I first met Luna at a most wonderful eatery in Pioneer Square called London Plane.  We had curried avocado toasts for lunch (or at least her mom and I did).

I have now known Luna for 5 days.  I hope to know Luna for 50 more years.  I think she will do great things.  How can she not, with that smile that lights up a room, and those eyes, that convey her ability to know all that surrounds her?  I looked at her innocent little face; at that moment, her binky dropped, her eyes looked straight through me and she smiled, a very happy and honest smile.

It makes me realize that time goes quickly and ever on as the lives of those we cherish go on without us.  I am too easily distracted from the happenings of their lives, only to try and catch up with my own.

September of 2015, on a sunny afternoon, I finally caught up for lunch with my friend Hana.  She stood to hug me and I noticed that she looked as radiant and stylish as ever.  It wasn’t until midway through our meal that her pregnancy was revealed; she was due in less than 2 months.  How is it I didn’t notice?  She is a small woman, whose bump was barely visible but yet still…?

Hana is part of a story we all know; boy meets girl and both boy and girl fall in love.  Like most stories though, their’s too is unique.  They came together against small odds and become a couple that we all root for.  They are cute together and are made for each other so we are all thrilled that it has worked out.  Ups, downs, tiny (but beautiful) houseboat and all, they are a creative couple that are well suited for one another.  Now, along comes Luna.  Lovely Luna. Two, soon became three and what fun that will be.  Luna.  She came along and…life is her song….  Jon, marry that girl and finish the Love Story.  I’ll finish (with) the toast!

Curried Avocado Toast with Pickled Radish, Melted Cheese, Roast Chicken and Fried Egg 

This version is not actually on toast but rather on Summer House English Muffins, brought to me by my travlin’ Tom.  This is also somewhat my brunch version of what Hana and I had at London Plane, but from what I hear, you can order it there with an egg too if desired.  We (Hana and I) quite liked it as it was served, cold and with no egg.  My version, made over a weekend, was gearing toward brunch.

The curry in the avocado is lovely (like Luna), make sure it is fresh.  The pickled radish is key to an explosion of flavor and crunch.  Cheese or no cheese, egg or not, hot or cold, English muffin or toast, all choices to be had but do what you will, and perhaps, try both (or all) ways.

INGREDIENTS (serves 2)

1 avocado
1/2 shallot, chopped
pinch of sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp fresh lemon juice

3-4 small radishes, stemmed and sliced very thin
2 TB amber vinegar or rice wine vinegar
1 TB water
pinch of sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
1 tsp raw sugar
a sprinkle of chili flakes

1 English muffin, slit in half
1/2 cup roasted chicken, shredded
2 thin slices swiss or gruyere cheese
2 eggs

PREPARE

In a small bowl, mash the avocado with the shallot, pinch of sea salt, pepper, curry and lemon juice.

In a separate small bowl, mix the radish slices with the vinegar, water, a pinch of sea salt, pepper and sugar.  Let sit for at least 15 minutes.

Toast the English muffin halves.

Top them with the avocado mix, then some roasted chicken and then slices of pickled radish.

Top this with a slice of the cheese.  Broil for a few minutes in the oven until the cheese melts and the muffin warms through.

Top with a fried egg and enjoy.

Meanwhile, my precious babies nap.