I got up this morning and had coffee with hubby and we talked about our weekend. Oh my - it was wonderful! My sister and her husband took hubby and me to the most fabulous French bistro called Le Deauville French Bistro. (Click on the name for more information) It even had the tables and chairs sitting out along the street in front of the restaurant. It was just perfect!! As for the meal, for starters my sister had Pate' Maison with French Pickles and Mustard, hubby had French Onion Soup Gratinee', and much to my delight and my brother-in-law's, we enjoyed immensely the Escargot in Garlic Butter. After that, well, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven - and I hadn't even had the main course. We each then had Rack of Lamb, Garlic Potatoes Gratin and Broccolini. The wine suggested by our waitress was the ultimate complement to the meal. They also served us complimentary desserts which were delectable, Chocolate Mousse and Creme' Brulee. I can't begin to describe what an out-of-this world experience it was for the palate let alone the fine service and attention that was afforded us. The waitress spoke to us and even her words in the pronunciation of the dishes were delicious. I would recommend this bistro to anyone!!! I have watched Julia Child on television for years and have never actually eaten at a French establishment but now I know why she fell in love with French Cooking. It's not JUST the cooking either, it's the civility and the atmosphere and further, as far as the food is concerned, it's the melding of the finest ingredients and the sheer, lingering flavors that can only be accomplished by years of knowledge in the preparation of fine foods and the realization that the most miniscule addition of ingredients can change a dish from excellent to way, way over the top. I stand impressed as I've never been before. Whew!!! Can't tell I love cooking, now, can you?!!
But here we are back on the "ranch", back to the real world. It's nice here. It's terrific to go away every once-in-a-great-while to appreciate what I don't have in my own backyard and it makes coming home even nicer. I applaud the diversity that exists at every turn in the road and once you realize that what you are is just as essential to the big picture you can even more appreciate what someone else does or has and not feel as though you are being cheated. It all makes the world go round.
Today, since it is Labor Day, I intended to do as little as possible, but that is somewhat difficult to do considering I've tons of little things looking me directly in the face, but I'm trying. I'm considering making homemade ketchup. I'm telling you - this is hard - doing nothing!!