my name is shaaahhhma and I'll be yo waitress!

I've become a bit of a snob.

I met a friend for lunch today, allowed him to select the restaurant and instantly regretted that decision. for when I asked, 'where would you like to go?' he responded with, 'cheesecake factory.'

ugh. really? cheesecake factory?! with all of the amazing restaurants this city has to offer...

first of all their menu is a BOOK. with that many choices, i assumed they can't possibly put out a good product. and they didn't. overdone pasta, no spices in the spaghetti sauce, oh and by the way did you know you can only get well done burgers? that's some quality meat, right there.

add to that the delicate ambiance that includes a couple to our right drinking glasses of class (white zin for those of you not in the biz) complete with southern drawls, and a man to our left with his napkin tucked right into the neck of his sleeveless everlast shirt.

in light of this lovely dining experience I'd like to set up some going-out-to-eat-with-clair ground rules.

1. the food. it has to be amazing. it definitely doesn't have to be fancy. after all ive been known to rent a car and drive an hour to providence for two dollar tacos because there's this little hole in the wall with the best carnitas I've ever had.

2. if we're going somewhere with wine please make sure it's the kind that doesn't burn when you swallow it.

3. do not, at the end of the meal, ask me if I'd like to make some cookies for dessert. yes, I love to bake. yes, I'm trying to make a living off of it. this does NOT mean I have any desire to be your personal baker and fulfill your all of your cookie fantasies.

4. please review rules 1-3.

5. or, forgoe the restaurant altogether and let's cook something fun at home.

alas, if the above proves too difficult, perhaps we're just not meant to eat together, and we should just go our seperate ways...