>THE WEEK IN REVIEW + YOUR TABLE>>

So Friday night [at work] was the night from hell--I just had to go to Lure for some cava... Two glasses later, I ended up at Merc Bar for another round.

I'd never been to Merc Bar before and I never really wanted to go there either (something about those cow fur ottomans), but actually, it wasn't so bad.

"Do you have cava?"

"Yea."

"Can I get a pint of cava?"

"A pint?"

"Yea."

"I like that (grin)...

I only charged you for one."

I also met and chatted with Teresa, one of the hostesses there. She was gorgeous and friendly... always a winning combination.

Saturday wasn't bad (I was even in the mood to wear my bow tie). M.J. passed the podium a handful of times, but I was too engrossed in mapping out my open tables to notice (not that I would have reacted in any outwardly manner anyway... I've already seen him plenty of times and was present when L.M. proposed to him in the lobby).

But in retrospect, if he did make eye contact with me (which has yet to happen), I may have given him my "You've Been Blogged" card since I did write a recent post about him... (But actually, I probably wouldn't have--I don't think it 'most kosher' for staff to be handing out their personal business cards to guests.)

Sunday was a "double" and the only perk to working doubles is that you get to order something from the "guest menu" for lunch... Later that night, David and I watched Three on a Match, a very early Bette Davis flick (with a very novice performance).

Yesterday, I did not set my alarm, but finally slept in! As I headed down from the 5th floor I was hoping that there'd be a magazine in our mailbox; I was really craving some new reading material (for the past year, I've been trying to finish The Best and The Brightest... I plan to finish it by May).

As I turned the key, unlatching the mailbox door, I was instantly dazzled upon discovering this:

"David, do you mind if I take New York to work?"

It was a good article. And I think that maybe, our old roommate, Dorian, had the right idea when she said that Lady Gaga is the new Warhol.

"Andy Warhol's books became her bible... She would highlight them with a pen."

(Excerpt from New York)

I finished only the first half on my way to work, then the rest over some cava at Lure (with my favorite bartender, Laura).

(Later that night, I finished reading the rest of New York and there was no mention of FROM BEHIND THE OPEN TABLE. I sent them an e-mail referencing the similarities between my blog and their most recent issue... what did I have to lose?)

>The Maître d' Will Be Right With You>>

So, an explanation of the way (most) restaurants seat their guests, because I'm not just being snooty.

Last night, I had to seat two nice ladies on table 24--not the best table in the house, but not the worst either. After my host sat the two guests, I wondered, if they were thinking, "Gee, he must really hate us--what a shitty table." But really, table 24 isn't a bad table at all, it's just not a banquette.

Most restaurants break up their tables into sections, assigning each server to a different section.

"Can I have that table?"

"For that table, it'll be just a few minutes."

"But why? There's no one sitting in it."

"I just sat the server in that section and he just need a few minutes to catch up."

They almost never understand...

Imagine this:

-You have a restaurant with 8 (2 top) tables and 1 server covering them all.

-You open for dinner at 5 and immediately, 8 couples walk into your restaurant asking for a table.

-If you had sat all 8 couples at once, your server would probably feel a little overwhelmed and rush through each table's orders hence, giving subpar service.

-In the meantime, the remaining tables are waving their arms, trying to get somebody's attention and asking for menus, etc.

-But your server can't get to them because he is busy running with a tray full of drinks (and a martini!) to table 1 so he can quickly put in their food orders and return to the bar to retrieve the drinks (which have been sitting) for table 2 to put in their food orders and then finally get to table 3 to greet them, put in their drink orders and then drop off menus at table 4 (and he still has tables 5, 6, 7 and 8 to get to... and in the meantime, table 1 has a question).

Now imagine this:

-You have the same scenario, but this time, you seat the first party, ask the other parties to "join us by the bar for just a few moments";

-Wait a few minutes, seat the 2nd party;

-Wait a few minutes, seat the 3rd party;

-Wait a few minutes, seat the 4th party... you get the picture.

In the latter scenario, your server will not feel like he has to rush through a table's orders, hence, giving each table a higher level of service.

In the meantime, your remaining guests at the bar are comfortably seated and being well attended to by your friendly bar staff.

(Additionally, in the latter scenario, your kitchen will not get slammed, which would lead to a whole other host of problems.)

So that is why, sometimes, a host may tell you that you cannot have a particular table (at a particular moment), but may offer you a couple alternatives.

