Fancy meeting YOU here!!

I realized tonight that I haven't blogged in a few weeks....which is unlike me. Yes, don't worry, I have definitely been eating!! haha. I haven't gone out to dinner as much because we've been cooking at home. When we do go out it's just our normal sushi date or something else you've seen before.

Last Friday Carl and I had a date night. What a nice guy to text me and tell me to be ready by 5:30 because he had made reservations at a local restaurant. <3 We hadn't been to this restaurant in a while, so I was excited when he told me had made a reservation at Farm to Table Bistro. Farm to Table is located on route 9 in Fishkill, NY. The last time I was there with Carl and my parents, we shared a small appetizer portion of the best white macaroni and cheese made with pieces of shaved black truffles. There she goes again with those truffles, you're thinking. I know, I know. I will seriously try mac and cheese anywhere, and it's really an added bonus if anything and everything has truffles OR truffle oil. I'm getting away from myself here.

Carl made a reservation, but it was clear when we got there that he didn't need to do that. We were the only table there. I will just post my food choices for the night instead of getting into what I thought of the service. So here we go!

This was my main course. Seared duck with a fig demi, (have I mentioned how much I love figs??), summer vegetable Quinoa, and homemade mashed potatoes. Something I have said before is that I love duck. It really is something either you like or you don't. It is a bit oily and can be fatty in some spots. For me, I think that leads to the appeal. The texture, the crispy bite while the next bite is soft and buttery, and the flavor that lets you know you're eating something decadent. And we were!! The figs gave it that element of sweetness that cut through the richness of the duck. And if you've never tried Quinoa...well, what are you waiting for?? It's amazing. All you need to do is Google some recipes for Quinoa and you'll never stop eating it.

Of course when Creme Brulee is on the menu I'm going to get it!! Not the best I've ever had, but caramel is one of my favorite flavors. Caramel + Creme Brulee = Something I NEED to try. :-) It had the crispy top, just how I like it. The inside was rather watery, if you can believe it. It was a lot to finish. Good thing I had Carl to take a few bites away from me. :-)

I want to know, what is one of the best dishes you have ever eaten? It can be either an appetizer, an entree, or even a dessert. We all have a favorite. Tell me!! :-)

Tomato Cafe, anyone?

I had the pleasure of trying The Tomato Cafe last week for lunch. If you live in the Dutchess County area, or you're within a normal driving distance from here...the Tomato Cafe is worth it. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It always looked like a small restaurant that wouldn't have much seating. It's the exact opposite! Lots of room, a pizza oven that gives off a toasty aroma you can smell from the street, and it's a cozy atmosphere that makes you want to linger over your meal. Good food coupled with good conversation makes this local spot one of my new favorites. But enough about the cafe itself, let's move onto the food! Isn't that what you came here for? :-)

This was my grilled cheese toasted to perfection. Buttery rye bread with creamy, stringy Gruyere cheese stuffed inside. I always feel the need to tell the server I want my bread toasted "well." Does anyone else loathe a spongy grilled cheese sandwich? I don't want just a small second on the grill which leads to no crunch. I want well toasted bread that warms and melts the cheese inside. But I'm getting away from myself here. The cheese had such a smooth texture, and I love the strong taste of rye seeds in the bread. A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette dressing came on the side. You can make any grilled cheese combo you'd like. I plan on going back and getting something different this time.

 Did I forget to mention tomato soup at The Tomato Cafe? Whoops! If you want a thick, fresh tomato soup made from scratch, you need to order it here. This soup has just the right amount of acidity and spice. You can taste how fresh the tomatoes are, and there is nothing canned about this soup. The spice comes from the flecks of black pepper you can see in the soup. The texture isn't completely smooth, and that's the best part. Small chunks of pulverized tomato let you know the soup was made on the premises. Toasted, warm croutons come on top of the soup to top it off. Need I say more? You have to try it for yourself.

Last but not least, mac & cheese. You're probably sick of me posting stuff like this, but I'm a sucker for comfort food. This is Grown Up Mac & Cheese, also from the cafe. I didn't eat this alone. I know what you're thinking. :-) I actually went to lunch with my mother, and we shared the macaroni. It looks like a big plate, but this is a small half size order, and it's perfect for sharing. A blend of cheeses covered with toasted breadcrumbs over al dente macaroni and covered with crispy bacon. It never said what the cheese blend was, but they have some delicious cheeses there. I can only imagine what it was.

So, to end this blog I need to make sure you realize what a great day this was. Not only was the food something I'd go back for again and again, but I had lunch with my mom that day. It was a time to connect and catch up. That's really what food is about to me. I'm never eating these delicious meals alone. I'm always with someone else to share in the experience with. It may be my husband, my mom, both my parents, my sisters...anyone! There's always someone I love with me as we slowly enjoy our food and don't rush the time away. I leave you with these words...take the time to savor, slow down, and remember all the little things.