Two for Two

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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.

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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:)

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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.

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

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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.

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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….

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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.

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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.

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?

  • Michelle
    February 6, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    That ice cream looks and sounds delicious! I’m going to see if I can find a recipe and recreate it. 🙂

  • Sara
    February 6, 2011 at 4:00 pm

    I’m terrible about letting myself relax – I get so stressed with all of my schoolwork, and I know that a half hour break will help me focus and refresh my mind, but I can’t ever bring myself to actually do it!

    Sigh.

    Anyways, your meals sound delightful and I can’t wait to see how your nachos turn out!

  • Christine @ Merf In Progress
    February 6, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    Hi, I just stumbled upon your blog via Kath’s blogroll. What a post! That food looks completely amazing.

  • Nicole
    February 6, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    Yes! GO STEELERS!!! 😉

  • Sara
    February 7, 2011 at 8:48 am

    No, don’t go Steelers…they have rapist amongst their players!!!! Hello, women’s rights calling. Plus, Lil Wayne wrote Green and Yellow…you can never go wrong w/Lil Weezy. Dessert looked amazing. And, did you cut your hair?! It looks shorter…

    • Laura
      February 7, 2011 at 8:52 am

      hell if I know anything about either team:) I think it just looks shorter bc it was curled, but I NEED a cut soon…ends are gross.

  • hundredforever
    February 7, 2011 at 4:20 pm

    DROOLING over everything. Especially the cod. Yum! And your morning sounded positively delightful, I might take a page out of that book soon.