Dining Out: Take One

Since we met we've gone out to eat at least a few (okay, several) times a week -- breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks.

There have been times that we've tried, especially since having a child, to limit ourselves to eating at home 75% of the time.

This was the first week that we ate all but 3 lunches at home, and it was challenging. We cooked every night (and slow-cooked two mornings).

Tonight, we had an un-missable birthday at a fine dining restaurant, and they were so accommodating.

Having worked in food & beverage for too many years to admit, we were embarrassed to be "those diners," but in the end, it was great that we'd called ahead to see if it would be possible to have a

no dairy
no soy
no wheat
no sugar
no legume
no you name it

dinner.

It was. If anything, the only challenge was the amount we ate -- a four course meal was still four courses.

The legumes, well -- no one understands that yet. Not even us. They aren't pictured here, but we had to remind ourselves when there were limas beside a sirloin.

octopus with potatoes and wilted greens. balsamic reduction, parsnip puree