dark cravings

So…funny story…and I need some input from you folks to ensure my sanity.

Have you ever had a craving, like a deep, urgent, can’t be refused craving? I’m sure you all have. For some it’s chocolate, others it’s chips, but rarely is it salad or anything good for us. I can honestly say I have never experienced a good healthy craving for zumba or wheatgrass.

Have you ever wondered where that craving stems from? Last night, after a day of home improving (I use this term in the loosest way possible, similar to “fine cooking”) I sat down to enjoy a glass of wine but I was OVERCOME with a desire for poutine. Now, this kind of craving probably visits many of us after a healthy night of binge drinking, but for me cravings are often linked to people. Weird, right?

Let me give you an example. Pizza with salt craving, means I’m deeply craving my bestest friend from high school, the only person I know who puts salt on her pizza and the only person who knows me inside and out. Pizza with a little salt makes me think about swimming in a lake at night, and driving too fast on dark roads because I’m young and invincible. It tastes like youth and irresponsibility.

Poutine, in all its greasy, dark, cheesy loveliness, reminds me of a different time. Actually, of an old boyfriend. SCANDALOUS!

Well….not really….

Poutine is the flavor of m early 20’s. Out on my own for the first time and allowed to eat whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. Also the time I was able to date who I wanted when I wanted. I had drawer of my things at his place, and neighbors banging on the walls to “keep it down” at 3am. It was the taste of giving responsibility the middle finger (hmmm...I haven't really done that lately, now have I?). I had the best poutine of my life when I was in my early 20’s and the first REAL grown up relationship, coincidence?

Now, before anyone gets all deep and question-y about this craving, it’s not really about the person. It’s about the time. Last night I wanted poutine to celebrate remembrance, one might say. A time of independence and youth, when paying the rent on time was an accomplishment. A moment when I was free to pick up and go where and when I wanted. When dating a boy who loved to take my picture and cooked me spaghetti was the most romantic and exciting things a girl could want.

Obviously I ordered delivery and enjoyed the taste of my 20’s. But it made me question if I’m the only one who experiences this kind of craving. Like smell brings about strong memories, food for me is linked to times, places and people.

Anyone else experience episodes like this? Do you have food that is linked to people or times in you life?