Order up Part 2 "Seduction via Food"...

Being seduced by food... it absolutely happens. We've all seen (or at least heard about) the scene in 9 1/2 weeks, where they took food play to a whole new and weird level. Personally, I prefer the style of Like Water For Chocolate, where Tita's passions are so strong, they impart themselves into the food she prepares, consuming those who eat it with overwhelming feelings of love, sadness and despair. I consider myself a "foodie". Some might also say I'm a "wino", though I prefer the more euphemistic "oenophile". The point is, I love food and drink in every way. I still remember the first time a boyfriend cooked for me (and I use the term "cooked" very loosely) He took me on a picnic for my birthday and packed all of my favorite things: grilled cheese sandwiches; Dr. Pepper; skittles. I was 18 at the time and my palette had not yet ventured outside of Lancaster, Pa, but it was wonderful and thoughtful. I was impressed. As I got older and began working in and frequenting nicer restaurants, my tastes broadened. The Olive Garden, once the height of sophistication for my friends and I, suddenly became passe'. (Though, if you catch me in the right mood, I can still appreciate a jug of Lambrusco.) I try not to be a snob... I am equally happy, whether I'm eating lobster ceviche at a celebrity chef-owned, 5 star Vegas restaurant, or a $5.00 tamale out of the back of a mini-van, parked along the side of the road. (Shout out to Brenda, su tamales son deliciosos!) My ex totally won me over with food... he used to work the pantry station at the restaurant where I waitressed and he would constantly fry up "one too many shrimp" or "accidently" make an extra crab dip. On holidays, he would slip me lobster tails on the sly. It worked. He also prepared delicious treats for me at his house when he finally got me back there (which didn't take long after the lobster tails). Guys who subsist on nothing but chicken fingers and burgers, are not the guys for me. If for dinner, I suggest Indian, Thai or Japenese and I hear the words "Ew", "Yuck", or "Seriously?", that's a deal breaker. Because guess what? Later on, when I'm suggesting things elsewhere, I don't want the same response. I am a fan of the naked sushi scene in the first Sex and the City movie... I would absolutely do that, but only for someone I knew could appreciate it. I would also not hesitate to don a whipped cream bikini, ala Varsity Blues, because that just looks FUN. I have had some memorable adventures involving strawberries, popsicles and Nutella (thank you Europe for bringing us that tasty treat), and I look forward to a future filled with many more wonderful and delicious pairings... I just need to find a unique soul, with an equally adventurous palette.