Friday, October 31, 2008

It Was the Best of Times

The setting: Drinks and dinner al fresco at Cyma Estiatorio in Greenbelt 2.


The cast: In addition to me, of course, these ladies, Portia and Yvonne, with whom I've been friends for more than 25 years; we went to the same schools from elementary to college. We get together every odd year or so.


Then there's Paul, who became a friend of ours in high school, though he went to another school. Last time I saw Paul was about 18 years ago, I think. So last night's reunion was eagerly anticipated on all parts.


And what a reunion it was. The bodies may have changed, but the meeting of the minds has not. Oh no oh no oh no, thank God it hasn't. It was as if we were just resuming a conversation we had yesterday, only we found ourselves updating each other on half a lifetime's worth of experiences instead of just a day's worth. Our night was filled with laughter and stories about other friends, work, family, the crazy stuff we did (and didn't do) when we were kids, and lively discussions about topics ranging from religion to politics to travel to female genital mutilation.

Discussions were interrupted only by our friendly young waiter (named Bond) serving us our food and bringing the beer drinkers a new bottle every now and then. For what's a reunion without some form of alcohol?

The mental and emotional nourishment was stimulating and satisfying, but our older more mature bodies didn't do badly with the evening's fare either.

Cyma serves Greek fusion food, and here are pics of some of what we had.

Spinach and artichoke fondue (cheese, sliced sun-dried tomatoes and Feta, with pita triangles and grilled garlic bread)

Roka Salata (Fresh arugula, chopped Romaine lettuce, sun-dried tomatoes, candied walnuts, served with shaved Parmesan in traditional Greek Vinaigrette). I loved this one.

Baby Clams Angel Hair (Pacific baby clams, white wine, lemon, parsley, grated Parmesan cheese and garlic butter)

Lamb Chops with Roast Potatoes

We wanted to try the flaming mango for dessert, but tummies were already too full to accommodate any more food.

The lovely evening had to end, but it didn't finish on a sad note. With friendships renewed and reaffirmed, the conversation will surely continue.

17 comments:

Terra Shield said...

25 years of friendship... oh wow. And the food looks soooo good. Me thinks I'm hungry!

Anonymous said...

I'd eat every one of those dishes, they all look wonderful

Lizza said...

Terra: I know, can't believe I've been friends with the girls for more than 25 years already. Food was good, especially the salad and spinach/artichoke fondue.

Nursemyra: They taste even better than they look.

Photo Cache said...

Oh I love reunions. My PI friend just emailed me yesterday about our school's grand reunion. She said our batch is boycotting it and holding our own so it's just us. Now she ended her email with: so when are you coming back? Hahaha.

I would love to have a reunion with you too lizz, even if I have not met you in person before. :D

BTW, I love Greek/Mediterranean food.

Lizza said...

I boycotted my HS batch's last big reunion too, but not intentionally haha. I hope you and your old friends can get together soon.

It would be great to have a reunion/meet-up with you, Photo! That would be awesome.

So, when are you coming back? :-)

Bud Weiser, WTIT said...

There is nothing like a reunion with old friends! The food looks fabulous... Have a great day.

Anonymous said...

Ah, Bud, I know you know what it's like to have a good time with old friends. Cheers.

Travis Cody said...

Good times with old friends. I'm looking forward to some of that as well this Thanksgiving.

Sidney said...

It takes a long time to grow an old friend.
-John Leonard-

Looks like the perfect dinner !

Mimi Lenox said...

Good times and good food and lots of smiles. Perfect! 25 years is a long time....

Migs Bassig said...

Uy, Cyma! How was the food? I've been too suspicious of the rave reviews, but perhaps you might convince me. Mahal ba? :P

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a wonderful time. And the baby clams thing looks delicious. (And a coincidence - I made spaghetti with baby clam sauce for diner tonight!)

Nicely said...

25 years is enough to prove that your friendship with them is true. i am happy for you.

of, before i forget, mukhang masarap ung lamb chops. masarap nga ba?

Lizza said...

Trav: I'm happy for you. An evening with old friends is a joyous occasion.

Sidney: Another great quote from you! Thanks.

Mimi: A quarter of a century, yikes!

Migs: Sarap talaga ng salad, grabe. Yung fondue din, para sa akin. Hmmm, nasa Greenbelt 2, medyo mahal (kung ikukumpara sa Jollibee, haha) pero most of the dishes are made for sharing, kaya pag dinibayd-dibayd mo, hindi ganun kamahal.

Citizen: The dishes you cook and show on your blog are so appetizing; I wish we could exchange not only ideas but food samples through blogging as well.

Nicely: Masarap yung lamb chops, malambot. Hindi ako masyadong mahilig sa lamb (my friends ordered it) pero I didn't mind eating it sa Cyma.

Daddy Papersurfer said...

If I had known you 25 years ago I suspect we'd still be taking the piss out of each other ...... luverly .....

Daddy Papersurfer said...

[I read this ages ago and something happened ..... I wonder what it was ....?]

Lizza said...

That would be awesome, DaddyP. I think.