And then just a few minutes later, you may see someone else sitting at the table you had just previously requested. ("Why couldn't I have that table?" --"You could have, if you would have been willing to wait by the bar for just a few minutes.")

And of course, there's always the scenario where the remaining open tables (sometimes specific tables) are being held for reservations.

"Why can't you seat me when you have all these open tables?"

"I have reservations coming in... it wouldn't be fair of me to give away their table."

I think sometimes, people just want to give me a hard time. > >

>FOR NOW... THE WEEK IN PICTURES (& Brasserie 8 1/2)>>

As the caption under my new Facebook profile photo reads, "Even if my blog goes nowhere... there's always my knitwear company!"

This morning as I was wandering 'round my apartment wondering what I should do first today, I found, sitting on David's bookcase, a package from my best friend, Jess, in New Jersey. Along with some very thoughtful mementos she sent, was this 1919 ad for a "Bradley Jumbo."

I don't know when the print issue of Gazelland is expected to be out, but I did purchase the digital version from zinio.com and was able to print this image from my article... The current issue is even better than the last (now I understand why Gazelle was so strict about the color choices) and I'm hopeful that it will soon become an icon for the young, fresh face of new talent. (Will Louis Parsons -p. 54- become the next big fashion house??)

On a lighter (and fruitier) note is Marquis de Chasse, Bordeaux, Sauvingnon Blanc & Semillon. On the back label it says to: "Serve chilled as an aperitif or with seafood, salads, chicken, or light cuisine."

"Light cuisine" was just what David and I were having that night...

Actually, I'm not complaining though. David made a very nice "tapas" dinner with roughly-mashed potatoes, a mashed butternut squash and a very nice spicy cheese salad, all served with two different kinds of crackers. The wine paired nicely; it had a deep, rich color and a little bit of bouquet, which for a white (that isn't too heavy), is a nice touch, I'd say.

I'd never had this particular bottle before and I wasn't sure if it was going to be good, but since it was from an A.O.C. I figured I was making a safe bet. At $20, on sale for $16, not bad. (You'll definitely want to have it chilled though. David and I had to throw some ice cubes in it and it was much better after that.)

Tuesday was my 2nd lesson with my French tutor, Vilmarie and we decided to have it at the bar lounge at Brasserie 8 1/2, beneath the "bell-bottom" building on 57th St. I actually wanted to go there to try their Grilled Cheese Foie Gras, but unfortunately, they no longer had it on the menu.

(In addition to "Blue Ribbon Blog," I think I could just as easily rename this blog, "Foie Gras Finder.")

Vilmarie and I instead ordered some Table Shares, 3 for $25. (You're not going to order the Mac & Cheese, are you?... Good--me neither!) Vilmarie ordered the Asparagus Fries and Pulled Pork Sandwiches while I opted for the Tuna Tartare Tacos.

The asparagus fries were basically vegetable tempura with soy dressing on the side and the sandwiches, with pickled bok choy and coleslaw, were o.k. (although Vilmarie said they were cold). The tacos (while presented nicely, in a long dish and topped with green caviar) did not please my palate as much as they pleased my eyes...

But overall, at $25 for the three dishes, not bad. A quiet, elegant and cozy atmosphere, but not too stuffy. And the cocktails and wines by the glass list was nicely-priced as well (mostly $12 and $10). In addition to the button-tufted leather sofas and arm chairs, is a long marble-countered bar with comfortable looking swivel, backed stools and a friendly bar staff.

A nice place for a quiet drink with a friend, I'd say. > >

>A THOUSAND HITS!>>

Three months and forty posts later, I am happy and excited to announce that my blog has received 1,000 profile views as of today!

... but for now, I'm off to Brasserie 8 1/2 for a lesson with my French tutor, Vilmarie (and to try their Foie Gras Grilled Cheese sandwich). > > >

>FROM BEHIND THE OPEN... MAG>>

Am I a tastemaker for New York Magazine? It could be so.

Last night, while browsing through the current issue of New York (Can Oprah Escape Oprah?), I surprisingly noticed some ineludible similarities to recent posts of mine...

First: Lady Gaga's "Telephone" video

Click image for a Larger Preview

Second: Blue Ribbon

Okay, so maybe I am just entertaining the idea, but I did just discover this morning that a glixi.com user submitted my YouTube video [promoting this blog] as a recent recommendation of theirs!

