BLT

Nevada City, California, July 30, 2012—

I DON'T KNOW WHY anyone would put any kind of melon in a green salad dressed with vinaigrette, let alone watermelon: I really don't. And yet, a woman at our table seemed to think it not only acceptable but completely normal. Thus are we reminded of cultural provisionality.

So here is a photograph of a salad of (mostly) arugula, dressed relatively benignly though with sesame seeds, yet with chunks of watermelon strewn atop. Not a serious problem; easy to avoid.

Afterward, a BLT: bacon, lettuce, and tomato — I'd asked the waiter to instruct the kitchen to withhold the avocado slices — on white bread, with a kind of aïoli. Not, taking everything into consideration, bad.

local red wine

• Jernigan's Tap House & Grill, 123 Argall Way Nevada City; (530) 265-6999