She tells me that this restaurant has a secret menu
of unofficial and unadvertised selections.
She learned about it by word of mouth.
Why a secret? I ask.
They are variations on menu items,
but everyone loves a secret.
And everyone loves getting in on a secret.
Do we all love a secret?
Family secrets are harmful.
I never loved getting in on family secrets.
It always hurt.
I preferred things being on the menu,
explained, illustrated, consistent.
But these secret things on my plate
are somewhat familiar.
Comforting food and secrets.
We smile with the amuse-bouche.
The meat confit.
The vegetable chiffonade.
Even in an emulsion, family secrets don’t blend.
Oil and vinegar. Water and fat. Lies and truth.
Milneville 