Late start to the week! I was a guest of the National Restaurant Association’s big convention in Chicago last week because everyone should have a side quest (I used to consult for BigBeverage back in the day) so instead of getting everyone’s favorite poll up, I was drinking a plum kumquat mocktail and eating mini shawarmas while shoveling as many samples into my bag as the fantastic folks at the Tajin booth would let me. Here I am with my best friend, a large slice of pizza.

But I’m back today, filled with za’atar crackers and cheesecake on a stick, for our weekly poll. For the two of you that respond and make it possible for me to truthfully say that I don’t just sit around and talk to myself all day, I’m glad you’re here and let’s get right to it.

