Dennis and I declared war on ugly food late Saturday afternoon. 

Have you ever heard a Southern-bred lady, preferably older in years, say to someone “now, don’t be ugly.”  That’s the ugly I am talking about.  I declare war against ugly food that is prepared in a restaurant that clearly was prepared with an I-don’t-care attitude.

Ah-ha, now you know what I am talking about.  Don’t you?

We were in Fayetteville, looking for something quick but not fast food, tasty but not heavy.  We popped into a Japanese “inspired” restaurant for sushi, wine and opted to throw in entrées to share. 

Ever have the feeling when you walk in a place that you should just turn around?  We did.  But we didn’t turn around.  $65 later we walked out disgusted… with ourselves. 

Disgusted with ourselves because we knew better.

On the car ride home we literally made a declaration of war against all of it.  No more ignoring our instincts when we walk into a place, no more eating out just to “save time” when, really, we didn’t need to save time at that particular moment. 

No more.

So, why the odd blog-post title?

Today I came across this photo I took in Sabaudia, Italy, a few months ago.  Our hotel was on the beach in a modest working down.  The food and service was best-of-the-best.  Oh, not that five-star kind of best, I am talking about quality of food and nutrients and high caliber of good, hard working people. 

Each day provided a bounty of food… but it was never wasted.  Each day food from an earlier meal was incorporated into a new dish.  Dessert was modest, simple and pure: cake and ice cream. 

And every so often, dessert was a large bowl of fruit.

The lesson I learned from that large bowl of fruit is this:  In the rush or pressure to impress with fine, decadent and over-the-top dessert, never forget the simplicity of fruit.

The lesson I applied to Saturday’s lunch:  Just because I can quickly fill any food desire I please, I must never forget the gratefulness for the privilege to eat.

I promise to share with you all of the places around Northwest Arkansas that are mindful servants when it comes to providing good foods.  I promise to share with you all of the food sources, resources, and recipes that you can bring into your homes so you, too, can be that mindful servant when it comes to eating and serving good foods to those you love.

Thanks for letting me share.

Happy Eating!

Lyndi