By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher
Dungeon dining in the dark with Mr. Kaminski and Michelle and John Bauer at the 290 Wine Castle.
The older I get, the more I appreciate the dark – or at least extraordinarily dim lighting. I tend to appreciate the nuances of not being able to see much, especially my own reflection. It’s all because I look AMAZING in the dark. I know it’s true because Mr. Kaminski told me so, and for some bizarre reason, he wants to stay married – to me.
So, when Mr. Kaminski mentioned that he bought us tickets to a chocolate and wine event at our dear friend’s 290 Wine Castle in Johnson City – in the dungeon, in the dark – I thought that was a great idea. Chocolate and wine – in the dark? Three of my favorite things. How could that possibly go wrong?
Excited for the unilluminated adventure, I queried, “What should I wear? I’m not sure what dungeon attire entails. I probably shouldn’t wear heels if I can’t see where I’m going.” I tend to fall in broad daylight, much less in the dark.
“Doesn’t matter,” Mr. Kaminski promptly replied. “It will be dark. You don’t have to wear a thing.”
That was my first clue that for this decadently dark date, an ulterior motive was in play. Apparently, Mr. Kaminski had “plans.”
Not appreciating his response, I promptly secured a super cute sweater with pink lips all over it thanks to my sweet girlfriend Roxanne, who owns Burbs Chic Boutique. I highly recommend her online store; she has the cutest things! And the sweater covered all of my bits and pieces not leaving anything to chance – for the record.
We arrived at the castle and was escorted to the down under of the dungeon. It was dark, very dark. I wasn’t quite certain how I was supposed to participate in this chocolate-making activity with low light, but I had the drinking part down, so I was good.
To say that the experience was filled with surprises was an understatement, but the best surprise was the friends who were there waiting for us. Unbeknownst to me, John and Michelle Bauer joined us for the decadent dessert adventure, and it was absolutely a Valentine’s Day activity to remember. I made a complete mess with the chocolate, but no one could see it, because it was dark! Definitely my kind of culinary activity.
That was last week. This week Mr. Kaminski’s Valentine’s Day activity is dinner and a lecture called “Fatal Attraction.” I hope it’s dark, because this could get messy.
Hope y’all had a memorable Valentine’s Day with your loves filled with flowers, romance and a copious supply of dim lighting. See y’all next week – on the porch!
Patti Parish-Kaminski
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