New friends in unexpected places

This rainy day in LA, I was having soup at my latest favorite local food hangout, Sarita's Pupuseria at the Grand Central Market downtown.   I never get tired of the sopa de res (beef soup) and a pork (chicharron) pupusa.   Anyhow, I got to chatting with a lovely couple next to me who were sampling flavors of tamales to order for Christmas.  MY kind of people!  Turns out that they are in the food industry -- a caterer and executive chef for a downtown restaurant!  (Hi John and Laurie!)

Other than finding unexpected new friends when you least expect it, the best part was that on the way out John told me that when I visit the restaurant he can help me work my way around the menu with my allergies since they cover all different styles of Mexican food and make lots of custom changes for their customers.

I'm so excited!  Will report back when I get the chance to try it out.  Morale of the story, when you go to places with good food, you'll find others who share your enthusiasm and make new friends!

When you're out there folks, try striking up a conversation with a stranger -- you already have something in common taste for yumminess) and you never know when you'll meet someone who can help you with your food allergies!