Estragon.
An herb I love. You probably know the English word. If not, please LOOK IT UP! It’s also one of the 5 characters in Samuel Beckett’s tragicomedy in 2 acts En attendant Godot. Why is it that everything sounds better in French? Just compare: “en attendant” with “waiting.” If you ask me, “expecting” feels anticipatory. But Waiting for Godot is the official English title.
When we are lucky —another character in the play— and the herb grows abundantly in our city roof garden, I love to chop it, mix it with soft butter, sprinkle some salt and create a flavored delicacy spreadable on a fresh, warm baguette.
Estragon’s first line in Beckett’s play is “Nothing to be done.” (He is trying unsuccessfully to take off his boot.) And he has the last word as well: “Yes, let’s go.” Although the stage direction says “They do not move. Curtain.” This existential paralysis can be shaken with a quick, refreshing summer salad. Go no further. (You can’t, since you are also waiting for Godot.) Use the root vegetables mentioned in the play. Grate two carrots, one medium turnip. Add a few radishes thinly sliced. Combine a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with two tablespoons of grape seed oil, salt and pepper to taste. A dash of mustard and a half teaspoon of grated horseradish are optional. Mix all hurriedly and enjoy.
—New York City, 1/12/2021