Ahhh...Pei Wei

The spicy sweet orange sauce unfurled across my taste buds with every bite of wonderfully seared tofu and crisp-tender veggies. The brown rice created a gentle balance to the flecks of hot red peppers, and the mandarin orange tea cooled my whole mouth. No, it wasn't a dream; it was lunch at Pei Wei. Jeff's parents took us out to celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary and I savored every bite of the dish I yearn for most of all.

Jeff, too, had a lovely plate full of Chinese goodness. He tried the new caramel chicken with a sugary-spunky sauce. While the fried rice was doused with the sauce as well, the bits of cucumber and pineapple provided a respite from the fiery heat that built up with each successive bite. Jade had his normal selection of sweet and crunchy honey chicken, plus whatever was left on anyone else's plate. (He is a growing boy, you know.) The in-laws had garlic-scented Mongolian beef (which glistened like smoky quartz in the afternoon sun) and a Japanese teriyaki bowl. In addition to the entrees, we had egg rolls all around with tangy mustard sauce. By the end of the meal I considered licking my plate, but decided that would be contrary to restaurant etiquette. (I'll admit it; if we hadn't been in public, I probably have gone for it.)

Following our lovely meal, we strolled the mall for well over an hour, allowing lunch to settle and making room for chocolate dipped ice cream cones from DQ. These were especially enjoyable since the boy ate the outer coating and proceeded to make funny shapes from the vanilla center. Imagine if you will a 6' 2" shaggy-haired 15-year-old wearing tattered jeans, biker boots, and a black hoodie standing in the mall licking ice cream into a flame-like shape, holding the cone above his head, and pretending it is the Olympic torch. (Why I don't carry a camera at all times escapes me.)

Following our mall escapades we headed to Sam's Club, where we activated a gift membership. This too came from the in-laws. I think they felt sorry for us because a couple of weeks ago we tried to snack our way through food and kitchen stores will little success. However, Sam's Club is known for its weekend tastings. Even though it was a quiet Sunday afternoon, there were still at least five sample stations set up around frozen foods, including one offering shrimp cocktail. (Of course, by this time we were stuffed, but we may have to graze around lunch next weekend.) After meandering the store, I came home with a bargain bag of avocadoes (yum) and the Best of Taste of Home 2010 which promises the 240 most requested recipes complete with photos. (Just skimming it looked good, so I can't wait to read the whole thing!)

All in all, I'd say it was a great day and a happy anniversary for us both filled with good food, good company, and hearty laughter.