What's Cooking
Pascua (Easter Dinner)
Easter Sunday at our place. The menu isn't locked yet — and that's intentional. If you have a strong feeling about something, now is your chance to lobby for it. The one non-negotiable: Jamie pre-ordered a Basque cheesecake baked by a Korean baker and it is the best thing we have ever eaten. Come hungry.
Wear something spring. Florals, pastels, that linen shirt you've been waiting to justify. We'll notice.
The Verdict
"I came for the mole and stayed until midnight. Nobody wanted to leave. That's either a great sign or a hostage situation. Either way, ten out of ten."
"Paul's mezcal cocktail made me reconsider every drink I've had before it. Jamie's side-eye when I asked for the recipe was equally memorable."
"Five courses, three hours, zero regrets. I sat next to a stranger and left with a friend. I don't know how they do it but they should keep doing it."
A Mountie and a Mariachi
What is a Mountie?
Jamie is Canadian. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, known as Mounties, are Canada's federal police force. They are called Mounties because they originally patrolled the frontier on horseback, which is a very Canadian way to handle crime. Jamie shares their sense of authority. She polices Paul, runs the kitchen like it is a jurisdiction, and her word on menu decisions is final. Unlike actual Mounties, she does not spend time on horses. Instead, she spends it daydreaming about mountains and talking about hockey, especially after watching Heated Rivalry.
What is a Mariachi?
Paul is Mexican. Mariachi is a style of music that originated in Jalisco — the full ensemble: trumpets, violins, guitarrón, and at least one man in an embroidered suit singing with great feeling about love or loss or both. Like a real mariachi, Paul sings constantly at home. Unlike a real mariachi, he is not good at it. Do not give him too much wine at dinner. He will sing anyway, but there is no need to encourage it.
What is Mountie&Mariachi?
It is their house. They host dinners. The food is good. The company is better. The mezcal is non-negotiable.
Why do you host dinners?
Because a long meal with good people is one of the few things that is reliably worth it. Also Paul spent a lot of time learning to cook and someone should benefit from that.