(So that means that someone thinks I'm a tastemaker...) > >

>GAZELLAND: LOVE (online) HAS ARRIVED!>>

For those of you too impatient for the latest issue of Gazelland Magazine (featuring my article "C is for Champagne") to hit the newsstands, the digital issue just became available for download at www.zinio.com for just $4.95!

photo by Paulo Gazelle for Gazelland Magazine

page 20--"C is for Champagne"

>GYPSY CAFE + CRIMINAL INTENT>>

Wednesday night was lesson 1 of my French lessons and I decided to have it at the new Café Gitane in The Jane Hotel. Not having been there since its Socialista days, I went around Jane Street to the Horatio Street entrance before realizing that the entrance was through the main entrance of the hotel lobby. I passed through the café's wood and glass double doors and made my way over to the table at which my French tutor (and good friend), Vilmarie, was sitting.

I told her to order whatever she wanted, "on me" and even though I had originally planned on eating lightly, since Vilmarie was ordering an entrée, I figured I'd order one for myself as well.

Vilmarie ordered the Moroccan Couscous (with sausage) while I ordered the Yellowfin Tuna Ceviche. The Ceviche was wonderful! I've only had Ceviche once or twice before and both times it more closely resembled Carpaccio (to me). So when my server brought out a large bowl filled with rice vermicelli and vegetables, I was a little surprised and somewhat perplexed. (Is this the right dish?) But nonetheless, it was delicious...

The tuna was cut into small cubes and very lightly seared. All the ingredients (the tuna, as well as the greens) tasted wonderfully fresh! Nearing the bottom of the bowl I found 3 or 4 mango slices which paired very nicely. Still feeling a little peckish, I asked our server for some bread with which I sopped up the remaining dressing in the bottom of the bowl. --Fantastic! If you order this dish, it's the only way to finish it...

For our dessert was the Banana Tart which was covered in a layer of thin banana slices, ever so slightly caramelized and scorched.

(And did you notice Hyacinth Bucket's Royal Doulton with the hand-painted periwinkles??)

Next on the week's agenda was lunch with Cynthia at The Standard Bar & Grill. Thursday was the nicest day of the week and I suggested to Cynthia that we eat somewhere with outdoor seating. We were meeting in Chelsea, so I got off the train at 23rd Street and walked down 8th Avenue to try and scout out an open table in the sun.

Passing both Nisos (the best tuna burger) and Vynl (not a usual pick of mine, but they do have a $10 lunch special that isn't half bad) and not finding any sunny spots to dine in, I continued on to Meat Packing to check out the tables at Spice Market--but they didn't even have their outdoor tables set up. (but if they did, I totally would have had their Vietnamese Spring Rolls and Ginger Fizz cocktail)

I decided the only remaining option was The Standard Bar & Grill--a standard favorite of mine anyway.

As I headed towards the front entrance I noticed only one open table which happened to be in, at least, semi-sunlight. I swiftly beelined to the maître d' and asked her if there was a wait to sit outside; to my delight, she brought me right to the table I had my eye on. While I browsed over the menus, I soon realized the sun was slowly moving away from edge of the table. I asked a hostess, who had happened to be passing my table, if it wouldn't be too much trouble to move to a table inside. She expressed that it wouldn't and directed me to follow her (past Duff) inside.

Having already browsed the menus, I ordered a glass of Falanghina while I waited for Cynthia to arrive. Previously, I also noticed a selection of cured meats (3 for $11 or all 6 for $16) and Malpeques too, but Cynthia and I were on a supposed budget so I instead went with the Smoked Trout Sandwich ($11) with cucumbers, goat cheese and mache. Cynthia eventually arrived, debuting her spring look and ordered the Standard Ranch Burger, topped with blue cheese and bacon.

Upon its arrival, my sandwich was more "simply prepared" than I had anticipated, but after my initial taste, all reservations had left my mind. The trout was amazing--you could actually taste the smoke! (And the red potato salad wasn't bad either.) On to Cynthia's burger--I was blown away by what I was expecting to be a "bland burger." The meat was amazing, it tasted like Kobe beef. And I don't know what they do to their fries, but they, also, had a one-two-three-four punch!

At $14 for the burger and $11 for the trout, I may never go back to Vynl for lunch again (except to use their wifi perhaps).

Later that night Cynthia and I ended up, once again, at Blue Ribbon.

