Things that don't go together

 


        One of my favourite roles in a Toastmaster meeting is Table Topics Master. To help members practice speaking without preparation, the TTM gives random questions to those attending the meeting. The member then has to fashion a 30 second to two minute answer.  It's a helpful skill to have, especially when job hunting. I like being the TTM because I enjoy asking good questions and weaving in why I asked. This is helpful when we have no speeches as it takes a bit of pressure off members to do multiple questions.

        One of the questions I posed at yesterday's meeting is, "What two things don't go together?" 

        The answer was celery and peanut butter and eggs and ketchup with an explanation as to why. It was a fun answer and made me think of a recent trip to a restaurant.

        Last week we went to a bar and grill about 30 minutes away from where we live. We were introduced to it by our friends Ellen and Arden. They have a large burger menu mostly with baseball names. Several of the burgers have peanut butter on them. I have looked at them several times, but never had to courage to order one.

   Peanut butter is one of my favourite things. I prefer chunky and usually buy the kind that has only peanuts, oil and a little salt in the ingredients. I like peanut sauce and peanut butter frosting on a chocolate cake. When BP Loco was at the Mall of America, I would buy some of their offerings including the spicy peanut butter. I do enjoy it in moderation though. No bingeing...

        I also enjoy a good burger. C and I have some places we like to go when we feel carnivorous. A well made burger can be a satisfying thing.

        It never occurred to me to put the two together. When we were at the bar and grill, I looked over the offerings with peanut butter. Was this going to be the day? In the end I chickened out and chose something else. When the server took our order I mentioned to her that I wanted to try one of the burgers with peanut butter on it, but was too scared. She told me it was good and that I should try it. I asked her for a suggestion as to the best one to try. She thought a simple burger topped with peanut butter, tomato and lettuce would be best with the mayo on the side. That's what I had. I felt brave ordering it.

        When it came, I took a bite. It was good. For some reason the peanut butter worked. It wasn't sweet and it just blended in. It was actually pretty good. I was grateful that I was encouraged to try it.    

        Next time I go to that restaurant, I'm going to try a different one. Maybe the one with peanut butter and grape jelly. It could be really good.

        There are some things that do not go together. Peanut butter and burgers are not two of those things.


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