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I just love Date Night! :mrgreen:
Last night, Jay and I headed to a local restaurant called The Barnsider. You may remember that we actually visited here a couple months ago with his parents, but ate in the main dining room. This time, we decided to keep things casual and eat in the bar area. It’s a pretty neat, casual atmosphere, and they actually have a chef stationed directly in the bar area for anyone eating from that menu (they have a dining room menu and a cafe menu). I had a lot of fun watching her do her thang. ;)
Jay and I started off with a round of drinks. He ordered “a nice tall, cold beer” while my pick was a glass of Pinot Grigio. I wish I could remember the name of this one because it was really good; cool and crisp, with a nice smooth finish. A Neat Trick: To keep your glass from sticking to the napkin, sprinkle a little salt on top of the napkin. Works like a charm every time. :)
After looking at the appetizer menu, I decided to press my luck by asking if we could share the calamari. Now normally, Jay is not a seafood guy. Even though I was able to get him to order some while we were up in Lake George a couple weeks ago, (which tasted like it could just as easily have been onion rings because they were so breaded), I didn’t think he’d go for it again. For him, seafood is a texture thing, which I totally understand. Calamari, wouldn’t you say, can definitely fall into the texture category, right? Well, to my utter shock and disbelief, hubby happily agreed to the calamari! (I bet if we weren’t calling it “Date Night” it would have been so easy…) ;)
This stuff was 10 times BETTER than the last batch we had. Upon first bite, I got nervous that the “texture King” would get freaked out, since the breading was much lighter and you could actually taste the calamari – imagine that?!? :) But we both equally enjoyed the app. It was served with a side of spicy chipotle mayonnaise which I got a little apprehensive about (I’m a mild salsa kinda gal) but it tasted fantastic.
For my dinner, I ordered the Baked Scallops, which were baked in sherry butter and topped with bread crumbs.
And because I love them so, ordered some steamed veggies on the side.
I ate up all of the veggers, about half of the cornbread, and probably only about 1/3 of the scallops. Unfortunately, they were a little too buttery for me. I could really only taste the butter and breadcrumbs, which were tasty, but a little overwhelming in the dish. I certainly didn’t leave hungry though, so it’s ok! We still had a great night out. :-D
Breakfast
A nice simple, cold bowl of cereal sounded right up my alley this morning. My “simple” bowl was a triple threat combo of all my faves: Quaker Oatmeal Squares, Kashi Heart to Heart & Kashi Go Lean, all thrown in with some vanilla almond milk and lots ‘o blueberries.
All enjoyed with a nice tall glass of iced coffee with almond milk.
Sad Note: I think all the extra heat and humidity in this house is getting to my cereal. It’s starting to get that stale taste — eeeeeww. :oops:
I have some time planned in the kitchen today to do a little prep work for tomorrow’s Blogger Brunch at Heather’s place! I can’t wait to finally meet some local “blends” (blog friends). ;) It should be a great time!
Question for the Morning:
When you have “brunch” do you eat more breakfast foods, or lunch foods?
I’m totally with him on the seafood thing. NOt the biggest fan. BUT, anything with fried breading around it I can usually handle, at least a little b it!
I always eat more breakfast foods at brunch!
and how exciting that you are getting to meet some locals! can’t wait to read about it!
Scallops look delish! Too bad they were buttery, that’s the worst! Do you live near Lake George? I spent about 6 months in the area (Clifton Park) right after college…
I am def a ‘breakfast’ fan for brunch foods. But it’s fun to sort of blend the two. :) I like to do coffee cakes, those are fun and pretty! Can’t wait to see what you come up with.
I only live about 10 minutes away from Clifton Park! How funny is that! :)
I know! I have a good friend from college who lives in Ballston Spa. I’ll have to let you know next time I’m in the area!
I’ve never been to Barnsider. I hear it’s great, though! Do they have veggie options?
Can’t wait for tomorrow. Is it weird that I’m bringing a salad?
Not many veggie options…
Haha, not weird that you’re bringing a salad! I bet it’ll be delish :)
Love the salt/napkin trick. Not sure the waiters do LOL. Sometimes it gets a bit messy….or maybe that’s just me being messy. I very rarely eat brunch. I guess it all depends on what is being offered.
I’m so envious that you have bloggers near by. Would you believe there are very few SF Bay Area bloggers?
My hubby would like to know how you make your iced coffee — do tell ;)
Date nights are the absolute best!!!!
I don’t know how you do it – no AC? I’d be a mess here in NC without it.
YAY for good seafood :)
I love the salt trick! When I first met my husband and he saw me doing that he thought it was super weird. Now he does it too :D
I wish I could make it tomorrow! Next time :D
I always go for lunch foods, unless there are bagels involved :)
So, you’re going to think I’m gross, but I actually like the ‘stale’ cereal taste– yes yes, it’s true.
Like if I eat rice krispies, I let them sit in milk for about 5 minutes before I eat them so that they get all soggy. lol! Everyone that sees me do it thinks it’s teh weirdest thing.
You look GORGEOUS, as always, by the way- love that color on you!
Thanks, Holly!
You can come over and clean out my stale cereal stash. ;)
as much as i love baked goods, i really hate when foods are loaded w/ butter. it can really ruin food for me! unless i’m eating lobster or crab legs..those i want to drown in butter. i have more of breakfast foods when i eat brunch. i can’t usually get myself to eat lunchy foods if it’s my first meal of the day. it freaks me out. eating breakfast for dinner on the other hand is a favorite!
I’m the same way with breakfast foods at brunch (AND for dinner! – YUM) :)
yall are SUCH an adorable couple!!! <3