Even though it was only around 7 o'clock, there were no open tables in sight (except for the one deuce by the door which isn't really used). I waited until Magnus (the maître d') had a free moment before asking him if it was okay if Cynthia and I: "snag that table by the door--we just want to have some Beef Marrow & Foie Gras."

"Sure. Just place your order at the bar."

Cynthia and I excitedly awaited our Beef Marrow and Foie Gras...

I've recently come to the conclusion that I am addicted to Blue Ribbon; I usually think about the place at least once a day if not more. Additionally, every time I go there and savor yet another dish of Beef Marrow with oxtail marmalade, it somehow evolves and I end up having to go back there to enjoy it... again.

For those of you not well versed in the enjoyment of the Beef Marrow + Foie Gras combo, below, a step by step tutorial:

1. Cava is the best pairing for the Beef Marrow + Foie Gras combo. Order yourself a glass, to start.

2. Tell your server that you'd like both dishes brought out at the same time (the Beef Marrow takes about 15 minutes, but the Foie Gras just moments).

3. When the dishes arrive, spread the foie (like a heavy dose of butter) onto a toast.

4. Using the wooden fork supplied with your Beef Marrow, scoop out enough marrow to coat the foie.

5. With the same wooden fork, scoop up and sprinkle some oxtail marmalade atop the foie and marrow.

6. Using your fingers, pinch a small amount (or more, to your liking) of sea salt from the salt cellar and sprinkle it onto the marmalade.

7. Lastly, dress the top the your toast with 5-10 slivers of the julienned apple from the foie gras dish.

It was delectable!

Our final stop for the night was at the Mercer Hotel lobby for a few glasses of cava before finally heading (I uptown and Cynthia downtown) home and calling it a night. Once again, Cynthia and I were "very bad" and the next morning I posted on her Facebook:

Pat Bradley

I think we should have a talk show about eating out called "Criminal Intent"!

Pat Bradley

The first episode would be: Foie Gras - Who Cares?

We were very bad, indeed! > >

>AND THAT’S WHY THE LADY IS A GAGA>>

To like or not to like--that is… well, you can guess the rest.

Since approximately late last summer, I’ve been nursing a slight (and secret) fondness for the inescapable and ever present Lady Gaga. I’d also like to announce that I don’t care for most of her music; it makes me think a little too much of girls from Long Island and Bebe and Forever 21 outfits.

Early in 2009 a friend of mine was trying to explain to me who Lady Gaga was because I didn’t know much about her aside from the fact that she was becoming rather ubiquitous. My friend told me to go home and YouTube the video for “Paparazzi.”

What an utterly horrid song… (But the video was kinda cool.)

Out of sheer boredom that summer, while David was away in Aspen on a 9 week music festival, I spent my nights watching Lady Gaga videos on YouTube in an effort to edify myself about this newly rising star. Eventually, her then latest single, “Pokerface”, had hooked me. But still, I refused to admit any fondness, on my part, for Lady Gaga.

As months rolled by, I’d see photo after photo of the stylishly clad pop maven in New York [Magazine] and in the newspapers of fellow subway passengers. And I’d hear regular chatter about her, a general topic of conversation, amongst a wide variety of peoples.

Slowly, but surely, I was becoming a surefire fan of Gaga’s public image and persona, but I still was not (completely) sold on her sound. Through the remainder of the summer of 2009 I continued to play “Pokerface,” on repeat, while I showered and readied for work.

Later, that fall, came the video for “Bad Romance.”

I decided I had to see the video, it was getting so much buzz. (New York had listed it as “Lowbrow Brilliant” on their Approval Matrix.)

After viewing the video I was, again, sold on Lady Gaga’s looks, but not on her sound. A paradox was she.

But eventually, in the same way that “Pokerface” had caught on with me by the end of late last summer, “Bad Romance” had surreptitiously done the same. (So keeping track, that’s now 2 Lady Gaga songs I liked.) Still, I remained a "fan" of Lady Gaga in secret.

Enter the video for “Telephone.”

Now I believe the single (which features Beyoncé) came out at least a month or more ago. (I only know this because one of the hostesses at work told me that she had downloaded it with an iTunes gift card she had received over the holidays.) But one night, as I logged onto YouTube in search of a Lady Gaga video fix, I was disappointed to discover that an (official) video for "Telephone" was yet to be released.

Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months and no word was read or heard by myself of any new Lady Gaga video on the horizon…

But the other day, while I was browsing Gazelle’s Facebook page in search of a clue as to when the Gazelland Love Issue was going to premiere, I came across a link for his blog www.freakchic.com.

I followed it and this is what I found:

During moments in the video I found myself literally laughing out loud. (The scenes were intended to be comical--I think.)

Hook.

Line.

Sinker.

But still, I was thoroughly unimpressed with the sound. (I think I may even had felt a slight cringe during the opening verse.)

Alas, if only her music were as good as her look; she’d be unstoppable.

But today is my third time watching the “Telephone” video and I think I have (finally and unofficially) crossed the line into Bona Fide Lady Gaga fan territory. (Her songs do become a bit catchy after hearing them 3 or 4 times.)

Yesterday was my friend, Andres’ birthday and he wanted to go to Escuelita for their Sunday Tea Dance. After watching a rather funny and entertaining drag show and dance competition, the DJ threw down some tracks and Andres and I threw down our feet onto the dancefloor.

“Telephone” fed into the speakers.

Now perhaps it was the $1 vodka specials that did it (yea, I know–Escuelita, 301 39^th St. at 8th Ave.), but I was really cutting a rug last night.

I found myself doing a particularly unusual new dance move that I’ve never done before and from which I don’t know where it was born. But after watching the “Telephone” video again this morning I realized (to slight astonishment) that my fancy new dance step came from - in fact - Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” video. (3:52 - 4:04)

Return to Sunday Tea.

Later that night, after a wild goose chase in a cab looking for Cosmic Diner,

“It’s on 52^nd and 9^th.”

“But we already passed 52^nd and 9^th and it wasn’t there.”

“Then it’s on 8^th!”

Arriving at 52^nd and 8^th…

“--It’s on 52^nd and 9^th, let’s go back!”

“How about I just drop you off here, at Galaxy Diner?”

One Cheeseburger Deluxe and one Black & White Shake later, I found myself dancing to “Bad Romance” in Galaxy Diner’s bathroom while washing my hands. There was no turning back to be done now.

> > >

So here I sit, a Bona Fide Lady Gaga fan, complete with fond memories of dancing the night away to her music and chatting with friends about who’s styling her hair and who’s designing her outfits (Danilo and Zaldy) … and the remaining decision of whether I should buy her CD or just download the songs on iTunes.

(But I still think I’ll be a Lady Gaga fan in secret.) > >

>HANDY NEW SEARCH TOOL>>

I confess, I'm guilty.

(But I only do it only to restaurants I love, so please, feel flattered.)

Most any time I'm at a place I've decided to write about or have written about on my blog, I usually leave a business card tucked somewhere discreet...

So, if you've found my card in your check presenter, left on the table, or tucked in the corner of your "No Smoking" sign, chances are you're on this blog.

If you've done as I hope and are checking out my blog (as you are), but can't seem to find any mention of your place, I've now installed a handy little search tool to the right.

For example: try "Lure Burger Heals Angry Sea Otter"; "Blue Ribbon Beef Marrow" or "Woo! for Woo [Lae Oak]" > >

>I HEART USANA @ MARC BY MARC>>

What keeps me looking so sharp all the time? You should be asking who keeps me looking so sharp all the time.

The answer to that question would be a very skilled seamstress by the name of Usana (sp?) at the Marc by Marc Jacobs store on W. 4th St.

I've been buying all my suiting jackets there for a few seasons now and the best perk of all to shopping at Marc is that they'll custom tailor your jacket according to your specific requests--completely free of charge! (But do tip the seamstress of course.)

Usana is the in house seamstress for Marc and she also does the tailoring for all the runway shows. She's altered 3 of my jackets so far; I usually just have her shorten the sleeves a bit and take in the body to make it "skinnier." (She knows what she's doing and she'll tell you if what you have in mind won't work. "You can't make the sleeves skinnier, no good.")

My latest acquisition from Marc by Marc is a fitted black wool blazer with tiny electric blue fibers woven throughout it (a small, but very cool detail). Prudently, I would have picked something from their spring collection, but the only jacket I liked, a crumpled jacket in black, was too similar to one I already had (a crumpled metal jacket in brown).

My boss said it looked very classy.

Perhaps, my latest jacket will become a little too warm for wear in a couple of months, but oh well... my excuse for another one in the spring. > >

>It's All Good>>

So our seven year anniversary was on February 26th, but with David's busy pianist's schedule as of late, we had to postpone the celebration until Saturday, the 6th.

