after I took this picture, I spilled an entire cup of coffee on the table that you see here. I was trying to get another shot. The Food Lab staff was imperturbable. I didn't even feel like an idiot, which was pretty astonishing given all the coffee dripping on the floor and the chairs. They replaced my coffee with a smile and cleaned up the mess efficiently.
It was raining quite a bit by the time we got to the field for our picnic. So we made a party in the car. Eating food that feels crafted is wonderful because it makes you feel good, even beyond the tasting of it. And then the sun came out.
I love Food Lab. What's not to love when the people are kind and the food is good?
Just in case you missed the previous post, click here for Food Lab contact details.
Mmmm mmmm mmmmmmmeatloaf! Good birthday choice!
Posted by: Redbeard | March 24, 2011 at 05:49 PM
Yeah, it's not easy to get meatloaf right. And how heavenly it is when it's perfect.
Thanks for reading!
Posted by: Darcine Thomas | March 24, 2011 at 10:50 PM