I read a quote, author unknown. It is this: “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” I do most things in my life repetitiously, as do most of us. However, this night I did something for the first time. We were invited by (dear) friends to attend the Reds game with Diamond Seat tickets. I thought it would simply be nice seats with all of the brats and burgers and peanuts and pretzels I could go through without getting sick. But oh, it was so much more.
We parked in a nice garage and literally walked through one door into a lovely restaurant environment. I was like a kid at Christmas. There were rows of food – salads, pastas, breads with numerous flavored butters, sautéed scallops, potatoes, other vegetables and even a guy in a tall white chef’s hat carving prime rib. Last, but certainly not least, was a row of desserts; cheesecakes, frosted brownies, cookies, candies and petits fours. It was great. After dinner, we walked out to our seats. I have never been so close to a professional baseball field; third row right behind home plate. I could see the sweat on Joey Votto’s neck.
I discovered that food heaven continued out there. We were handed menus to choose anything and as many of that thing as we wanted. Of course I was full of prime rib and scallops and petits fours but I knew before I left the stadium that I must have a brat with sauerkraut and mustard and an icy cold cherry Coke. I waited util the sixth inning and placed my order. It did not disappoint. There is nothing quite like a brat at a ballgame. It was a good night. It was definitely something I had never done before and quite possibly, may never do again.