Drew vs Food.

Went to Richmond, Virginia on Friday with my mom to help my sister get geared up for her move to Florida.

It was a chill night, and marked two years since I first asked Amanda out, and two years since the Mayer show in Raleigh that she couldn’t go to. RIDICULOUS how fast the time goes. That show still stands out as one of the best I’ve seen, if not the best. He brought it ALL, and it was rainy and emotional and raw, and he played my trifecta all in a row: Gravity>Clarity>Wheel. Couldn’t have asked for a better evening (unless she could’ve made it, haha…)

Anyway, it was cool seeing a bit of RVA. It’s an eclectic city with a vibe similar to Austin and Nashville. A lot of it’s so laid-back that it’s hard to believe it was once the capital of the Confederacy. Guess it’s a concrete example of how things can change, eh?

Went to dinner with the mom and sis to a lil Thai place called “Ginger” where I ate THE spiciest meal I’ve EVER had in my life. It was killer, and I love spicy. I’ve always been a fan of sweating as I eat, but as I struggled through the dish I looked like I’d been at the gym in my jeans and dress shirt. I didn’t even order the spiciest flavor! It goes up to “Make me cry” hot, and I ordered the second strongest, “Thai hot.” The server asked me if I was sure when I chose the spice, and I said “yes” with a cocky grin on my face. HA. Dude smiled back as if he knew something I didn’t…

And he did. My food came out and after the first taste of the first onion, I knew it was going to be epic. The spice had a snowball effect that just kept BUILDING. I tuned out conversations and my mom saying “you don’t have to finish it, you know,” but kept eating.

And I was going to finish it, dammit.

With every bite I felt like Frodo on the quest with the ring of power. The spice was my Mordor and a clean plate was how I would destroy the ring and save the world. Sweat poured into my food and red wine calmed my palette, but I kept going.

Did I get there? YES!

My sinuses were Claritin-clear and I was drenched, but yes, I finished.

But that wasn’t the end. No SIR! We were in Richmond, so fried Oreos were a MUST! If you’re looking for it, Heaven is in RVA in the form of these guys at the Galaxy Diner. SO good.

After dinner, mom told me she felt sorry for how I was going to feel in the morning, but I laughed it off. The food was delicious, I was victorious, and it was a good night.

D.

PS: Mom was right.