Brûlés

If having a name for a business is an important start-up step, I am well on my way to being a small business owner. Brûlés. If you’re in the market for burnt food, my diner is in the market for you.

As of late, I have been specializing in blackened goodness. I typically try to only do this at home, so as to not make others jealous, but today was the exception. I decided to partake in an activity that often results in a complete building evacuation – I attempted to make microwave popcorn.

It has been some time since I have cooked with so much technology; my cooking is usually limited to toasters and open flames (and by open flames I mean the fake fire at OregganO’s), so I made sure to thoroughly follow the instructions. I read the instructions on the bag, removed the plastic wrap, unfolded the bag, read all directions, centered the bag on the turntable, and set the cook timer for three minutes and walked away. Looking back, I shouldn’t have walked away, I should have run.

I returned to find smoke coming out of the microwave and then noticed what appeared to be a thick layer of smoke taking over the room.  I yelled out to my coworker, “Grab your coat and most cherished belongings.” I then opened the microwave door to be greeted by more smoke and a blackened popcorn bag, which I promptly threw in the garbage.

Within seconds, the smoke and smell had filled the building and, surprisingly, the smoke detector failed to chirp. Regardless of that fact, I suffered two consequences: 1) No popcorn 2) I didn’t get to leave work early. Looking at the positives, I did come up with a small business name/opportunity and, coincidentally, later in the day I heard and loved the song, Smoke Detector by Rilo Kiley.