Couples Therapy: A few short stories

In my next life I want to be a food/film critic. My syndicated article will be called "Dinner and a Movie." Original, I know.

My roommate, Leslie, and I have decided that we deserve to treat ourselves to a nice dinner once a month. It all started with Salt Lake City's dine-o-round last Fall. Fancy pants restaurants offer two three course menu options for $15 or $30 per person, depending on the level of fanciness. We decided to give The Metropolitan a try for our first dine-o-round outing. Leslie called ahead to make reservations. We were a few minutes early, so as Leslie approached the host she said, "We are a few minutes early, but we have a reservation." The host, who was very...in touch with his sensitive side, said, "I love it when people are early. Much better than being late! You must be Leslie. Welcome to The Metropolitan Leslie...and Leslie's partner." Hold up! ROOMMATE, FRIEND...anything but PARTNER. We held our breath until we got to the table and then lost it laughing.

At the beginning of December, I was invited to a bridal shower for a friend from college. December is not a particularly fun time of the year to be single. Leslie and I were out finishing up our Christmas shopping and we stopped by Bed, Bath & Beyond to pick up a shower gift for my friend. When we walked in we were greeted by three employees who asked us if we were "there for the event." We were a little startled and asked what the event was. "The newlywed event!!" Oh of course. The newlywed event. Um...no. No oddly enough Leslie and her partner were not there for the newlywed event. The place was swarming with couples. Announcements were blaring over the loud speaker every 5 seconds. "Mr. and Mrs. Johnson you are the lucky winners of the new Black and Decker Handy Chopper!!" I've never been in and out of a store faster.

A few months ago, fancy dinner night evolved into International night. We went to the Tandoor for some delicious Indian food. I haven't been to very many Indian restaurants (Bombay House, Himalayan Kitchen, and Tandoor) but I'd say that the Tandoor is the best around. When we walked in the host asked us if we were there for the party. I said maybe but Leslie said no. We regretted that later...hello free food! We were seated at a booth and the rest of the place was filled with people celebrating something. Half way through the meal a couple stood up to thank everyone for coming to their one-year anniversary party. It was a lovely speech, so we applauded. Then they brought out a cake and offered us some. Then they decided to get the party going with a little dancing. I was expecting the happy couple to reenact their first dance. The husband went back into the kitchen area (at that point we decided that he was probably a member of the family who owns the place which made a little more sense as to why they were having the party there) to turn on the music. "Sexy Chick" was the song of choice. Grandma and Grandpa sat tapping their toes and everyone else stood in a circle watching the happy couple get down. It was my first time hearing the song. It's been a while since I've heard such moving lyrics: "I'm trying to find the words to describe this girl without being disrespectful." If that doesn't say, "I love you and I'm so glad that we got married," I don't know what does.

In other news, if you are ever in the mood for some Lebanese food, Mazza is fantastic! There is one on 1500 S. 1500 E. or 900 E. and 900 S. I think...google it before you go because I'm not totally sure. Mmm...hummus.

Last night we went to a French restaurant called Paris Bistro. We started out with a cheese tasting (the goat cheese was my favorite) followed by smoked salmon. This was my first and last piece of smoked meat. Live and learn. It didn't taste like salmon at all. It was like chewing campfire smoke. My hair and clothes still smelled like smoke when I got home. We had to order dessert to get the taste of smoke out of my mouth. Crepes with Nutella and bananas just might be my favorite dessert.