A few months ago I decided I wanted to cook more at home, so I made several reconnaisance trips to Home Depot and eventually bought a new gas stove. I had replaced my stove only 18 months prior (after a random incident involving steel art falling onto it and cracking the cooktop) but I was fed up with electric cooking and the two apparent temperatures: off and high. So I got a shiny new gas stove and I’ve been cooking up a storm at home.

I listed the old electric stove on Craig’s list, but no one wanted it (surprise, surprise). So, after letting it sit in my garage for the past few months, I decided to haul it to the shop so I can cook there. It might sound outlandish, but I really hate going out to lunch, partly because it rapidly diminishes my cash flow, partly because I’m lazy, and partly because of the guilt involved in closing for a few minutes in the middle of the day. I was skeptical that I would actually use the stove at work- I mean, it really isn’t very practical- but I thought what the hell, let’s give it a shot.

And I’m proud to say that on day one of the stove being hooked up, I roasted a pork tenderloin and made the most amazing pho in the world using noodles from Momofuku in New York City, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, green onions, mushrooms and the aforementioned pork tenderloin. Words cannot express the glory that was happening in my mouth with every spicy spoonful.

Will I keep using the stove? You’d better believe it. I brought extra pots and pans from home, raided my mom’s kitchen for spare spatulas and dishes this past weekend, and even brought some cookbooks to the shop. This… was a good decision.