Shrimp tempura &
Philadelphia rolls
Before meeting up with friends I stopped by my local Sushi restaraunt for a beer and some of their tasty sushi rolls. Naan isn't far from my place and it's pretty much on the way to wherever I'm headed. Add to that their evening special of half off my favorite sushi rolls and at times it's just to hard to walk by. Besides it's also kind of my neighborhood bar.
For a special dinner to celebrate Tracy's recent birthday I took her to Roy's, which I've been told is one of the best places in Hawaii to eat and highly rated on Zagat. Operated by Roy Yamaguchi inventor of Asian Fusion cuisine. I have to say they live up to the hype unlike so many other restaurants.
Tracy had a special appetizer sampler for her meal, more than enough food for her, and I had one of the pre-set three course meals with wine pairings. All three courses were incredible. The meal started with an appetizer of a spare rib, a spring roll and ahi tuna paired with a very dry sparking white wine. Next was the main course which consisted of white fish crusted with macadamia nuts with a lobster sauce on a bed of asperegus. That course was paired with a refreshing California chardonnay. The last course was of course desert. A very delectable chocolate soufflé with vanilla ice cream. This final course was paired with a zinfandel. I'm a sucker for chocolate deserts, especially those with a hot molten chocolate center and this one didn't disappoint. Every course was truly memorable.
Tracy loved her meal as well, especially the tuna roll and the crab cakes. She was on the fence regarding which was better, but finally decided on the tuna roll. She let me taste both and it had to be a tough call. I agree though, the tuna roll was amazing.
Last night Tracy and I decided to celebrate our anniversary a little early. It was just the two of us as our daughter was spending the night at grandma's house. The perfect time to enjoy a romantic dinner for two; but where to go? We didn't want to go to any of our usual haunts as they are all casual dining. The two of us were thinking steak. As unchallenging as that might sound in Texas, this side of the Dallas metroplex isn't teaming with chop houses of any great quality. Outback Steak House is nice, but not exactly "fine dining."
We decided on Silver Fox. We've been there once before a few years ago and really enjoyed it so we decided to try them again. Turned out to be a seriously great idea! The food was great and the service excellent. As a classy touch each staff member we interacted with offered us congratulations on 5 years of marriage.
We started off with drinks, Tracy a cocktail and for me a fine California chardonnay. For an appetizer we had calamari. Not stringy, over cooked and over breaded calamari; but thick, perfectly cooked and breaded calamari.
For our main course we both opted for steak, what else would we have? Tracy ordered a 6oz filet with a blue cheese finish (blue cheese, caramelized onions and garlic) that I had the option of getting and didn't. I so regretted that decision the moment Tracy offered me a small taste. I opted for one of the specials, a 12oz dry-aged New York strip. That steak nearly melted in my mouth. Juicy on the inside and fantastically seared on the outside. As a side we ordered some Maker's Mark® Mushrooms. Those too were heavenly.
How do you end such a glorious meal, with desert! Yes, I didn't finish my dinner so that I could partake in a devilishly delicious creme brûlée. Unfortunately they don't serve cappuccino, just standard coffee (the only blackeye of the night). Tracy was able to order a fresh fruit bowl of the same berries that covered my creme brûlée.
It was, to put it simply, a glorious meal! Both Tracy and I had a great time and a lovely anniversary dinner. Five years this week!
Tracy I love you very much. It's been a wonderful 5 years, the best 5 years of my life!!
“The best camera, is the one you have on you.”
