Sep. 06, 2006 - Issue #568: Sex in the City
Is that a Culina dinner in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?
“You’ll see,” I smiled secretly.
He looked puzzled, but questioned me no further. We’ve been married seven years: I can understand why it’s called the seven-year itch. Seven years can produce a lot of changes—a whirlwind romance, lavish wedding, buying a love nest, childbirth and career. After these milestones, there is often a lull in the action.
But not tonight.
Armed with TV dinners from Culina and a bottle of White Zinfandel, I just needed to get my husband off the couch.
Exhausted from his day at the construction site, he stared blankly at the TV. He continued as I lit the candles and spread out rose petals, poured the wine and retrieved the dinners from the oven. “Sweetheart, the meals are ready,” I announced softly. He didn’t move. Clearly, this would call for more decisive action.
I undressed down to my white bra and underwear. His gaze turned slowly from the TV. His voice croaked, “Honey, what are you doing?”
I replied in my sweetest Southern Belle, “I do declare that these dinners are so steamy, it’s just too hot to eat them dressed.” I took a napkin and fanned myself, “That’s so much better. Why don’t you join me?”
It’s funny how little it takes to get a man to obey. He shut off the TV and came to his chair. I commented, “Oh, it’s not too steamy for you? I guarantee that it will get hotter in here.”
My husband looked attentive, but he also looked hungry. I left him to enjoy his dinner so I could tease him a bit more later.
I had purchased two fabulous take out dinners from Culina, pre-frozen and just 35 minutes in the oven to a perfect meal. With seven varieties and at $12 each, they are a fantastic fallback when you can’t go out—or when you choose to stay in.
Drop by for a first-come, first-served feast. I thought that my sweetness would enjoy the leg of lamb in marbella sauce ($12), while I chanced the line-caught wild salmon cakes with Thai curry sauce ($12). There were also two vegetarian, a chicken, a beef and a pork dish to choose from. Apparently the Ethiopian-spiced chicken and the Moroccan beef are most popular, so arrive early if you have a craving for either.
I was pleased with how fresh my meal tasted. I could immediately discern that the chef used high-quality wild salmon in the two plump cakes instead of its canned counterpart. The accompanying fennel risotto had a creamy texture that felt like velvet on my tongue. The rich risotto paired well with the robust fish.
The curry sauce, although sparse, gave a gentle warmth to the overall dish. Stroking my husband’s foot under the table, I purred, “This salmon flakes away seductively from my fork. It is absolutely sinful. Would you care for a piece?” I took a forkful and gently placed it between his lips.
After swallowing, he asked “Would you like some of mine?” I nodded, and he carefully placed a segment of his lamb on my plate.
“No, no! Not like that!” I scolded. I gave him back his fork, and added, “You need to feed me!” He gingerly placed the lamb in my mouth, and my lips slowly encompassed the meat. “Mmmmm, that’s better,” I murmured.
The lamb was magnificent: it melted like butter in my mouth. It was enlivened but not overwhelmed by the sauce. The piquant, sweet and sour marbella embraced the dark meat well. My husband’s side of Edam mashed potatoes was rich in flavour and texture.
“And now it is time for dessert,” I whispered. I poured another glass of wine for us and brought over the remainder of our meals. I slunk over and sat on my husband’s lap.
Each frozen entrée came with an apple-pear crisp, which I had placed in the oven to warm. “Are you feeling hotter now?” I asked, unbuttoning his shirt. He blushed and nodded. “Good,” I smiled, “we’ll finish our meals and find something else to do.” I winked slowly. His blue eyes widened.
The apple-pear crisp was a bright combination of pears, apples and strawberries. Perfect for the fall harvest, the tart strawberries and sweet pieces of fruit were crowned by a drier oatmeal crumble.
Finishing it off, I realized that I was still a little hungry. Although an amazingly tasty meal, the portions were a little on the small side. But for two to dine for only $24 plus tax, it’s hard to complain. Next time, I’ll remember to pick up a loaf of French bread or make a green salad to complete the dinner. Tonight, we had other activities in mind.
Cleaning up the dishes, my husband came out of the kitchen, puzzled. “Umm, you forgot to put this whipped cream on the apple crisp.”
I laughed, “Honey, that isn’t for the apple crisp. Do you want to come upstairs and see what I had in mind?” He smiled.
A word to the newly married: some of the best dates we’ve had were when we didn’t leave home. Try it. Pick up some gourmet take out and see what happens. But don’t expect Culina to provide the whipped cream. V
Mon - Fri to 10 pm, Sat to 11 pm, Sun to 8 pm
Culina
9914 - 89 Avenue
437.5588
More info about Culina (Mill Creek) →
New comments for this entry have been turned off and any existing ones are hidden. We apologize for any inconvenience.
