Thursday, February 16, 2006

Valentine's Day Lunch and Dinner

Stephanie and I celebrated Valentine's Day fairly quietly although very deliciously. She made reservations for us to have lunch at one of my favorite restaurants - Blackbird (see earlier post). The food there is always so satisfying, so mouth-watering to type about. Stephanie began with a spicy salmon tartare with avocado and homemade saltine. Then she had her favorite pork belly sandwich with b&b pickles. It's so good. After taking a bite, you don't even want to wipe your mouth for all the delicious flavor still on your lips. I began with the confit of suckling pig, a dish I've been looking forward to trying. My main course was a phenomenal bouillabaisse. Everything was perfect.

That evening for dinner I prepared a Valentine's themed meal. The first course was cream of tomato soup with pink shrimp served with Bellefon Cuvée des Moines Brut Rosé Champagne NV. Next was veal involtini with mushrooms in a pink peppercorn rosé sauce and mashed pink-skinned potatoes. It was accompanied by a bottle of Domaine du Joncier Lirac Rosé 2004. Dessert was a simple pink grapefruit granite. Everything turned out very well, and Stephanie seemed to enjoy it. I can't wait until my green St. Patrick's Day meal (don't worry, there won't be very many vegetables).