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Thursday, July 20, 2006

The 5-Star Restaurant

Mom and Dad took me to a 5-star restaurant yesterday, to celebrate our birthdays (my father and I are only 2 days apart and Mom is next week).

Because I work from home, I generally can be found in yoga pants and stretchy shirts, so Mom reminded me that I was expected to dress up. I know! I know! Don't you think I remember all the times we went to the opera and we were the only ones in pantyhose and furs, Mom? (Note: we weren't wearing only pantyhose and furs, I must add. I have to protect Mom's reputation). I soon put their fears to rest. They were suitably impressed when they picked me up.

Outside the restaurant was a sign which read "Happy Birthday, Saur!" Being a complete cheeseball, I had to stop and snap a photo of it with my camera before we could go any further. Mom and Dad took my childish behavior with good grace. 40 years old and still as unsophisticated as a 20 year old: There should be a cautionary tale in there somewhere.

It appeared the restaurant had been opened solely for us. We were seated, and introduced to the chef, and the experience of a seven course meal began.

Our first course included two tiny, savory appetizers; one of raw, minced spicy tuna and one of tiny little grape tomatoes sauteed in butter and drizzled lightly with a spiced sauce.

The second course included three wonderful soups; maize, butternut, and sorrel mushrooms. This was followed by a Meyer lemon sorbet to cleanse the pallet.

The fourth course was a salad which included very fresh goat cheese. Not so fresh that they brought the goat to the table, mind you, but I think I heard it bleating out back.

The fifth course was the main course; a solitary prawn, displayed with it's claw reaching out toward us helplessly. I commented on it before I saw the chef behind us. He took it in good grace, and explained that the prawns were shown that way so that the customer knew it was a true prawn and not simply a shrimp. Once I tasted it, I really didn't care if it was a sea slug. It was fabulous! It was accompanied by a delectable filet of bison.

The cheese course consisted of little tasty balls of cheese formed about a solitary red grape and rolled in chopped nuts. We were allocated three each, and that was exactly the right amount.

The dessert course included a large spoonful of freshly made cheesecake icecream, three select imported chocolates, and a puff pastry oozing with a compote of fresh fruit poached in wine.

We were very grateful that the portions were as small as they were. Even so, we left stuffed!

When we arrived back home, I thanked them again for a wonderful meal and an enjoyable time. Our conversation had been as interesting as it always is. Dad walked me to the door. He is 70, I am 40, but he is still a gentleman and my father, and I am still his little girl.

I am very blessed.

19 comments:

Ed said...

I hope just once in my life before I die I can eat at a place like you described. About the most upscale place near where I live in a 30 mile radius is an Applebees.

Sounds like you have excellent parents Saur. No wonder you turned out well. Happy Birthday again!

michelle said...

Are you still a size 4?

Saur♥Kraut said...

Michelle, I think I may be creeping upwards. :P It was worth it, though! ;o)

Ed, thank you. They're unique, one-of-a-kind people. At least, *I* have never met anyone like them yet. If you and the family are ever down here, let me know and I'll point you in the right direction!

Kathleen, I hope they feel as blessed as I do. We really enjoyed ourselves! And it's not even over yet. This is a busy birthday week!

Miss Cellania said...

Sounds dreamy... and maks me hungry! I bet the banner had your legal name on it, or else you'd have posted the photo, huh?

Saur♥Kraut said...

Miss C, 'zactly. ;o) It was very cool, though. :D

Scott said...

Sounds like a great night!. Glad that you enjoyed it. Happy belated b day.

Scott

Whistle Britches said...

In the words of my youngest when she was only 3: Happy Beebop to you!

What a sweet story.

Some Random Girl said...

Fur? Please tell me you're kidding. I totally didn't think you were the type to wear fur. Fur is dead. Fur belongs on animals. oMG! I am sooooo against fur of any kind. Leather is ok because the cows are eaten but who eats mink, fox or any of the others??? Please tell me that you don't wear fur????

Saur♥Kraut said...

SRG, faux fur. You're right, I don't approve of the real stuff.

Unca Joe, ;o) What a cutie patootie! Thank you.

Scott, thanks!

Deb said...

Thank God for those small portions or you would have been rolling out the door at the end of the night.

Now, I what I wanted to know is, what was the wine list like? THAT'S the most important part of the story missy! ;)

Glad you had a great time, and your father is one rare man! There's none left like him, huh?

Reason for my lifestyle! *sigh*

Ellen said...

Hubby and I have eaten in restaurants that had those "small portion" servings.... and it was for the best, as you say. Rolling out the door at the end of the evening is not fun.... been there too!

Glad you all had a wonderful dinner, and equally glad that you have more in store. Did you get the black balloon treatment yet?

Enjoy your wonderful week of celebrating.... I always thought that birthdays should last a week!

mckay said...

oh, how i long for a lovely meal at an upscale restaurant.

happy birthday from one Cancer to another :)

Notsocranky Yankee said...

Happy Birthday! Sounds like it was a good one. And welcome to the 40 club...

High Power Rocketry said...

That sounds great!

United We Lay said...

That sounds really nice. We try to do that once a year for our anniversary. Happy Birthday! i hope this year is a better one for you.

Tim said...

Wow!! Sounds like a great time.

Happy Belated Birthday, Saur!!

BarbaraFromCalifornia said...

Delicious!!

BTW: my comments were backed up. Thank you thank you for my new icon! I have it now on my blog...You are awesome, Saur, and it is very appropriate indeed!!!

Nihilistic said...

But fake fur right?

Saur♥Kraut said...

Susie, nor should you be. *hugs* You're gross, but I love you. Worms and all.

Nihilistic, always. My family would probably have been the people throwing red paint on the real fur-wearers. :D

Barbara, I'm so very glad you like it!

Chris, we'll go sometime!

Green, thank you!