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 by the participants in order to
assess the taste and texture of each one. 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 taste 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 resounding “10.” Everyone knew what his response would be for each dip,
but Grant would turn to him anyway and say: “Dean I presume that would be a 10.”
Dean’s response: “That’s a 10!” 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 me
anyway!
Grant and Galya took their duty as “finders of fact” very seriously and compiled
the results submitted from the taste testers.
Grant stood up to announce the results. There was total silence, all eyes were
trained on him, eagerly awaiting the results. Grant began with the 10th place
finish, working his way up to the second place finish, as all participants
“oohed” and “aahed” at each announcement. Now it was time to announce the first
place dip, everyone was on their feet anxiously awaiting the reveal. Then 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.” What a
breathtaking spectacle followed. Everyone is cheering and high-fiving one
another.
But wait, there’s more… now total silence as Grant is ready to reveal who
provided that “award-winning” dip. He hesitates for a few seconds, momentum is
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.
Now all eyes turn to Dean as he arises from his chair. Bob thought 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 said, walks right by us and totally ignores us! Bob was crushed!
Sharon told 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 containers have been washed 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!
