tastebudds

Have you ever stepped into an Italian restaurant; you know, the posh ones along Lygon Street and it's absolutely chock a block on a Saturday as twentysomething aussies settle down for a hefty meal after a long week's hard work. You're served by an ever-smiling store manager, who seemingly spills out all the offers they have that night in an effortless manner, without slip-ups and mispronunciations. He's usually a stocky fella, and you're lucky like me you can see the top of his baldish patch, with nothing but a couple of strands of grey hair.

And then here comes the menu. You sit down with your friend and begin discussing about the ambience and the different experiences you've had with other pasta restaurants. Then you're friend just does the unthinkable and the unimaginable. He or she chooses spaghetti bolognese. How exciting. Let me think...isn't that the single most popular pasta dish one can whip up at HOME??? And for those who think it's really that different and so much better than what we can have at home. (that is unless you're a total wreck in the kitchen and can't tell the difference btw tuna and chicken, as with Jessica Simpson, but I doubt she'll be raeding this)Yep, you're wrong. It's just like any other. Ok, however I must comment that most the pasta is homemade there, but then so is fettucine, tortellini and ravioli and angel hair. Come on.....the last thing you want to do when you're out is to remind you of home. Come on...dare to try another type of pasta, and dare to try another sauce. It's not like you can eat it once in your life and your decision will be life threatening.

It just irks me to see my friends order so bland as spaghetti bolognese. Maybe it's their culture from their home country. If it tastes good, then why should I change? Well, to put it simply, it's because there are so many other tastier types out there and textures to which one should render the palate. But, it still boils down to personal choice; if you're like garfield, and likes only one type of pasta, then suit yourself. But I still urge you to dare to try.