Favorites Come and Go

Some favorites unexpectedly close their doors - ahem, Real Pam Thai. Others are planned - RIP Circo. A few fall off the list due to poor quality - Stack, I'm looking at you. A couple are solid mainstays. You fear they will slip, or worse, shutter, so you do what you can to keep them in business. Through all the craziness this summer, Frank and I have made the effort to enjoy nice meals together. We had one last meal at Circo and it was a fantastic farewell. Oh, how I will miss that tiramisu!



We also returned to Joe's Stone Crab to use $10 coupon and spent a small fortune on delicious treats from the sea (Pacific Stone Crab, Alaskan King Crab, Halibut, half order of Potato Lyonaisse). Sneaky. We were like putty in their hand.









Tuesday night, we had dinner at Sage, which is currently my favorite restaurant. We've been half a dozen times and it never disappoints. They've rolled out their fall menu and it was again stellar. Started with an amuse-bouche, with spinach, hazel nuts and ricotta. Followed by Brussel Sprout Salad, Veal Cheeks and Duck. Finished with Foie Gras Candy Bar and Ricotta Cheesecake. Stillwater Cabaletta was my beer of choice. It is a craft beer that was made just for Aria. It's well worth seeking it out. It's light enough that it doesn't overpower the food, but it has depth that tantalizes the palate.













Then, next week, we are splurging with another dinner at Joel Robuchon. We are going to the 16 course menu!! I'm not sure how it's possible to consume all that food, but I suppose I will find out if it can be done.