A Speck of Olive

Still savoring the fresh breeze out on the balcony, I trotted past the planter toward the base of the small bistro table. Right there on the weathered slate tile lay a treasure: a single toasted pine nut, dropped from someone's midday lunch! It was smooth, slender, and faintly golden from roasting. I set my feet apart, wedged the rounded tip of my felt spoon beneath its tapered edge, and nudged it forward. A warm, buttery, resinous fragrance instantly wafted up to my twitching nose. Balancing it carefully against the spoon bowl, I realized this outdoor kitchen serves up just as many wonders as the indoor one.