My Lunch with Alice at Chez Panisse

I told my server that whenever I am in the Bay area from Los Angeles, I always try to stop by and eat at Chez Panisse.

Earlier that morning, I called for a table for one. After a quick drive into Berkeley, I was the first to arrive a little before the doors opened at 11:30am for the lunch crowd. I sat at a bench and watched as other patrons started to line up by the door.

A nicely dressed, tall and slender, older gentleman who spied through the glass on the door, and who disappeared around the corner to try to find his way inside.

A group of three, two men who worked together with one of their moms visiting. It was her first time eating at Alice's famed restaurant, and her excitement was reminiscent of my own first visit a couple of years ago.

And me, sitting patiently on the wooden bench, with my stomach ready for an afternoon treat.

As I was seated to my usual table for one in the corner, I spied the older gentleman sitting across from me with none other than Alice, herself.

This was indeed a treat!

I perused the daily specials on the menu, and knew right away that it was going to be a great day.

Here's what I ordered:

Started with the Escarole Salad dressed with fresh herbs, beets, and avocado
Entree of Chicken Breast with a side of frittes and vegetables
Ended with the sweet Mascarpone Panna Cotta with fresh strawberries

That's when my server asked if I was from the area, and I replied that I'm from Los Angeles but that I always try to stop by and eat at Chez Panisse when I'm in the Bay area.

And here's what I'd like to think of as a fantasy come true.

As I placed my order, patrons were slowly starting to fill the tables when I saw that Alice Waters was looking at me from her table.

I smiled and nodded, as anyone would do. But was pretty much beside myself when she approached my table for one and asked if I would join her at her booth.

I tried very hard not to appear too starry-eyed, and replied that I would be honored.

She was everything I thought her to be - personable and charming with a smile and laugh that just brightened the room. We talked of our love of food, about the education system today, and what inspires her to continue her work.

As I savored each course, I wondered about life and love, and how food has weaved its way throughout. I asked myself, "How did I get here?" and "What adventures lie ahead?"

With a sip of my coffee and a last scrape of my panna cotta, I laughed in reverie as my server asked if I'd like another dessert. And with that simple question, I was back at my table for one and my musings of what my lunch with Alice would have been like, had she asked me over.

My afternoon lunch was deliciously dreamy and full of wonderful surprises. The next time I visit, though, I may muster the courage to ask Alice to join me at my table for a real conversation over lunch.