Let's talk about uniqueness... What is it to be unique? According to the dictionary unique is described as being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else. And I have to say I agree with the definition 100%. Some people don't like "unique" b/c it is different. But me? I am a lover of all things unique. It kind of broadens the horizons in a way. 

Yes. I have something very unique to share. I photographed a restaurant that is new to Lewisville, Texas and the owner, a very enthusiastic nice man, wanted my help naming one of his Italian dishes. He expressed how he is learning the English language and wants to be correct on how he says it. 

I thought this in and of itself was pretty cool that he was asking a total stranger what to name HIS creation. 

As I am setting up for our food photography session at Alfredo's Pizza & Pasta, he explains that the dish consists of squid. At this point I am intrigued. He wants to name the dish for its color. He says, "black squid? or what about ink squid?"

Now mind you, I haven't seen this dish so I can only assume that it is black.

He kept repeating the word ink over and over again. So I told him that it appears that he likes the flow of the word ink and does imply a color.

Eureka! The dish is called Ink Squid.

The name by itself was fascinating and had me very curious about this dish. Yes. I like squid. I eat Calamari. When seasoned just right, it is scrumptious! 

Of course I have 20 dishes that he is making for me today to photograph and I am on edge anticipating each dish to be this infamous dish Ink Squid.

For reference, I get the names of each dish so I can name them for further discussion about a photo later.

Ink Squid was #6 on the list and I am supposed to be photographing them in the order that they are listed but dish #6 comes out and it is certainly not Ink Squid.

Now I am super antsy.

Of course ALL of the dishes that come out are delicious looking and he is talking to me about the dishes being authentic to being Italian but everyone wants Americanized food these days. I assured him that this isn't true.

Finally, he brings out dish #16. At this point I am playing connect the name to the food, and there it is. I know this has to be it. It looks almost exactly as I imagined it!

Ink Squid has arrived!

I examine the dish. I turn it around in circles. I am fascinated by the dish. I haven't seen anything like it. As far as I am concerned it is a pretty unique looking dish.

And I photograph it.

Well I can tell you that it is definitely a dish you should check out. Ink Squid. Only at Alfredo's Pizza & Pasta! 

Let me know what you think. I am certain to go back and try a few of his dishes that looked and smelled amazing. 

What would you have named it?