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Balls du jour

Tonight we went to a little place in the neighborhood called Balls (http://www.ballsrestaurant.com). It is a very smart resto, having an extremely limited menu, namely meatballs. You choose the meat (pork, beef, chicken, vegetarian) the sauce (tomato or yoghurt) and the side ( polenta, risotto, salad or vegetables). Simple enough but definitely satisfying. It attracts a young after-work crowd and we have gotten to know the owners. 

The usually have a special, so I looked on the menu, and it says:

Balls du jour (voir ardoise)

Now at this point, I am pretty good with food in French and I can usually figure out what the items are. Even if I don't know it specifically, I can at least figure out if it is poultry, fish or beef. This time I am at a complete loss. 

"Helmut, what is voir ardoise?"

"Ardoise." This is Helmut's usual first volley when I ask the meaning of something: repeat the word. I am not sure if he thinks by repeating it I will understand it or if he is stalling for time. 

"Yes. What is it?" I am thinking it must be some kind of fish. 

"Ardoise. You know, the stone you write on." Ah ha. So, maybe a tile fish?

"A tile?" I ask, still not getting it. 

"No, not a tile; teachers write on it."

Hmmm. Now I think either he isn't understanding the question, but I have learned to just keep on the path. I know this can't be a stone meatball, but this seems merkier than when I started this. "You mean a blackboard??" 

"Exactly."

So, now I am totally confused (blackboard meatballs??), so I look at the menu again. The first word was voir, which is the French word to look. 

..."OH!!!" I get it now. The menu is directing me to look for the specials on the blackboard and sure enough, there is the special: beef with basil and Parmesan. 

We have a lovely dinner and I probably won't forget ardoise again. At least I hope. 

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