Some dinner parties are born of a desire for elegance, for entertainment, for opulence. Some are themed around something ridiculous, like eating whole fish with your hands while drinking out of a pineapple.
And some happen because you want to eat fries for dinner.
Here's how my mind works: I wanted fries for dinner. I wanted to dip those fries into things that taste good. Ketchup? Yes. Sriracha mayonnaise? Yes. Ice cream floats? Yes. Oh, I used to do that at the Sherwood Diner after tennis matches in high school, in the early spring when the air felt electric and I wore thick, white sweatbands in my hair. The Greek salad was good there, too. A burger would go well with that — a burger with some melty cheese and a lot of ketchup and mustard.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
When you get home from work: Prep your vegetables for your Greek salad, but wait to toss it until it's time for dinner. Shape your hamburger patties, and put them in the fridge. Prep your potatoes, and keep them in a bowl of water.
When your friends start arriving: Get your potatoes in the oven. Take your patties out of the fridge; you want the chill off of them before you cook them.
When you're almost ready for dinner: Start searing your burgers! Don't worry about that smoke you're creating; think of it as authentic. Have a friend on bun-toasting duty.
When the burgers are ready: Bring them to the table! With the salad! And the fries! Serve with every condiment you have available.
Time for dessert: Put out the ginger syrup, seltzer, ice cream, glasses, and straws, and have your guests make their own ice cream floats. If you have any fries left, dunk them in. Success!
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
register for free
Already have an account? Sign in
Subscribe to The Week
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Subscribe & Save
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Unlimited website access is included with Digital and Print + Digital subscriptions. Create an accountwith the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us
What is cloud seeding and did it cause Dubai's severe rainfall?
American Airlines pilots are warning of a 'significant spike' in safety issues
6 star-spangled presidential libraries to visit
