I love Thanksgiving. It’s a holiday that delivers what is promised. Prepared for in advance with hours spent laboring in warm, aromatic kitchens over food devoured in minutes, it’s a day that celebrates the sensuality and richness of life — the smells and colors and tastes, the sounds of family laughing and arguing, the intangible satisfaction of good conversation. It’s an entire day dedicated to creating an atmosphere of restfulness that gives you the space to reflect on what you are thankful for. And it is the one day a year that we all give thanks, first and foremost, for the food on our plates.
I have so much to give thanks for this year. Namely, the opportunity to share CLEAN PLATE and to know you — reader, eater, friend.
While so many doors opened this year, a few where shut. Most recently, the Vinton Street restaurant location. Two weeks ago I was writing this…
“Its been too long. The new space is a bit time consuming. (Which might be the understatement of the year.) We’re through with most of the demo and should be starting in on the putting-it-all-together stuff, soon. I’ve posted lots of demo dirty work photos below.
Maybe I should back up…CLEAN PLATE has a new home! The new location is at 18th and Vinton (just caddy corner from Louie M’s Burger Lust). My friend Dave, who is the most enthusiastic construction volunteer, refers to the place in his English steel town accent as “a diamond just waitin’ for a polishin’.” Which is to say, it’s rough. But it’s amazing what a broom and a coat of paint have already done. And the potential! Big open space, high ceilings, wood floors, lots of storefront windows, a kitchen that will open out to my garden side yard!
The Vinton Street neighborhood was also a huge part of my attraction to this building — great architecture, great people and a great history. Originally (and pardon me while I do my history geek bit here), because of the natural ridge created by its geography, Vinton Street was a trail used by the Native Americans. Later it was a cattle trail connecting the market and the stockyards. The CLEAN PLATE building was originally a grain store. Most people now recognize it as the Schneider Hardware building because of its big blue neon sign. It’s exciting to be here and the welcome from the community has been overwhelming.”
Shortly after writing this I found out that the building wasn’t going to be suitable for a restaurant. Bummer. Yeah, maybe THAT is the understatement of the year. But, I’m rolling with the punches. I’m keeping my eyes and ears open for other location ideas. And in the meantime I’m beginning work in earnest on a CLEAN PLATE mentorship program which, come this spring, should have kids in gardens planting veg.
This delay of game also means BRUNCHES WILL RESUME. Soon. I’ll be making announcements here. I’ll also be making more regular posts. I cook everyday. I write everyday. It seems silly that I haven’t been sharing my culinary musings and misadventures. I’d love your comments and feedback, so make me a bookmark!
I wish you all scrumptious, nap inducing Thanksgivings surrounded by food, family and friends!
Love and green bean casserole,
elle
