Two for Two

Friends, I had yet another amazing dining experience last night. But first, Saturday…

I always preach to my students about the role of relaxation in stress reduction, but I often forget about this little tip myself. So, I made yesterday all about me. I went to spinning class in the morning, made a delicious pear, blue, cheese, and mushroom flatbread for lunch, painted my nails, flipped through spring clothing catalogues for pre-shopping inspiration, and lounged on the couch with my novel for most of the afternoon. It was delightful.

What was also delightful was the somewhat last-minute decision to go out to a nice dinner because friends Oliver & Kinnon came into town for the weekend. We ended up at Sonsie because we had such a positive experience the last time we dined there with an out-of-town friend.

Our guests were kind enough to bring over this phenomenal bottle of Cabernet for cocktail hour.  Full-bodied and bold, just how I like ’em.

Once at Sonsie, I had an apricot spritzer. I couldn’t taste much alcohol in this, but it sure left a summery sensation in my mouth:)

Kinnon suggested we try the Devils on Horseback: cheese stuffed prunes wrapped in bacon and topped with English mustard. These were close your eyes and stop breathing good. Wow.

As usual, I couldn’t decide between entrées. Cod gratin or lobster risotto?

So, I ordered one and Matt got the other.The cod was prepared in a mustard crème fraiche with capers, pommes puree, scallops, baby carrots, and plenty of buttah. I loved every moment of it and I’m glad the cod was technically mine because I liked it better than the risotto.

This guy included a half lobster tail and was cooked with carnaroli rice, baby fennel, and patti pan squash. The lobster meat was awesome (as lobster always is), but I found the risotto to be a bit bland, especially next to the creamy cod.

After dinner, we all had a moment when we realized we’re getting old; aka, we’d rather have ice wine and dessert and teleport to bed than go out bar hopping….

Matt and I had the apple up-side-down cake with wild flower honey ice cream (oh man!). We cleaned this plate almost instantly along with a tart and icy dessert wine spit between the two of us.

That’s two for two in terms of incredible meals at Sonsie. Needless to say, the evening was amazing and left me feeling quite content.

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This morning, the spring-like sun shining through the floor to ceiling windows at my gym (plus tunes from RaRa Riot & Real Simple) inspired me to run, and before I knew it, I’d knocked out five miles. I’ll take it.

I’ve got errands to run this afternoon and then I’ll obviously be watching the bowl this evening with a brew in hand. I had a vision of a nacho platter involving sweet potatoes last week, so that’s what’s on the menu for tonight. I’ll let you know how in turns out tomorrow.

Go Steelers?