We started Saturday with "diner brunch" because both of us were feeling a little hungover and sometimes a greasy spoon is the only thing that will do the trick. The night before, David had gone to an art show in Long Island City and I had met up with Danny for Lure/Blue Ribbon/Barracuda.

Friday night, Danny and I started with cava at Lure then headed to Blue Ribbon for Beef Marrow (this time I sprinkled it with the sea salt they serve it with, on the side; I didn't think it could get any better, but it did) then, only because I was already buzzed, stopped at Barracuda where I had a single Chivas O.T.R. (on the rocks).

Interestingly, at Blue Ribbon, when Danny and I sat ourselves at a table o.k.'d by the maître d', the paper covering on the table had been drawn on. Our server offered to change it, but I insisted he leave it as is: "I love it!" A minute or two later, a tall black gentleman came over to our table and divulged himself to be the artist-under-wraps.

I asked him if he wanted his drawing back, but he insisted we leave the artwork as laid and to:

"Get it dirty. Really dirty it up!

And when you're done, ask the server to roll it up and bring it over to me."

A cool cat was he...

After David and I replenished ourselves with sausage, fries and a black and white shake from Parkview Diner, we headed home to ready ourselves for Paul Taylor Dance Company at City Center.

The company performed a wonderful show including Public Doman, Airs and Brief Encounters (making its New York premiere). With such beautiful lighting and costumes, Brief Encounters was my favorite...

Afterward, we headed west for Tout Va Bien, our favorite restaurant in midtown.

David and I have been going to "TVB" for a number of years now and it certainly has changed over the course of time (although David says, "The more things change, the more they stay the same."). What was always a quaint little French bistro for us, tucked away just off Eighth Avenue, has now seemed to become quite the hotspot of 51st Street. ("I feel like we're in a French Blue Ribbon!")

As we walked in, the place was bustling. To your right, the bar was full and straight ahead and to the left, only two open tables remained in sight. But happily, the hostess sat us quickly as I took in the perplexing sights and sounds.

1. I've always loved the way this place seemed to not care so much about the arrangement of their decor as if, "We don't care how we look, we know our food is good!" But on this particular evening, their decor seemed to be especially haphazard and slapdash. Hung over a painting, with Christmas lights draped above and beyond it, was a giant Mardi Gras mask (aren't we observing Lent now?). And hanging plentifully from the ceiling were multitudes of shiny green shamrocks and green t-shirts tacked carefully into place. And hanging across the back of the bar was a long string of (what David and I assumed to be) soccer flags, with one large one hanging on the opposite wall.

2. To my right was a long table of at least eight ladies, clearly celebrating something (even if it was just ladies' night out) and beyond the raucous bunch, to the right, was another raucous bunch, equally as rollicking if not more.

3. And as stated before, what was previously a quaint little bistro where you'd hear not much more than your own conversation and perhaps the head waitress saying, "Oui, oui, oui, oui, oui..." in the background had, on this evening, turned to playing loud French pop music with the occasional Lady Gaga tune thrown in and Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" (for good measure perhaps??). At one point, the entire restaurant took part in a sing along which seemed to be a French anthem of some sort...

But with a breath, I assured myself that tonight was going to be just as enjoyable as any other dining night I've had before at Tout Va Bien.

After ordering a carafe of the house white, David proceeded to order the Vichyssoise for his first course and the Pâté Maison as his main. Since David was eating light and since I wasn't all that hungry after all, I decided to go with Endives (which came in a nice mustard dressing) for my first course and Escargots De Bourgogne for my main (although I did order the entrée portion). I was surprised they didn't have the Duck a l'Orange special though--I usually go with that one.

I also noticed on the menu, Tête De Veau Vinaigrette (Calf's Head) and Rognon Sauté Vin Blanc Ou Bordelaise (Veal Kidney) which I would have tried, but I figured I'd save it for another time when I was feeling a bit more adventurous and/or hungry...

The Endives were enjoyable as well as David's Vichyssoise. And my Escargots De Bourgogne were good too. (The dressing also works nicely for sopping!)

For dessert, David ordered the Mousse au Chocolate while I opted for Crème Caramel. (I preferred the mousse though.) At the end of it all, our server brought out two glasses of champagne for us to enjoy, on the house.

--Tout Va Bien! > >