Summer is finally here and of course, this means our thoughts naturally turn to (what I like to call) the triple R's; Rest, relaxation, and recreation! It's all about hanging out with good friends and dining al fresco.... You know, picnics in the park, and backyard barbecues, daydreaming of that mouth-watering moment of biting into a great big juicy, sizzling hamburger fresh from the grill -- that's what Summertime is all about! .....and of course, what's a bbq grilled burger without some crispy, crunchy french fries to go with it? Add some fresh lettuce, pickles, a sesame seed bun, salt, pepper and ketchup to taste, and there you have it --the "Blue Plate Special 2" - "Trompe L'oeil style". Trompe L'oeil literally means "trick the eye" and in the art world, it usually means very 3 dimensional-looking and realistic works of art, that sometimes look so real that you feel as though you can almost reach out and touch them. This piece was created on a 15" round wooden decorative charger plate and for those that don't know, a decorative charger plate is an elegant and underused element of a place setting. Also known as a chop plate, service plate or underplate, a charger plate is usually larger than a dinner plate but smaller than a food-serving platter. A charger plate is a terrific way to add color and texture to your dinner table, and this one is loaded with personality and fun! Just what summertime is all about! Why not amuse all your friends, and try it out at your next backyard barbecue? It's sure to be a big hit! It would also look fabulous in a kitchen or dining room, or even a Cafe, Diner, Pub, Tavern, Coffee Shop or Burger Joint Restaurant! I signed it on the back, and it is varnished for protection and enhancement of color, however, I would NOT recommend it be used for actual FOOD serving, it IS a piece of art, after all(!), although I think placing napkins or WRAPPED packages of condiments on it would be fine. Diane G. Casey