An Empty Plate

Okay, one more Valentine’s themed post, and then I’m over it!

Here’s an odd fact about me: I collect unmatched pieces of dinnerware. Usually I find them cheap in thrift stores or on clearance tables, but I’ve got a few pieces from independent potters and artists.

My husband and I went out for our V-Day dinner on Saturday night, to a great Asian restaurant (one where you get to choose a huge, heaping bowl of veggies and they stir-fry it with the sauce of your choice). I’ve always loved the plates they use, and was thinking that I’d like to have one of the little triangle-shaped appetizer plates to use for taking food photos.

As we were leaving, I noticed for the first time that they had a display case with the different plates in it–for sale. It turns out that they were created by a local artisan, Gail Pittman. I saw the little triangle bread plate that I liked so much cost $17 but told my husband I couldn’t see spending that much for one 5-inch plate.

I forgot all about the plate, but yesterday, when I opened my Valentine’s present, there it was! I know someone is thinking, “He got you a plate? And you’re happy about it?” Yes, I’m weird. But I really have all the jewelry I need, and I definitely don’t need any chocolate (though he got me that too, to my dismay.) I was happy that he remembered something that I had said off-hand. And the little plate is so cute. I’m definitely going to have to make some spring rolls to go on it. So expect to see it again, filled, sometime soon.