Breakfast at Tiffany's, Lunch & Dinner Etzlenu

Pictured here is the real, honest-to-god Moon River, subject of a famous song by a native of Savannah (Johnny Mercer), referencing an actual place on the outskirts of Savannah, and then, of course, made popular with the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s with the song sung by Audrey Hepburn (see: https://youtu.be/QEdPe1SxitI). It’s worth noting that if you google images of “Moon River” you get ridiculous, schmaltzy photos that have absolutely no connection to the real deal.

The song itself, let’s be frank, is similarly problematic. The string interlude is way over-the-top in my opinion. And I could really do without the choral refrain, also just much too much. But Hepburn’s raspy voice and the harmonica solo that follows: sheer perfection.

I would feel complete were I able to prepare and serve a dish that replicates a bit of the pull of this song. Granted, part of that resonance comes from growing up in the area around Moon River, with the consequent flood of memories alongside. But that’s what exceptional cooking — or exceptional artistry of any kind for that matter — is all about, no? Evoking those sensibilities from deep places within us? Something to aspire to in our soul food kitchen in Tel Aviv. My kitchen is a lot narrower than a mile. Can’t say I cross it with style either — more like a bumbling lurch from station to station. Still, waiting round that bend is the lure of something special to come. At least I like to imagine my culinary journey that way.