The Cross & Cleaver. Where Heaven Meets Earth: It Costs How Much?!…or …Pass the Offering Plate.
We often think through the prism of money. Whoever said that money cannot buy happiness clearly has never ordered (and paid for) the following dinner:
-Appetizers of six oysters, smoked salmon and beef tartare.
-1½ inch thick porterhouse cooked to medium-rare perfection.
-French fries dusted with smoked Maldon Sea salt flakes.
-Truffled lobster mac-n-cheese, made with a blend of at least three cheeses and preferably four.
-Ceasar salad with a dressing of perfectly balanced creaminess of egg yolk and tartness of anchovies.
-Dessert of Crème brûlée topped with raspberry and dark chocolate mousse sprinkled with edible lavender.
-Plain crackers with a taste of three cheeses: Stilton, Bire and extra old Cheddar.
-Double espresso to finish.
You can wash it down with whatever suits you. By my guesstimation, the above menu will set you back somewhere above $300. The question is – was it worth it? Would a person get anything out of it but momentary thrill and bragging rights?
OR…you can go to one of many neighbourhood joints or food trucks and for probably $10 plus spare change you get a juicy burger or crispy fish tacos, each with just enough toppings to be nearly perfect. Chances are you are going to strike a down-to-earth conversation with the owner, server or customer. Fair is fair—either scenario starts with money on the menu (or billboard outside) and it ends with money and the bill.
The adage that you get what you pay for, carries only thus far. Over $1,000 for gold leaf covered steak is just nuts and surely not worth it. You can some decent grub for much less, and it does not have to be a discount rack of a third-rate shop quality.
Some restaurants and menus are all about money and very little genuine substance. You can see the priorities at a mile! Many, but not all, churches are no different. “Easy pay” icon nearly at the centre of their website’s home page. At least three times during livestreamed worship there will be a ribbon at the bottom of the screen telling you how to give. The service will likely end with a reminder to that effect. You might also find the substance … lacking. Well, I do anyway.
I like the churches that specifically ask for money periodically. Usually in the fall and when they some extra cash because something broke and needs replacing. The offering plate is either passed around or sits inconspicuously on a side table so you can drop your offering when you enter or when you leave … or not at all because you might not be even told about the plate.
Such churches are not doing well financially, and they remind me of the proverbial mom-and-pop café, grill or diner. Food is wholesome, from the heart and dishes and silverware might just come from seven mismatched incomplete sets bought at a local garage sale. Unlike posh places with skimpy portions, from a place like this you are likely leaving full and with a doggy bag. And chances are you will be back.
So here is an idea for a wholesome inexpensive meal served from the heart, that can just become the first of many.
Your place, invite 3-4 friends telling them it will be “just some food not a full lunch or dinner.”
Some wine, some lemonade, some beer and water, 2-3 baguettes or some French loaves, cut into rough chunks. Plate with some cold cuts. Second plate with some cheeses. Third with some pickles and/or fresh veg.
Eat, drink, and challenge each other to share ONE non-superficial thing about yourselves. Listen attentively, be supportive, offer advice only when asked. When you are done, ask whose place is next and who else could be invited. If there is next time—you are golden. If there is no next time—you are out $30-$40 and you might look for new/more friends.
P.S. I am always game!
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