Newsgroups: rec.gardens
From: zwicky@Csli.Stanford.EDU (Arnold Zwicky)
Subject: Re: So, What Are You Eating... Ottawa, Canada
Date: Sun, 24 Jul 1994 14:52:13 GMT

i've been getting a dozen or so cherry tomatoes every day for a week
now, but today is the occasion for the Ritual of the First Real Tomato
(two celebrity tomatoes, in my case), here in columbus, ohio.  drawing
the knife slowly through the fruits.  arranging the slices in the
shallow crystal bowl specifically designated for this service.
drizzling olive oil slowly over the slices.  cutting fresh basil
leaves onto them.  grinding a bit of black pepper.  sprinkling some
salt.  and then slowly, slowly eating the tomatoes, enjoying that
taste that's been unavailable for ten months now.  delight.

this year the Ritual will be celebrated in solitude.  just me and
those sharp-sweet celebrities.  last year the house was full of summer
residents, so we had a communal event.  there's something to be said
for each approach.

arnold
===

From: zwicky@Csli.Stanford.EDU (Arnold Zwicky)
Subject: Re: So, What Are You Eating... Ottawa, Canada
Date: Sun, 24 Jul 1994 23:32:22 GMT

i neglected to mention that when the Ritual is over, you get to drink
the liquid at the bottom of the bowl - mixed fresh tomato juice, olive
oil, basil, salt, and pepper.  i just did this, and it was deeply
satisfying.

arnold