I just stumbled out of bed still feeling, what we call, stupid. Not quite awake. Still needing sleep. We had a really fun night and didn't climb into bed until around midnight.
It all began when we were invited to a surprise birthday party for Marco's mom who is visiting from France. Marco is the owner of our favorite restaurant where we often go to dinner with our British friend Don, which is how we met Marco and his wife Elle. Well, Don had to make a quick, unexpected trip to Hong Kong and missed the event. We decided to go anyway.
It was like being dropped into a whole other different experience surrounded by six professional chefs and an optometrist sitting next to me all rapidly speaking French. We were also in a French restaurant we had never even heard of but was exceptional. Marco's mom was totally surprised, she was just enchanting and said throughout the evening, "Oh la la!" I fell in love.
Across from me was this cool looking, hip, skinny co-owner with Marco of all four of their restaurants and next to him was the chef of one of their restaurants where we have never been able to enjoy a meal. The constant line around the block is just not worth it to us. Next to Michael was the chef from their Mexican restaurant where we enjoyed duck confit tacos and plan to bring William and Kimberly there in March. He remembered us. I didn't remember the man down at the end of the table but he also was a chef. Next to me was a handsome Frenchman who sat next to his wife and little girl. I met the woman when they came in and we became best friends within minutes.
The chef from the very popular restaurant invited us to come anytime and he would get us a table. He told us he was there Monday through Friday for lunch or dinner. We must go! I was kissed three times on my cheeks when we departed. I think we have a fan. We certainly had fun with him.
The food? Michael and I split an appetizer of sauteed calamari (Spicy Monterey calamari "a la plancha," jalapenos, chorizo, piment d'espelette and olives) and lamb chops with a Gruyere potato gratin and green beans. We also tasted some shrimp in a divine sauce in which I was able to taste a finish of Pernod and their Mac 'N Cheese should be illegal. (Macaroni & cheese, kabocha squash, artichokes, chanterelle mushrooms, Gruyere cheese & cheddar cheese.)
It was one of those nights where you know you have had an experience. We were surrounded by creative, talented and passionate people. We had a ball.
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