Ingenious: Watermelon, Feta, and Olive Salad

Now, I'm almost always an advocate for gathering people together around an informal table -- cloth napkins are nice but so are elbows on the table -- and sharing meals that not only center around fine food but also funny remarks, good stories, and deep connections. However, tonight was not one of those nights.

I found myself hurriedly throwing together this salad because my last chance for a daylight photo shoot was swiftly sinking below the horizon in the west. By the time I had my fork in hand and enough space cleared on the counter top that doubles as our table to sit down, my last roommate had waved goodbye, and I was sitting in our apartment by myself.

There is no need to start feeling sorry for me; that's not why I'm telling you this. You see, from there I got up, flicked off the fluorescent light overhead, and moved over to the corner of the couch. Balancing my plate on the armrest and tucking my knees close, I looked out the window at the disappearing light and manicured lawn below and slowly began to lift forkfuls of my dinner into my mouth.

Such a pleasant mix of flavors met my tongue that I became grateful for the silence around me. I was able to concentrate on the flavors of the mint mixed with the jalapeno, combined with the watermelon pooling juice into the olives, contrasted with the crunch of the onion matching the bite of the arugula, and richly mellowed by the feta and olive oil. By all means, eat this salad with a friend, but set aside a few moments to focus on what is going into your mouth because this salad is ingeniously constructed.

I wish I could take credit for it, but I'm going to pass you over to Saveur's site for the recipe...

Watermelon, Feta, and Olive Salad

If your day has brought you silence, I hope you find peace there as well.