Sunny Lunch at Lucia's Deli

Doth my eyes deceive me? Could it possibly be? I think that's sunshine that I see!! Is spring about to... spring? I get the feeling that it might time to peak my head out of my shelter and see what's going on. Time to wake up from my booze and fried food slumber and taste something alive. Spring! That's like two blocks from summer! I can't wait!
I had the good fortune of being able to escape this cube filled landscape for the wilds of the Uptown.
This wasn't my first foray into Lucia's deli and I'm yet to find anything really to gripe about. First and foremost the baguettes that they get sent in from Rustica are without question the best baguettes EVER. Seriously. I know it probably sounds like a hyperbole, but it's true. Trust me and try one. They have the perfect crusty outer shell and chewy, flavorful insides. I could walk through the streets gnawing on one of these like a kid with one of those oversided lollipops. I know it's ridiculous, and I can't possibly finish it, but I've got to try! A little high grade olive oil and this bread is transformed into the chi-chi-est of appetizers.
When I saw that one of the sandwich specials was served on my beloved baguette I couldn't resist. Ensconsed in the crusty goodness was procuitto, arugula and a creamy, soft white cheese that has to be close relative of brie. It was all I could do to keep myself from scarfing it down. On the side I had a sweet, little cup of parsnip puree soup. I now understand why Bon Appetite has declared the parsnip as one of the greatest vegatables of all time. It was creamy, with just a hint of sweetness, and finished with crisp, green chives. The grassy little chives sang spring time lullabyes to my day. There was no way I was going to be able to go back into the office.
So, since it was getting fired, or feeding the joy of my day, I bargained that if I just had a little dessert to get me through the day, then perhaps I could return. I mean, I like my job. It gives me money. And I would like more money so that I can keep going out to eat. Therefore, I had to return. But what to get? The Best Chocolate Chip cookie, as declared on the little sign in front of them? Shortbread flecked with vanilla beans? Puffy cloud coconut macaroons? Sea shell shaped chocolate madelines? There were so many delicious looking confections that I could hardly decide. I chose a mini peanut butter cupcake with peanut butter frosting and a little dollop of chocolate. The batter was lightly spiced with nutmeg. I ate it with a fork, which did draw some ridicule, but made it last longer. I needed to savor. The peanut butter frosting was shaped like a little star crowning my mini cake. It was so cute! And whoever came up with the idea of peanut butter icing has an open invitation to be my new best friend. Besides, in my book, there are few other examples of food alchemy beyond the combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
The room was sunny and the people working there were so friendly. I was so giddy leaving, I nearly put the top down on the convertible. Although, it might not quite be that warm. I feel it getting closer.