Sometimes it is hard to hide disappointment. I was invited to join others in experiencing a highly rated, glad I am not paying for it meal with an Italian chef. While I always try to temper my expectations, it is hard to go into a meal without having a few. As we collectively embraced the idea of the Chef’s tasting menu, I could feel my taste buds and imagination getting ready.
The setting was perfect. The light jazz mixed with Sinatra playing in the background nurtured and enhanced my appetite. I was confident that this was going to be an exceptional experience, possibly great.
With the first course’s arrival my eyes took in the scene with an increased sense of anticipation and excitement! The food was a stunning blend of colors, textures, and ingredients. The plating was wonderfully artistic, a contemporary painting that infused me with wonderful emotions. As I slowly let the experience soak in, I knew I was reaching for my knife and fork. As the food got closer to my mouth, everything peaked.
Wow!
My dilemma was that this was not a good wow! This was a wow, what is happening? A second helping only made it worse. I found myself replaying old words again and again; “So where is the love you’re so famous for, Lord? What happened to your promise to David?” (Psalm 89.49)
There were no flavors. The textures and ingredients sat on it other. There was no interplay, no experience, just a jumble of disjointed food going down my throat! It was beyond disappointing, it was boring, bland, and in the end did nothing good.
Each course that followed was a repeat of the first. With the exception of an occasional bite that almost came together, it was one of the worst meals I have ever endured.
I walked away wondering if I would try again.
In time I did. While I have no explanation for the first disaster, every experience that followed the first has been good to exceptional.
Disappointments are real, but they may not be permanent.
