High Noon

I'll have to do it again this week. On wednesday. I don't like it. I don't want to.

I'm not talking about going to the dentist's, I'm talking about business lunches, probably one of the most unpleasant inventions ever. As far as I am concerned, the words business and lunch don't go together. I find it quite distressing to do a debrief (I'm not making this up) of a particularly tricky equity transaction over a bowl of exquisitely steaming soup or to debate IPOs versus trade sales while trying to roll up a forkful of linguine. I'm too dedicated to food for that. When I go and have lunch, I want to relax. And eat. I want work issues to wait. Which is also why I don't like eating in front of the computer - how could I possibly relax doing that? Plus, the crumbs in the keyboard really annoy me.

To me, the epitome of a great lunch is the leisurely lunch. I adore the sound of these words alone. They promise good food, interesting conversation with friends or just some delightful quality time on my own. "Leisurely" implies not having to go back to work afterwards, so it's even fine to indulge in a glass of wine and to enjoy the gentle sleepiness it causes. I just recently had such a wonderful lunch at restaurant Sasso in Helsinki. Delicious food accompanied by a glass of sicilian red wine, followed by an espresso. All in beautiful surroundings, cared for by exemplary service. Blissful. May I suggest you don't deny yourself the pleasure?