table for two
Maybe I've watched Spanglish a few too many times, but I sometimes think it would be lovely if my husband was a chef. He'd bring you breakfast in bed, and he'd always be experimenting in the kitchen, plus you could go out to eat any night you wanted.
But then I read this article in New York magazine and I think I've changed my mind. Formerly the chef of Lutece, Andre Soltner remembers what it was like running a kitchen. "I was sort of a slave to my restaurant. And my wife too. I don't say it was right. Today, I maybe say it was wrong. Years ago, in Paris, we had no money. But when we were more comfortable, maybe twenty years later, I said, "Simone.. you've paid your dues and everything, I buy you whatever you wish." I was thinking to buy her a ring or a necklace, something like that. "Whatever you wish, tell me." She looked at me and said, "Take me to a movie." For twenty years, I hadn't taken her to a movie. I woke up. I said, "Oh my God, what did I do to my wife?"
Thank you JR, for coming home each night and having dinner with me. And for taking me to a movie, every once in a while.
10.10.2008
Reader Comments (4)
What a compelling post! Gets to the heart of what we really need in life. My husband works 70% (which translates into about 50-60 hours/week for a physician) so that he can spend time with us...
I've watched Spanglish many a time as well. It's my favorite role that Adam Sandler has done. I agree, that balance for family life is crucial. What is more important? I need to remind my husband that on occassion as he finishes his last year in his Pd.D. and slaves away.
love your blog, i just had to comment on this particular post. i met my husband at culinary school and at one point he had to sleep in his car in new york city between 18 hour shifts. but the more you sacrifice, the more you are rewarded.
and the fact that he cooks for me is amazing, it just gets a little frustrating when he thinks that he has a staff of dishwashers at home.
Yes, it's true. Not only did we never go to the movies, it was almost impossible to get the kids' birthdays off.Christmas? New Year's Eve? Forget it. I'm glad Himself isn't cooking anymore. It's sad for him because it's all he ever wanted to be. He has to make do now with spectacular family dinners, holidays and breakfast in bed--for me! :)