We were raised to believe that we can do anything that we want and that indulgence isn’t a bad thing. All of us that have stress look to relievers that fix the crushing pain of our existance. “Ultra-premium” alcohol made from the by-products of cheese production, neoprene sacks filled with a viscous polymer, “FUN”-sized portions snack food all try to buffer the crushing reality of the work-a-day life. Institutions of stress-relief all seem to temporarily assuage the rage. Everyone knows that they have to put down the beer, hit that last golf-ball, or wipe the smell of the sex-worker off before going home. The fun pizza parlors or restaurants of our youth were something special and to look forward to. As adults, restaurants are enhanced by the variety of cheese that one can get on a nacho platter or the being imported all the way from the wine region of California. We don’t have the excitement for extra spicy chicken wings and four cheese nachos as kids love video games and a ball pit.
Instead of cursing what is out there now, a friend of mine and I decided to do something about it. In combining the healing powers of group therapy (inspired by the reality television show “Starting Over”) and food. Tables would be set up according to issue or emotional need. We haven’t figured out if the wait staff would moderate or we’d have some trained professional at each table. Set menus would be according to the various moods.
“Light” consisting of simple sandwiches, salads, assorted fruits and cheeses. Big portions perfect for that sense of well being that can only be attained by non-spicy foods.
“Comfort” American classics like pot pie and macaroni & cheese. This menu is served in small portions so that the diner can eat and not feel guilty and on the same token complain about the amount of food rather then their problems.
“Crying” Choose 3 sweets: pastry, ice cream, chocolate du jour.
Mix them, match them… maybe get three of one kind.
We came up with the following names for this restaunthapy:
gab ‘n gob
chat and snack
eat ‘n greet
food ‘n freud
chow chow
tea and sympathy
the healing table
deep fried issues