Life, Love and Happiness

There was a little too much goodness in the air last night. The bite had left Chittlins’ tongue and I’m not quite sure what caused it. For now I’ll blame the weather, I’m afraid of what I might find if I dig too deep. We set the mood for the evening by watching the last hour of Amadeus. You might think seeing Wolfie succumb to consumption would dampen our spirits but there’s just something about Queen of the Night that makes you want to eat Afghan food.

Despite the fact that Masouleh (6653 N Clark) is due north of Chittlins’ place I experienced moments of passenger uncertainty. It could have had to do with the fact that somehow Ashland crossed Ashland and we were not supposed to be on either or we were just entranced by the sheer gall of the guy in front of us and forgot where we were (notice the brake light, it says ‘THE CHIEF’). I’m not sure what made me more upset, that someone would buy that thing or that I was sitting in a car that didn’t have one.

Masouleh is distinct in its innocuousness. And the fact that Chittlins tried to make everything he ordered into some sort of sandwich. The fetish must have some origin but it was left unstated. I had the Mirza Ghasemi (eggplant and egg curry with rice) and my date ordered the Masouleh Kabob (beef and rice). The side of pickled cucumbers added some zest but it wasn’t needed, I had Chittlins. We both got lentil soup starters and Persian tea to finish. I like to think we look like two students just sharing a meal but the jealousy I see in many a passing eye makes me think otherwise. It may be self-serving but I prefer to stare back.

If I had to count, I might have experienced 23 of the 30 or so flavors Chittlins has determined each dish must have; he on the other hand only made it to 15. To conclude, would I recommend it? Would I recommend disco bowling? Do it because it makes you a better person and not because you woke up this morning next to the person you know you’ve become and not the person you hope to be.