Lunch at Arabesque in Boulder (c)2011 LaDomestique.com

Last week I met a good friend for lunch at Arabesque in Boulder. This lovely little cafe on the corner of Walnut and 17th street is full of light and life. Middle Eastern inspired food is served for breakfast and lunch. Everything is made from scratch, and their homemade pitas are fresh from the oven tender and delicious. The restaurant is owned by Manal and Saib Jarrar who can be found there daily. It’s a real mom and pop shop, with family working together. Manal is a former ballet instructor (Arabesque is a classical ballet position that demonstrates great skill from a dancer). The second you walk in the door you can feel her warm and welcoming energy. She and the other women were all dressed in brightly colored dresses and looking gorgeous while working. Just being in there puts a spring in your step.

Inside Arabesque (c)2011 LaDomestique.com

My friend and I sat down and enjoyed their chicken shawarma and tabbouleh for lunch. The food was generous and the vegetables were strikingly fresh. Next time I really want to try their baklava for dessert (I’ve heard it’s excellent). They also have a Middle Eastern sampler plate that gives a taste of everything.

One of my favorite parts about enjoying a meal at Arabesque was a small but special touch- their water. Upon being seated my friend and I received a carafe of cold water. I poured a glass and took a sip, tasting the subtle aroma of orange flower and mint. The water was refreshing and transported me to another place. . . across the world. It’s the little things that make a meal nice.

Water infused with Orange Flower Water & Mint (c)2011 LaDomestique.com

If you are looking for ideas to jazz up water for the table, check these out:

Martha Stewart’s Lime Rosemary Water
Martha Stewart’s Ginger Mint Water
101 Cookbooks Elderflower flavored sparkling water
Jamie Oliver’s quick and easy flavored water ideas

With the release of Kinfolk, an online magazine devoted to “small gatherings”, I’ve been inspired by the idea that entertaining is changing. For a long time now I’ve been turned off by the word, “entertaining”, which brings to mind perfect parties, formality, and posturing- keeping up with the Joneses. Entertaining seems dated. Times are changing. We’ve been through a recession. After all the spending of money we don’t have and buying houses we can’t afford, we’ve filled these houses with stuff that hasn’t brought happiness. For many, the reaction is to simplify. Pare back. We’re investing less in material things and more in the things that really fill us- our friendships.

Gathering is different. Gathering evokes a feeling of ease, warmth, and a focus on interacting rather than performing. In this world we’re becoming so insular. We forget the importance of gathering with friends to share stories at a thoughtfully set table with simple, flavorful food. Because of Kinfolk magazine, I want to remember.

I’ve decided to begin posting to LaDomestique.com on Sunday, the day of rest. Much of the week at this site is about learning and doing, but Sunday will be about reflecting. Join me in an effort to keep it all in perspective. I will share a special moment from the week, and I would love for you to share snippets of your small gatherings in the comments section.