Artichokes

What is it about artichokes that makes eating them so fun?  I really don't know.  I guess because it's a fairly social process.  Pick someone you like hanging out with and invite them over to eat with you.  You get special sauce- mayo with balsamic vinegar.  You steam them with specially selected ingredients- fresh lemon juice, one garlic clove, a bayleaf, and some salt.  When it's ready, take your time and savor each bite.  It might be hard to talk with your friend because you're constantly scraping the leaf against your teeth, but it's fun having that special person nearby.  Especially if you can't remember which way to scrape the leaf against your teeth!