Sal was the last patient of the day. I greeted him, hoping he and his family had a nice Thanksgiving. Before two sentences passed by, we were talking about food. This subject matter is so universal, no one alive has nothing to say about it. Well it took 20 minutes before I started Sal's dental procedure.
I usually make an off-the-cuff statement to keep the verbiage rolling. I bragged about not having the traditional turkey dinner for Thanksgiving. My son and my mom both suggested flounder. So we had flounder. Not too long after, the conversation when into Christmas dishes. With the traditional Italian Christmas Eve dishes being fish related, Sal, my assistant Eileen, and I went off on all the bizarre dishes we ever had.
The three of us are of Italian decent, but not from the same region. As each country has its own dialect, the style of cooking can be quite different. We brought up cooking Calamari, Scungilli, and the dreaded Eels. Then we all recalled this fried vegetable stalk called Cardoone. Actually spelled Cardoon. We had NO clue what it really was. Every ethnic cuisine has "that" unknown stuff. Don't know what it is, but tastes great.
We were thinking it was an artichoke stem, celery stalk, or even a fennel stem. After finishing Sal's dental procedure (successfully), we were not satisfied ending the visit until finding out this mysterious food item. Well, when in doubt, Ask Mom!! I called her up. She thought the worst; someone got sick, a patient bit my finger off or the fish died! I calmed her down, and plainly asked her what is the Cardoon dish? Mom stated, "Cardoon is a plant all its own." Related to both the Aster and the Artichoke.
Yes I could have "Googled" it, but the validation from a loved one is priceless. As was the time spent with Sal and Eileen enjoying some truly fond memories. I hope we can all enjoy the fond memories this Holiday season. Try to bring back the little family treasures and traditions that seem have been pushed to the side. Lets bring back these special times for the next generations to come.
Michael J. Gulotta, DDS - Family Dentistry
1150 Portion Road
Holtsville, NY 11742
631-696-3820
www.mrmolar.com
