Dip Tasting Festival
Tuesday – March 3, 2026
Hosted by: Grant & Galya
Location: Imperial Dam LTVA
Reported by: Bob Drenning
Sharon and I were invited to attend a “Dip Tasting” event at the desert dwelling
of Grant and Galya. There were nine “taste testers” to sample ten dips. An
assortment of chips and veggies were used to sample the dips.
Taste Testers:
Grant & Galya
Dean & Erica
Duane & Becky
Bob & Sharon
Janet
Multiple tastings of each dip were sampled to insure each one was properly
assessed for taste and structure. Each participant provided a verbal critique of
each dip and assigned a favorability rating from 1 to 10. All of the
participants complied with the test criterion, except for one! Who could that
be? Well, none other than the “Master Story Teller” himself. You see, Dean is
one of the kindest people one could ever hope to meet. So as not to hurt
anyone’s feelings, when Dean’s turn came to critique a dip, his response was
always a one-syllable resounding “ten.” Even though everyone knew what his
response would be for each dip, Grant would turn to him anyway and say: “Dean I
presume that would be a ten.” Dean’s response: “That’s a ten!” The group would
immediately explode in laughter after each response.
Everyone was astonished at the very detailed critique Grant and Janet provided
for each dip. It made us all want to do better next time. Well… at least Bob
anyway!
Grant and Galya took their duty as “finders of fact” very seriously and compiled
the results submitted from all of the taste testers. It took them quite a bit of
time to review all of the comments and ratings and then determine the
favorability of each dip. Bob was on the verge of having an anxiety attack
awaiting the results. Sharon was at the ready with a plastic bag in hand to
shove over Bob’s head should the need arise.
Grant stood up to announce the results. Total silence enveloped the group, all
eyes were trained on him, eagerly awaiting the results. Grant began with the
10th place finish, critiquing each dip, as he worked his way up to the second
place finish. A collective “ooh” and “aah” from the taste testers accompanied
each critique.
Now it was time to announce the first place dip. Everyone was on their feet,
anxiously awaiting the reveal. Grant announced in a most authoritative voice:
“the unanimous vote for the first place dip was the Spinach & Artichoke Dip, a
Marketside brand sold at Walmart.” Immediately following that announcement a
breathtaking spectacle unfolded. Everyone is cheering and high-fiving one
another. Bob swore he saw tears of joy streaming down some of the participants
faces. It was a very emotional moment.
But wait, there’s more… total silence envelops the group once again as
Grant announces he is ready to reveal who provided that “award-winning” dip. He
hesitates for a few seconds, one can feel the momentum building, a soft murmur
of excited voices flows among the participants. Then Grant announces, in a
ring-master like voice: “This wonderful, award winning dip was provided by Bob
and Sharon.” A roar of vociferous approval and applause immediately erupts among
all of the participants. Bob and Sharon are humbled by this show of gratitude
and support and vow they shall treasure this moment forever.
In an instant, all eyes turn to Dean as he lifts his tall, Clint Eastwood-like
frame from his chair. Bob thinks to himself: “Oh how nice, he’s going to give me
and Sharon a celebratory hug!” Instead, he says: “Guess I better have a taste of
the first place and the tenth place dip.” With that, he walks right by Bob and
Sharon and totally ignores them! Bob is crushed! Sharon tells Bob to get a life!
Second place went to the Tzatziki Style Dip, a Marketside brand sold at Walmart.
This is a cucumber and garlic infused dip that was also provided by Bob and
Sharon. They could not believe their good fortune. First and Second place
awards! Truly overwhelming! Both dip containers have been washed, mounted on a
plaque and now occupy a place of honor in our newly designated “awards cabinet”
at our desert dwelling.
Galya provided each participate with a Tony’s ChocoLonely chocolate bar as a
token of her and Grant’s appreciation for attending this momentous Dip Tasting
Festival event. The chocolate was yummy!
Grant announced that perhaps next season’s event could be a liquor tasting, with
each participant required to have a designated driver or walker present at the
event. Bob is so excited he has already begun his liquor tasting training
protocol in preparation for next season’s tasting.
Until next season… DRINK UP!
"Living the Dream" with good friends.
Dean & Erica
Bob & Sharon
"Get Your Hands Off Of My Wife!"
Remnants of Tony's ChocoLonely Chocolate Bar. Yummy!