Grubarazzi

Lake Echo, Maine. A rustic cabin in the woods surrounded by crystal clear water, old pines, silver birches, and amazingly warm friends. This was the place I dove head first in to a soul-enriching vacation, and went on a quest to find giant Maine lobsters to dip in lemon butter, toss in mayo, or stuff in to every type of bread imaginable.   Lobsters are at the heart of every food decision during the summer in Maine. Most menus feature some sort of lobster dish, preferably the chef’s take on the infamous lobster roll. As I watched my friends boil giant lobsters, toss pasta with freshly picked meat, and order lobster paninis that were lightly doused with lemon and pressed, I observed what they enjoyed the most so I could mimic our Maine experience at home. Mind you, I am not a New Englander, so I would never suggest I have perfected the lobster roll.   Lobster rolls are like a religion, and I would never win that debate. What I have done is taken my years of lobster ro...

Marriage is a great lesson on give and take. I will admit, during my first year as a married woman I had a hard time taking and an even harder time giving. I was so independent it was difficult for me to open a joint bank account so we could easily pay the bills. If he asked me to turn off the lights when I left the house, I would huff and puff until the house fell down. Then, something clicked. I realized he was just asking me to give him what he needed to be comfortable and joyful. As soon as I learned how to give more than I wanted to receive, I got a lot more in return. I am only three years in to married life, but I have learned more about myself with him than if I were doing this alone. It is an evolution of love and commitment that keeps me grounded and at ease. I speak of marriage and giving because my audacious husband caught me a rockfish fresh from the Chesapeake Bay. Yes, he did. And when he brought it home fresh on ice, he expected me to help him filet it. I had...