Sundays are Fun Days

Sundays are always so beautiful to me.  I recall my childhood being filled with special memories on Sundays.  My mom always cooked a big lunch after church.  It was usually pot roast with potatoes & carrot, but no matter the main course, we always had fresh peas from her garden, & hot water cornbread.  My mom cherished Sunday afternoons because she could take a nap.  My sister & I did everything we could to avoid them, but we sure knew better than to wake mom!!  Perhaps my favorite Sunday memory is going to Shoney's Restaurant after church with my parents & friends from our church.  If we were really good that day, my dad would let my sister & me order a hot fudge sundae.  I always asked for extra cherries on top.  Even though I've been out of my parents' home for 13 years, I still love 'family dinner' on Sundays.  You see, I believe there are two types of family:  the one that you're born into & the one that you choose.  My actual  family lives three hours away from me, so my 'chosen family' & I either go to brunch or cook a big meal on Sundays.  Yesterday, however, presented an impromptu visit with a friend that turned into a beautiful Sunday dinner.  Aren't the unplanned events always the best?!?!  My friend, Mike, & I were strolling down Maple Street in New Orleans & came across a hidden jewel called Jamila's Cafe.  Mike lives in that neighborhood, so he had been to this fabulous restaurant before.  It was a beautiful evening, so we opted to sit outside.  Our waiter, Moncef, & his wife, Jamila, own the cozy restaurant that specializes in Tunisian cuisine.  We started with the grilled eggplant salad that was tossed with mixed greens, feta, & balsamic vinaigrette.  The escargot was delightful, but the lamb tagine stole the show.  It was beautifully cooked in a clay pot with house-made lamb sausage in a delicious broth & served with a yellow rice.  I couldn't get enough of it!  Somehow, I managed to save room for creme brulee & house-made baklava.  I'm so glad I did!  Jamila is the only one in the kitchen.  Her dishes were wonderful, & you could tell they were made with such love.  The service by Moncef was incredible.  It was the perfect end to a picture perfect Sunday.  No matter which 'family' I am with, the camaraderie of dinner always fills my heart with joy.  I hope you can take time to dine with your family this week, even if it is only for ten minutes in between activities.  Trust me, these truly are the most fun memories that will last you a lifetime.  (Meredeth's note:  I realize today is not Sunday.  I didn't get home in time to publish this last night, but I couldn't let this thought go to waste.)  :-)