reflections on tofu
I had a lunch today with geeks. We discussed Nik’s experience of interning at the most holy landmark in America, Cupertino, California. Let me just say, suppressing myriad emotions, that I am uber jealous. I won’t dwell on it, though, because I get too sentimental.
Tofu Reuben, something I hadn’t tried before. It came with french fries. However, when you order “french fries” at Gillie’s, you end up getting grilled potatoes, for nothing is cooked in any unhealthy manner at that restaurant. That’s a creed to stand by. And give my money to.
Back to the Reuben. The menu mentioned it would have sauerkraut with some sauces that I’ve since forgotten the names of but distinctly remember their sensation. That makes a good sauce, or a good spice for that matter - forget what it is moments after you leave the restaurant, but the savory lust for the flavor lingers on for hours. That’s also good marketing, but I’m not talking about marketing, I’m talking about my Reuben.
Oh, the Reuben. Two slices of reuben (right?) bread with tofu and sauerkraut sandwiched in. Now, as everyone knows, tofu is tricky to cook and have it be pleasing, first to taste and second to the eye. Tofu that is half-heartedly prepared will look like slime. No one wants slime, let alone soy slime. Tofu requires a trained hand to manipulate it. I trust the people of Gillie’s with my tofu.
The Reuben looks like it has three slices of bread. The middle slice, of course, is the tofu, but the shade that it was grilled to was nearly identical to the bread’s hue. Instead of being ‘weirded out” by that odd appearance, I found it comical. You must understand, all of Gillie’s meals are the epitome of health-conscious and flavorful; so, sometimes an unusual touch will be added to make a “bland” meal look striking. And I thought it was great that my “bland” sandwich looked uber bland. Uber bland.
Yet, in the same moment, I was glad my “bland” sandwich was the best tasting thing I’ve had since I’ve been back at school. Gillie’s, I salute you!
August 26th, 2005 at 6:39 pm
I think you mean rye bread, not reuben bread.
It sounds like a sandwich worth having!
August 26th, 2005 at 6:51 pm
That’s correct. There are only so many bread names I can remember, or have actually tried tasting. Hmm. I should be a professional bread taster. That’s where the money’s at.
August 27th, 2005 at 5:21 pm
Mmm, that sounds tasty. I’d like to go to that place sometime.
August 29th, 2005 at 11:44 pm
If you are in Blacksburg, we are going to Gillie’s. And Bollo’s. No questions.