How We Met...

by Jon

Vegetables.  Our relationship is forever linked by vegetables.  Without vegetables there would be no House of Panda.  Without vegetables there would be no Jon & Alli. 

For those of you that don't know, I am a chef.  Knowing that, its safe to assume that you can understand why vegetables are important to me and my profession.  And for those of that don't know, Alli's in-laws are farmers.  So obviously...well...you see what I'm getting at here. 

Our first meeting was set up with gusto by the Kobrick's and the Paffenroth's and it took place at the Union Square Green Market on a sunny Saturday in June.  I was running late, possibly sluggish from the night before, and it being summer in the city I was sweating through my white t-shirt.  Alli was on her way to a bridal shower and dressed in her finest party dress.  She was tall and blonde, her smile was huge and her spirit seemed to be bubbling over.  Within seconds I was on the hook, but when she laughed her amazing infectious Alli-laugh I was simply dead in the water. 

She agreed to a date and since that one there have been many.  I'd be lying if I said they were all epic, but I'm proud to admit we have a very solid track record. 

There have been boats and beaches, costumes and carnivals, swimming holes and pools.  Halloween's with Queen Elizabeth, Orville Redenbacher, Hulk Hogan, and even Pan the Goat God.  Thanksgiving's in Connecticut and Bennihannukah's on Long Island.  There have been graveyards, golf carts, and GLASSLANDS.  Panda Bears. Pretty Lights, Goblins, and Trampled By Turtles with long nights and early mornings...sometimes at the same time.  There have been nights out at Food Meccas and nights in "on the Tit" with Chinese take-out and brewdrivers.  We've had Buffalo heads, stoop hangs and stoop sales.  "Alli-gaggin" and the always entertaining ALLI SHOW!!  We've gotten ready and we've shown up late. 

And without a doubt, most importantly, there have been many many walks with Niko. 

So yeah, that about sums it up.  Soon enough there will be another date to throw on to the date heap...I think its going to be one for the books, and you guys are all invited!!