Mas

Dear Mas,

I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you! You found it in your heart to give me another chance and sample the delights you create day in and day out. I know I got into that accident last time we were supposed to meet, so I left you hanging. However, you proved the better person and gave me another shot. You cannot understand how enthralled I was when I found out there was a reservation at 9:30 last Wednesday and all I had to do was show up with a case of beer for Matt and the chefs in the back.

Mas, everything was delicious! I want to thank you especially for the pork belly dish. Your charming interpretation of bacon and eggs makes me remember why I like you so much to begin with. Serving a juicy and sumptuous strip of pork belly with a poached egg yolk on top of Italian polenta—you’re so clever! I also loved the Pacific Halibut wrapped in leeks and that Yellowfin Tuna O’ccidental. That Chamblis you gave me just was spot-on with the fish, too. It made me think of how classy you can be without forgetting your foundations.

You aren’t like the others, Mas. You really know how to make me feel special. Who else would invite me in at 9:30 and let me stay until 1 in the morning? Or serve me 10-plus courses without making me decided what I wanted to eat? You really are top-notch and I look forward to our next date. Until then, try not to impress those other people too much. You know I have my eye on you.

Thanks again, I’ll never forget it,

Justin

PS: Sometimes I look at the few pictures I have when I miss you.