dinner date

we actually got out for dinner last night. it was the first time since july that we planned a date. that is sad.

we spent too much, ate too much, but enjoyed ourselves totally.

we did the tasting menu.....
the conversation went like this:
wife: should we do tasting menu - it is six courses? i'm not sure my tummy has room for six
husband: no, we don't need to spend that much money
wife: true.... but we do need to spend that much time out [the note under the tasting menu said to allow around two hours for dining]
husband: true....and since it will be a while till we do this again.... let's try it.
wife: why don't you get the wine pairing and i can just take sips.
husband: good idea.


course 1: crab bisque with butternut squash ravioli and smoke cream fraise
course 2: braised octopus salad
course 3: homemade pasta with duck confeit and trumpet mushrooms and a sour cherry reduction
course 4: pork belly and mushroom with a perfectly seared scallop
course 5: salmon with porcini crust over mushroom risotto
course 6: filet with braised short rip and blue cheese gnocchi
course 7: cheese plate that included a smoked blue
course 8: molten chocolate cake with homemade chocolate chip ice cream and clear caramel sauce AND mandarin panacotta with raspberry reduction and homemade biscotti
[NOTE: that was 8 courses not six like the menu specified]

some more comments during dinner:
wife: [after bite of course 2] i think i could be done now and totally satisfied
husband: [after bite of course 4] that might be the best bite of food i have ever taken
wife: have we ever had a meal this good?
husband: this is what they mean when a chef is an artist
wife: i wish i could have more comments other than laughing at how good this food is
husband: this guy would kick any top chef off the show!

and we had good conversation about last year, the coming year, and life in general.
we are blessed!