(Every so often, I take a new book with me to lunch and give it a half an hour or so to grab my attention. Lunch Date is my judgment on that speed-dating experience.)

Who's your date today? The American Dream: Walking in the Shoes of Carnies, Arms Dealers, Immigrant Dreamers, Pot Farmers, and Christian Believers, by Harmon Leon.

Where'd you go? The brand-new-ish Elliott Bay Cafe.

What'd you eat? The tomatillo green chili ($8.75).

How was the food? Awesome. This is obviously the best thing I've ever eaten in the basement of Elliott Bay, and by far the best bookstore food I've ever eaten. I can't believe how bright and vibrant it is down there, and though the service is still a little slow, it's professional and friendly, which covers a multitude of timeliness issues. The chili was thick with giant chunks of juicy pork, and the tomatillos tasted fresh.

What does your date say about itself? "Journalist and social chameleon Harmon Leon is known for infiltrating and exposing the weird and wonderful subcultures of America."

Is there a representative quote? "What is the American Dream? Every proud citizen has their own unique, different idea on what it might entail. The definition is broader than Rosie O'Donnell's hips. Does the American Dream truly exist? Or is the whole myth a shame? Can the American Dream be achieved, or is it a pimp-slapped whore?"

Will you two end up in bed together? Nope. As the above quote illustrates, I think Leon is a terrible writer. He's so magazine-y and light, he might as well not be there at all. I skipped ahead to the carny bit, and it was pretty funny, but I would not advise reading the whole goddamned thing. I'll definitely be eating at Elliott Bay again, but I won't be bringing Harman Leon with me next time.