FAQ Series: Dining on Small Plates

Borrowed Time FAQ Series. Historically, I have used our blog/newsletter to announce events, construction updates, and town happenings. As we continue to grow our space and our concept, we’re finding we get asked the same questions time and again. My plan is to address these frequently asked questions through our newsletter, giving folks more insight into why we do what we do the way we do it. Thanks for reading!

She has heard this song a million times, but for some reason today she doesn’t mind it. She’s sipping a crisp Sauvignon Blanc instead of margaritas though, and the salt shaker can stay lost for all she cares. She just ate a perfectly seasoned bite of bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts and plans to follow it with a bright, acidic peppadew next. How can something be so sweet and tart yet savory and rich at the same time? Her friend’s laughter turns her focus from her taste buds to the collapsing tower of Jenga across the lawn. The white-haired game players jump out of the way just in time, avoiding the blocks of two-by-fours as they crash to the ground.

“I told you not to pick that one,” says a heckler from their rocking chair. Someone comments on being “too old for this” as they pick up the pieces, rebuilding Jenga for another group to knock over. She turns her face to the sun and sighs, relaxing into the porch loveseat that reminds her of her friend’s patio furniture. She loves the sound of people having fun and is so glad her friend suggested they dine on small plates for lunch. The simple yet flavorful shared plates coupled with the casual atmosphere filled her stomach and her senses in a way that a burger and fries could not.

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So that might be a slightly romanticized glimpse of an afternoon at Borrowed Time, though enough guests have recounted similar feelings to us over the years that I believe there is a lot of truth in it. It’s been one month since our opening in Douglas, and people are always asking us how things are going and if we’re happy with the move. Of course we’re happy, we respond, and “things” are honestly going very well. We’re in love with our new space and feel very welcomed by the Douglas community.

Lamb Meatballs with Babaganoush and a cucumber salad, this week's 'Of the Land' special.

Lamb Meatballs with Babaganoush and a cucumber salad, this week's 'Of the Land' special.

One question we’ve been getting a lot more than we used to is, “do you have a regular food menu?” We know we do things differently than most, and I understand the confusion of looking at our small plates menu and trying to figure out how to order lunch or dinner off of it. Small plate dining has been a thing for many moons with origins tracing back to Spanish Tapas or Greek Meze. Not to get too deep into a history lesson, the point is that sharing small plates of food for a meal is not new. It is, however, newer to our small towns and a delicious way to fill up!

Why wouldn’t you like to snack on four different dishes with their own unique flavors, satisfying all of your sweet/savory/tart/bitter/salty taste bud desires? With portions small, two friends can come for lunch and order three different dishes to share, leaving as full as if they had a sandwich and French fries. We’ll pace them so nothing sits on the table too long and loses its integrity, creating the perfect cozy atmosphere for conversation and catching up. This also creates a more mindful dining experience, encouraging guests to savor every bite and take their time. Life moves so quickly, we hope our patrons enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and casual style of service rather than feeling like they have to order, eat, and leave.

Coconut Cream Pie, this weekend's featured dessert!

Coconut Cream Pie, this weekend's featured dessert!

In an effort to communicate our dining style more clearly, we’ve redesigned our menu to highlight our specialties and suggest how many small plates to order per person. We will continue to feature delicious specials from Chef Eoen Clark as the summer goes on and look forward to bringing back our Chef Tasting Dinners this fall. Check out our calendar of events and be sure to stop in for some live music, delicious wine, and small plate dining soon. We so appreciate your support and look forward to sharing many more memorable experiences with everyone in Douglas!

Kimberly BaleComment