Here is our evening.
It started with this bottle of Brunello since we were celebrating the opening of the patio. ;-) Come on, opening the patio is a sure sign of spring and something to be celebrated. Not to mention it was the first day of sandals and that is very important. We shared the Brunello with everyone, like always. ;-)
There were many others on the patio tonight but none of the regulars.
Like usual the guys had made things for us so that we didn’t have to order from the menu.
We started with a salad of baby spinach, Asian pear, cucumber, red onion and tarragon infused vinegar.
Then there was a crispy potato and pea pastry.
This was followed by the most beautiful sesame crusted tofu over jasmine rice and a salad of scallions, carrots, cucumbers, shitake mushrooms, wakame and a spicy Thai dressing. Ian is good too good to us.
We were still hungry and asked for a pizza.
Stephanie (our server) made us a whole pizza with arugula and tomato dressed with lemon and truffle oil.
Ian made us a roasted veggie pizza with pesto.
After all this food we were full. Gee, I wonder why? LOL
Here is the restaurant which we clearly had closed down like we often do. Good thing they like us here since when we come in we stay a long time.
Sorry for the short post. I should be able to get caught up tomorrow. I hope you had as nice a Friday as we did. Talk to you tomorrow, or I should say later today. ;-)
Wish I was living near that restaurant that you always go to. The dishes look lovely.
ReplyDeleteJust been googling recipes for sesame crusted tofu - I've never seen that before but it looks so delicious. Any chance you'll try your own version at home?
Glad you had a nice night out.
Fiona
Patio season MUST be celebrated with a nice bottle of vino. I think that's in the law books ;-)
ReplyDeleteFiona,
ReplyDeleteWe are very fortunate to have Ian so close and we know it. He helped us drink the Brunello before he left for the evening.
The sesame crusted tofu was delicious we were just talking about that here. I should have asked Ian what he used to stick the seeds to the tofu there was definitely something since it was crispy. We may stop in the restaurant this morning and I will ask Ian the secret. Once I know I will share.
Thanks, I hope you had a good evening too,
Ali
Heather,
ReplyDeleteSomehow I knew you would agree that the return of patio and sandal weather are celebratory events. ;-) The vino was quite tasty and since we shared with Alan, Steph, Ian and Will we didn't have that much ... just enough to taste if you know what I mean. I do love Brunello. LOL
Have a great day with your sister,
Ali
I like when you and Dan eat pizza because it reminds me that anything is good in moderation. It eases my guilt when I indulge, like yesterday with one of the kids' birthday cake : )
ReplyDeleteSteph,
ReplyDeleteGlad I could help. ;-) I think where most people run into trouble is when moderation turns into a little bit, then a little more and before you know it is everyday. Not to mention some things are not healthy no matter how you look at it (cheese, my beloved vino, you get the idea). However you need to weigh that with enjoying life. Sometimes life just calls for wine, well that is my excuse. LOL
enjoy your weekend and talk to you later,
Ali
That roasted veggie pizza looks so yummy. When I first went "vegan" I didn't eat pizza for a longest time. Now I adore pizza without cheese (not really into the faux-cheeses too much.) But pesto or hummus on a pizza with grilled veggies is the best!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place! So nice to have a friend like I bet! I too would like to see you (and therefore me) make to tofu. Looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth,
ReplyDeleteThe same thing happened with us and pizza. Initially it seemed very wrong without cheese but now I really believe it is better without cheese and that is something that I never expected to say. ;-)
Ali
Megan,
ReplyDeleteIan's sesame crusted tofu and veggies was beautiful, tasted great and had nice textural contrast. We may go back this evening to sit at the bar, have green tea and talk to everyone. It really is like "Cheers" there for us. If Ian is still there I will get the tofu secret. Otherwise Will should be there so I can ask him if Ian has gone for the evening. You guys will enjoy the tofu dish so I would like to make my version of Ian's creation to share with everyone.
I hope you are enjoying your weekend,
Ali
It all looks so amazing! I wish we had a local place to eat like this. Though I hear their is a vegan/raw vegan diner in Reno. Can't wait to try it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Debra
Raw Vegan Diet
Alicia,
ReplyDeleteYou are so much more artistic than you think you are - gorgeous photos, wonderful recipes - I see a joy of life and beauty in your blog. I am gleefully subscribing!
Janet
Debra,
ReplyDeleteThanks! I hope you like the restaurant near you when you get there. It is wonderful to have somewhere that you can always get a vegan meal.
Ali
Janet,
ReplyDeleteYou are too kind! *blushes* Thank you for stopping by to see what I am up to. I appreciate your thoughtful comment.
I very much enjoyed our conversation last night. You gave me a lot to think about. Thank you very much for your great advice!
talk to you again soon,
Ali