Ladies Who Lunch

I think it's probably safe to say that I have always been a picky eater. I'm not picky in the usual sense, though. I have always been ADVENTUROUS, but the food has to be good. Perhaps a better word is, "discerning."

Take sandwiches, for example. Cold cuts on bread make me cringe. Growing up, this was unfortunate, as my daily lunch always included a sandwich. Some kind of cold cut (I don't like PB&J) on enriched white bread. I'd open up my lunch at school, throw out the sandwich, and proceed to eat my oreos. These days, I've realized that it isn't sandwiches I hate. It is regular, standard sandwiches that I hate. I love paninis. I love sandwiches made with fresh baguette and eaten on the streets of Paris. I love snobby sandwiches.

My mom will laugh at this, but I am now seeing first-hand how frustrating it can be to parent a child who is discerning/picky. Dylan is a super adventurous eater (she LOVES raw oysters), but she is as picky as her mother. What this translates to is that she is basically insane when it comes to her school lunch. What pleases her most is an assortment of hors d'oeuvres; crackers, cornichons, olives, some fine cheese, etc. As you might guess, however, I am not at all pleased to be putting together a party platter at 6:30 in the morning.

We went on a little vacation  last week to San Diego, and flew home yesterday on Jet Blue. The best part about Jet Blue is the free DirecTV at every seat, and Dylan and I spent much of the flight watching the Food Network. She had never seen The Barefoot Contessa and was totally mesmerized. One of the episodes featured Chicken Salad Veronique and French Herb Potato Salad. Dylan and I decided that those would both make for a fine lunch, so when we got home, I ran out to grab the ingredients.

I just finished my lunch, and I have to say that it was absolutely delicious. Hopefully Dylan's went over just as well!!

Comments

[kyooty]

i'm slapping together the sandwiches because they are cheap. One boy though loves himself a sub, because he's into picking out things and trying. The older two? like their father scared of veggies.

[mamcita]

I have the exact same issues -- I'm not picky, but it has to be really good.

[Laurie White]

Dylan and I have a lot in common. My regular dinners resemble light antipasto platters -- prosciutto, cheese and olives and I'm happy. Thanks for the inspiration to spruce up my work lunches similarly. :)

[Bridget]

Hi Danielle! I know Dylan cooks with you sometimes. Does she ever put her own lunches together? I had my 8yo, Madeleine, at the stove learning to flip grilled cheese sandwiches (she resisted the havarti until I made her taste it, then she asked for it for lunch the next day). Another inch or two of height on her and she'll be able to do some serious damage in the kitchen/