The Eating Out Collection - Volume 1 - Terra del Fuego
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"Good Lord, do these guys ever stop coming?"
Taylor turned her eyes towards the grinning Argentinian who proudly displayed his succulent offering. The tastes and smells of the evening delighted her senses, but her body could only handle so much indulgence. Her over-stimulated mouth failed to produce words. The name "Ricardo" rolled around in her mind every time she read the nametag of her gaucho waiter.
"That's the beauty of this place," said Ginger. "You're in control. You can make them stop anytime you like." Ginger winked at her friend of more than fifteen years, casually flipping a circular card from green to red. A second gaucho, clad all in white save for a sky blue neckerchief, approached Ginger from behind. Noticing the restaurant's trademark signal to stop, he gracefully retreated, ready to proffer his own savory delicacies elsewhere.
"I'm pacing myself," stated Brandy. "I want a little taste from each guy tonight so I can decide who's best."
"Well I definitely want this," proclaimed Taylor. She nodded at Ricardo. He beamed with pride as he slid a sizzling, spiced sausage on to her plate. Steam rose from the encased meat. Taylor's eyes were wide with admiration as she waited for her latest sample to cool. Arched bronze letters adorned the edge of the bone white plate.
"Terra del Fuego -- Palace of Fine Meats"
For this trio of women in their mid 30's, the trip to Terra del Fuego represented a return to normal. Eating out was a hallmark of their friendship. They made monthly visits to new restaurants to explore unique cuisines. As a group they were up for trying anything once. The pandemic briefly put their gatherings on hold, but now the generous, unlimited portions at an Argentinian steakhouse were handsomely compensating for the time apart.
With a confidence earned through four years as a college soccer All-American, Ginger Wasabi was the group's unofficial captain. Ginger's parents were of Japanese and Mexican descent, and with jet black hair and an athletic build, she commanded attention wherever she went. As social media coordinator for the local men's pro soccer team, Ginger hosted videos on the squad's Facebook and Instagram pages. She was exhausted by the barrage of 21st century cat calls in the comments, but her passion for the sport kept her motivated.
Taylor Rolle met Ginger as a sophomore when the former covered the women's soccer team for her college newspaper. A mutual admiration for one another's talents sparked a friendship that continued after graduation. Ginger blushed whenever she read Taylor's flattering columns. Taylor envied how easily her friend's physical gifts attracted attention. But Taylor's conversation skills were unparalleled; she refined them during a 12-year career in public relations. Just a few inches north of five feet with sandy blonde hair, her subtle and not-so-subtle word play sparked the imagination of her suitors. Having the largest breasts of the group didn't hurt her cause either.
Brandy Korbel was the soft-spoken member of the trio. A thoughtful art history major, Brandy parlayed her talents into a career in graphic design. Her specialty was menus and restaurant Web sites, and the group was often the beneficiary of her culinary connections around town. While the fair-skinned redhead wasn't rowdy, her ability to put away cocktails consistently amazed her two friends.
Ricardo Real relished the opportunity to serve an engaging trio of women. As a gaucho at Terra del Fuego, his clientele was typically raucous bachelor parties and disengaged businessmen. But this table was unique; their rapt attention brought out the showman in Ricardo. He sensed they enjoyed his presence as much as the food. There was an extra flourish whenever the six-foot tall, slender Argentinian presented his meats. Every thrust of his sword elicited a delighted reaction from Ginger, Taylor and Brandy. Ricardo hoped to earn a handsome tip for his efforts, and if good fortune smiled on him, maybe he could offer his guests the same.
"Oh, Ricardo?" Taylor summoned the gaucho to their table with a sultry tone. "What happens when we've had all we can handle for one night?"
He stood over the table with a dignified swagger. "Well, senorita. If we must say 'Adios,' I will miss the pleasure of serving you. But if you wish to come again, you are always welcome at Terra del Fuego."
"I'd like to come...again," said Ginger. "Although it'll be a while before I recover from tonight."
"Very well. Would you like me to do it three ways?" he asked.
Ginger's jaw dropped slightly. Taylor's eyes bugged. Brandy slowly licked her lips.