What happens when your hobbies are eating and drinking and you lose your sense of smell...?
You know those dumb questions you have to fill out when you start a new job (which for me is every 13 or so weeks)?
Questions like the ones they post on a bulletin board with your picture? Where’s your hometown? What’s your favorite food? What’s something no one knows about you? Ugh. I DON’T KNOW MY FAVORITE SONG!
The one question I never struggle with and am completely honest about: HOBBIES. Eating and drinking. Plain and simple. Those are my hobbies. I love trying new restaurants, day drinking, eating breakfast at that trendy place up the street (dare I use the word brunch) and ordering the stuffed meatloaf lunch special at the bar across the street from my apartment with my best friend an hour before they open because I know the bartender and I also know it will sell out before I change out of my sweat pants.
Champagne flight at The Champagnery in Louisville, Kentucky
But, recently things have changed. An accident on a Bird scooter led me to the complete loss of my sense of smell. It’s apparently not terribly uncommon, but in my case, where my hobbies include hitting up as many places during Happy Hour so I can get their signature whatever for $1 off and falling for any great cocktail menu, it has been devastating.
I mean, yes, I know, I should be very grateful for having my health and the ability to work and travel. But I’ll be honest, I’m bummed. I’ve never realized how much your sense of smell affects the way you taste everything. I can taste salt, vinegar, citrus, and when things are sweet. I feel like right now, I’m relying on my memory every time I take a bite of things that I KNOW taste good.
Some insane Mac & Cheese topped with brisket at a bar in Breckinridge, Colorado everyone recommended. We took an order to go for later.
I’m now worried about making sure things have texture. Can I get shredded cabbage on that creme brûlée please? I also crave certain things that are salty. I’ve never been able to eat an olive in my life (the only food on earth this chubby kid would not eat). But, now, I can’t get enough. They are salty and full of that fat that keeps me full, something I know now. Being full.
Happy Hour steamed buns that I got for a very small discount, which clearly made them taste better.
Why continue to eat off that charcuterie board when I can’t taste the smokiness of that gouda or the sourness of that sourdough toast? I guess I’ll start with one almond croissant instead of ordering one of each off the pastry list. I mean, I’m being optimistic that one day my smell will return. Maybe it will be even more heightened and I’ll be able to describe exactly what notes of caramel, tobacco or whatever you get out of whiskey I taste.
But, for now I’m taking advantage of the situation and eating a whole food diet. I’m telling everyone in my contact list that I’m vegan now. Trying to survive on those little snacking peppers that are crunchy and sweet! I mean obviously, I’m going to eat a fresh lobster roll when I get to my next job in Rhode Island. I’ll try everyone’s recommendations for the best ice cream shop in town. Eat as many oysters as I can get my hands on.
Because, even though being able to taste every bite of that lobster roll would be amazing, I also believe enjoying great food with the people you love, meeting an interesting neighbor bellied up to the bar you stumbled into, and freaking Thanksgiving dinner with your amazing family are senses you cannot lose. Or so I’m going to keep telling myself when my husband makes my favorite jambalaya.
The Bottomless Moët Brunch Buffet at the Historic Brown Hotel in downtown Denver, Colorado. After 3 hours, they stopped filling our glasses. I’ve never left a place more happy.
Ashley Lockwood is a traveling healthcare professional. She is a lover of every single dog that has ever lived. Most of all, her Sweet Baby Larry David, her rescue pup. Her home base is Indianapolis, Indiana, where she lives with her husband, who she met at the GREATEST bar/commune that has ever existed. RIP Bourbon Street Distillery/Martens Building
You can check her out on her Instagram right here!
Ashley and her husband Josh at the Indiana City Brewery in Indianapolis, Indiana
Sweet Baby Larry David
My first Father’s Day.