The most ironic aspect of GB’s and my relationship is my lack o’taste buds and food memory. I have dined well with this man in many countries, but I have a limited sense of smell and therefore taste (I blame my asthma). As such my recall of meals past is hazy, at best. In contrast, the Propane Chef remembers every detail of every meal he has ever had, or has seen others enjoy. GB has gazed lovingly across his martini glass at me, and said, "Baby, do you remember when we were in Toledo, Spain, in 1985, and we had that magnificent dinner at that restaurant by the river? You had that really terrific partridge; do you remember what I had???"
"…."
One cannot fake a reply to such a query. Thus the poor Propane Chef becomes crestfallen, and my soul aches at the spectacle of his loneliness.
Propane Chef has married a woman who, when left to her own devices, eats meals like "fat free cottage cheese with a side of steel cut oats," and "pouch tuna, with an apple chaser." In other words, the worst possible match for the extraordinary cook that the Propane Chef is. But I try to please, oh yes. His meals are both wholesome AND toothsome. Very high yummy factor. Which is why I’m about 20lbs. above optimal weight [more like 30lbs. – GB]. Nevertheless, despite my limitations, I try very hard to appreciate all the wonderful food the Propane Chef prepares for me – it is a great gift, and in exchange I need only give him all my money. [Don’t be fooled. I have watched MS eat for the past 2 decades or so, and it’s never been a struggle for her – she can unhinge her jaw so far, she looks like a Burmese python eatin’ a salt water crocodile – GB]
Despite my lack of food sophistication, I can vouch for the fact that all the photos he takes of his culinary work are unretouched, and his descriptions completely accurate. Follow the Propane Chef, and you, too, have the potential to cook incredibly good food on a boat, on a hibachi in your back yard, on a single-burner stove while backpacking — heck, even in a conventional kitchen. Let the hedonism continue.
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