Well this is what you can expect after a big storm, the skies are clear and it is bring sunshine on brighter white snow, blinding really. It is still very cold but the wind died down.
It is suppose to snow again tomorrow, will see. I am also getting my booster shot in 2 days. I reconfirmed with the pharmacy just to make sure it is on.
For his Birthday Will got a bottle of Pastis made by Henri Bardouin in Provence. Pastis is a drink found in most mediterranean countries under various names, it is basically 65 herbs mixed with Anise. You served one ounce for 5 ounces of water. Pour the pastis first into a empty glass, then add the water and you can add one ice cube. It is important to remember to add the water after you poured the Pastis not before. It turns milky white as it mixes with the water and ice. It is an excellent aperitif and is good with any kind of hors d’oeuvres, like olives, peanuts, or an oriental Mezzeh. I first had the drink in Egypt, usually you will drink one Pastis before dinner, it is usually served with tons of finger foods, the trick is to remember that you will have a full dinner after this drink, so do not eat too much.
So many times in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria or Jordan, I would see Westerners eats all the hors d’oeuvres or Mezzeh and have 2 or 3 drinks of Pastis only to discover at their horror that dinner which was usually lavish 6 course meal follow. The reason why many did this was that they did not understand the Aperitif culture and the need for the host to show off generosity of food prior to the dinner and then to serve an even more elaborate dinner. Also drinks and mezzeh was never served before 8pm and dinner around 10pm. This is the tradition in the Mediterranean region from Spain to Syria. In Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt dinner at 11pm was common, especially at receptions for special occasions. Your hosts are so wealthy that they do not understand the notion of having to work the next morning, there is no point in trying to explain it.
The first sip of that drink reminded me of my days in Cairo, the Consul Pasha days. What a wonderful time that was.
