A Parting Gift

Just came back from a marvelous dinner at Mario Batali's Otto.

I could talk about starting with a glorious cheese plate, accompanied by truffle honey, brandied cherries and chili-spiked apricots.

I could talk about a table laden with toothsome summer squash showered with pecorino, a crisp Quattro Stagioni pizza and a platter of intense, sliced heirloom tomatoes.

I could talk about the end of the meal, an Olive Oil Copetto, complete with strawberries, passion fruit granita, basil oil and maldon salt.

Instead I want to talk about the real end of the meal.

No, not the espresso. I'm talking about the lip balm.

Yes, you read right.

After we paid the check, our waiter meandered over with an unexpected gift: Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine (pictured above). Mint-infused for fresh breath, it was a very nice offering. Nice, but decidedly odd.

I dunno. Doggie bags are one thing. And, heck, I can also get behind providing patrons with a little to-go treat, like freshly baked muffins for breakfast the next morning. But, I think things might have gone a bit too far when cosmetics and apothecary items are being proffered at the end of the meal.

What's next? Lee Press-On Nails and Glade Plug-In Air Fresheners?

I certainly hope not.