For the past three decades, Kit and I have reserved Friday nights for dinner together somewhere special. These are not fast-food events on our way to a movie. We love a slow pace, quiet corner and waiters who are attentive but not at your elbow every five minutes, eager to get your order and free up the table for the next customer. We also love a creative menu with an international wine list.

The tradition began in Los Angeles when Kit was teaching at UCLA, I was teaching at an inner-city junior high school, and our children, Hayden and Heidi, were in upper elementary school. More than the food and wine or the chance to dress up and step out for an evening, we have maintained this Friday night ritual because we enjoy each other's company, love talking over events of the week and feel comfortable waxing poetic on whatever hangs in our minds and wants airing.