“A smell hit me- sharp, garlicky, vinegary.
Pulling out all four flaps revealed a casserole dish, the clear glass lid resting atop plain white rice. The condensation on the lid indicated this had been made very recently.
Valimma, my grandmother, stepped onto the driveway behind me.
"That is Simeona's food, moleh. She just called to say her son dropped it off on the driveway." Valimma spoke her English slowly but surely, with a lilt that was the result of years socializing with neighbors from a variety of backgrounds. "Simeona can't come to Thursday Club today but still wanted to send her delicious shrimp adobo."
"This is just rice, Valimma." I pointed at the casserole dish.
"Check under. The tasty mix, the bountiful flavor, must be below."
Sure enough, under the rice container was another, shallower dish housing large shrimps coated in dark brown sauce. Yup, sharp, garlicky, vinegary.”