Vegetarians: Look Away

I talked to Kent and Christine over the weekend, and we made plans to have dinner this evening. After getting coordinated around 6 PM, it turns out Kristine was unable to join us – she was behind on some work. So… Kent and I decide to venture it alone.

We meet on the corner of Wabansia and Walcott, figuring we’d decide from there. We started walking West towards Damen, discussing Silver Cloud as a possible place. When I mention that I saw a new seafood restaurant open nearby, Kent exclaims I love seafood! It’s been a long while since Kent’s had seafood, so we decide to go. I honestly don’t remember the name of the place.

Alright – did a search, and it was called Nola’s 32nd Ward Seafood House. A bit of an unfortunate name, but maybe there’s some history there.

*shrug*

Inside, it’s around 6:30 PM, and we’re two of four other folks in the place. Kent and I settle down to some beer and a half-dozen oysters. I’m not a big seafood person, and haven’t really had serious seafood in a long, long while. Kent walks me through the process of eating oysters, and I find the whole thing quite enjoyable. Before we know it, we order a half dozen more. As it turns out, their Monday special is three oysters for a dollar. Rock.

Looking over the menu, Kent and I discuss some of the options. I’ve never had lobster before, and I’m a bit curious. It’s pricey, but at this point… I’m a bit in the "well, what the hell" phase. Kent is keen on the idea, and we decide… fuckit. Lobster it is.

The whole experience was interesting. A bit gruesome, and I found myself taken aback a bit, but enjoyable. I don’t know if I’m going to rush out and demand lobster anytime soon, but I’m glad I tried it. Even for someone who considers himself an omnivore, I was a bit taken aback at ripping into an actual, full carcass.

From Kent’s assessment, the lobsters were a bit small for what we paid. After I was done, I still felt a bit hungry so I ordered another dozen oysters. The mistake in this decision wasn’t realized until many minutes later. I plowed through, trooper than I am. ATe more than I should have, but damn… it was quite good.

Kent and I talked about making this a weekly thing, meeting here on Mondays to take advantage of the oyster special. I doubt we’ll get lobster regularly, but the oyster was quite tasty. We talked about trying to get more folks to come with next time, and are thinking that Alex and Stu would be game. We’ll see.

Tomorrow, for Alex’s birthday, we’re all going to have tapas at Cafe Iberico. Holy Jebus, my stomach has never had it so good. What a week!

Early round of oysters. I can see myself getting addicted to these things.

Lobster, before I mangle its corpse like the barbaric, meat-eating savage that I am.

Fantastic damage. Turns out, Kent and I are both reading Chuck Palahniuk’s Survivor, and recalled the same passage about lobster.

Another dozen oysters, after the lobster. Kent does his best Fonzie impression.

After we said goodbye, I had a hard time walking home. I felt sinfully full, ambling down North Avenue and loving my neighborhood. It was a really nice evening, and I’m glad Kent and I got to hang out. Next time, we’ll make sure we make Christine come along. I’ve been hiding in my apartment for so long, I’ve forgotten how nice it is to go out every once in a while. Could I be becoming more of a social creature?

*looks around*

*shudders*