Save Me the Plums: My Gourmet Memoir

by Ruth Reichl

“She was a mysterious creature. We were married more than fifty years, but I was never sure I knew what she was thinking. Never.”

“Not at all; it gave life flavor.

When I saw you sitting here, alone, I thought you were like a guest to yourself.

dress is embracing me, turning me into someone I have never been.

THANKSGIVING TURKEY CHILI

looked forward to our morning meal with a hunger that had nothing to do with food.

Those things never happen when you travel on the excess express. The more stars in your itinerary, the less likely you are to find the real life of another country. I’d forgotten how money becomes a barrier insulating you from ordinary life.

Reminded us how exciting it was to abandon security and run toward the life that is waiting.

Luxury is best appreciated in small portions. When it becomes routine it loses its allure.”