I maybe eat at Lemonade three, even four times a week. And each time I go I order three out of four things, as my little chola homie that works there likes to point out.
I always get the quinoa, sometimes get the lentils, sometimes the corn, and sometimes the cauliflower. Cauliflower got the boot on this particular visit. Sorry, pal, you’ve been oily lately. It’s not me, it’s you:
Sometimes when I’m really hungry and confused I think I want some of their hot food, beef stew or chicken basque. I’m usually wrong though.
Anyway, the other day I walked in, and the homie looked at me and said, “Hi Lauren, quinoa, corn and cauliflower?” (She hasn’t accepted my rejection of the once revered cauliflower just yet).
Just as I was about to give her the ol’ nod of affirmation/side salad correction, I saw written on the “What’s New” Chalkboard a magical phrase: “Watermelon Radish.”
Naturally I assumed this was a salad that contained watermelon and radishes, which sounded novel and even corn-replacement worthy. especially in the summer. maybe I should try making it. nobody do it first it, it was my idea.
Anyway, it was apparently super popular and all sold out, so I had to wait till next time to uncover it’s glory. When I went back I found that it was not a mixture of watermelon and radishes at all, but a “watermelon radish.” Who knew? I didn’t! Once again cauliflower lost it’s place:
Isn’t it amazing and beautiful? Like if a turnip and a jolly rancher made a baby?! And then got mixed into some kind of magical sesame vinaigrette with ahi and sugar snap peas??
So what is a watermelon radish? Besides being the mythical unicorn of the vegetable world? Have you seen them before?
Unlike other radishes, they become less intense in flavor as they mature. They tend to be peppery on the outside, but sweeter as you get closer to the center. Watermelon radishes can be sauteed, cooked and creamed (?!), served in salads, or added to soups.
Isn’t this kind of an unfair marriage? Like, who says you can just combine two amazing things and eat them? What’s next, banana fennel?? Marshmallow fucking lichis?? This isn’t okay!
