A Taco Deferred

A plastic tortilla warmer was going to be a featured player at a roll-your-own taco birthday party for a friend I was planning at my place. The game plan was all set: Tacos al pastor in the faithful crockpot, grilled chicken and firm tofu (for my veggie and vegan guests), both marinated in chili, smoked paprika, cumin and Entirely Too Much Garlic. All the usual toppings: lettuce, onions, green peppers, cojita cheese, chopped cherry tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, cilantro…a spread of hot sauces from mild to “Girl, call me a cab.”

On the side, vats of guacamole, refried beans, rice. And hiding in the kitchen, waiting to make a surprise entrance (accompanied by kazoo fanfare) a death-by-chocolate birthday cake courtesy of a friend whose baking makes your eyeballs spin in opposite directions.

A couple of weeks before the party it was becoming clear that for the time being, cramming a bunch of people into one house was the Emperor of Bad Ideas. Then the Gov of Massachusetts made it official--said it was time to pull the plug. For everybody to hunker down at home. Bye-bye birthday party.

The tortilla warmer arrived a few days after the quarantine was announced. I see it now tucked away on a shelf and wonder when the time will come again to fill my house with folks hooting and hollering and pounding down tacos and dancing to Aretha and The Stones.

Hang on, my friends. This too shall pass…