Roy had a rough week last week.  He had to go into DC three days in a row. Okay, he had to go to work, but I think the rough part was Thursday night.  Tuesday and Wednesday we had lovely weather, and Roy was fine on his motorcycle, but Thursday coming home the rain came, and along with the rain came a significant drop in temperature with some strong winds. It’s quite a long commute, so the weather didn’t help.

My poor honey.  I knew he would be frozen when he got home because he didn’t take his bigger bike jacket, but rather his thin rain suit.  I put some clothes and a towel in the dryer for him in the hopes that the warmth would be appreciated.  And though they were, he was still pretty frozen and corpse-like when he sat down for dinner.  But a hot meal and some rest perked him up a bit.

So on Friday, I figured I would let him sleep as late as he could since it was his ‘off day.’ Then when he woke up he would be refreshed, and I could talk him into hitting Costco with the younger boys and I.

I spent the morning shushing the boys and the dogs, so that Roy could sleep.  He was coughing for much of the night, and I was pretty sure he was coming down with something.  But surprisingly, he awoke early and came outside with me to put Hayden on the bus!

So, we spent the morning cuddled on the sofa, watching silly shows.  (Christina Applegate and Will Arnett’s new comedy, Up All Night, is pretty funny!) Around 11:45 we left to go get Hayden at school, and  I got to ride in the new car.  Ahh!  I love the feel and the smell of the leather!

So, we hit Costco around 12:45, but not before we had some lunch.  We decided to try a new place, Cheeburger!  Cheeburger!  The combinations you can create with their many toppings are amazing, but sadly the burger just wasn’t all that.  I’ll take a Five Guys burger any day.  My milkshake, White Chocolate Rush, was pretty great though!

So, after our rather overpriced, mediocre lunch, we looked around the mall a bit (getting a three and seven year old to try on jeans - SO much fun!) and then did our thing in Costco.  Dean had about had it at this point, and he was ready to go to bed.  So, we packed up the Stealth Mobile (the Challenger) and headed home. 

“Why aren’t you pulling into the garage?” I asked Roy as he stopped in the driveway.

“Cause, I’m gonna take you out on a date.”

Ohh… Really!  Hmm… I had a new blouse and some new boots that I was wanting to rock!   

“Sooo… where are we going?” I ran after Roy as he trudged up the stairs…

He just smiled at me.

“I know where you want to go.  You want to try Mie N Yu don’t you?”

Mie N Yu is a restaurant in Georgetown that we have walked by a few times, and always wanted to try, but never have.  But tonight, I thought… why not?

“Let me see if I can get a reservation.”

I called, and I did.  We were booked for 8:30 that night, so we had just over 2 hours to get up to Georgetown and find a place to park.  I wasn’t too worried about parking as I wanted to just pay for parking.   We made it up there and drove around for about 10 minutes before we found a spot in a well lit garage, which is exactly what I wanted.

We got there a bit early, so we checked out a shop or two, and then walked to the restaurant, and we were immediately shown to our table.  It was a very intimate setting.  Small tables and brightly cushioned benches meant Roy and I could sit close together.  We ordered a carafe with a drink called the “Kraken” for the two of us.  I don’t know what was in it, but it was blue and very sweet.  Roy liked it, but I could only drink half.  We ordered some Crab Hush Puppies for an appetizer, and they were good, but very filling!

So, when my Pan Seared Sea Scallops with mini onions, apples, pears, some sort of wasabi sauce, and a few other things arrived (It was very good, but I had no clue what I was eating), I was almost full!  Roy got a Pan Seared Filet, which was also very tasty - tender, moist, and swimming in some decadent sauce.  We enjoyed the atmosphere, did some people watching (joking and laughing at other guests), but then the lounge opened and cigarette smoke started to drift in.

“I smell smoke.” Roy acknowledged.

“I know. I’m getting a headache.”

“Why don’t we get the check and go?  We can walk around a bit.”

So, we paid our check and wandered next door to Urban OUtfitters.  It’s funny - I have lost enough weight so that now I can wear anything in the store, and yet… nothing jumped out at me.  Left empty handed.

We wandered around a bit, and sadly everything was closed - Rag and Bone, All Saints, Pottery Barn, all of it. BUT a little joint called Serendipity was open!

I have heard of this place in New York, famous for their Frozen Hot Chocolate.  It’s one of those places that you hear about all the time, and you just want to go once so you can say you’ve been there.

“Ohh… let’s go in here!” I pulled Roy in.

“Why?  What is this place?”

“They have frozen hot chocolate!  Let’s try some for dessert.”

We ambled up to the bar and took our seats.  The menu was huge, and so cute!  Sundaes, pies, cakes - full of yummy goodness, but I just wanted to try the Frozen Hot Chocolate.

“You’ll share it with me, right?” I asked Roy.

“Honey, do your thing.  I’ll have some.”

So, I ordered the Double Chocolate Frozen Hot Chocolate for two.  And when it came out, it was sooo yummy!  Chocolate, and whipped cream, with some chocolate shavings on it.  SO GOOD!  I would drive up to Georgetown just for that again.  And the place was so cute, the kids would love it.

After our treat, we walked back to the car.  Or rather I tiptoed… slowly.  My new boots are gorgeous, but the little heels are NOT made for cobble stone streets. 

I enjoyed the ride home. We listened to music and talked.  I laughed at Roy’s silly comments and was just generally thrilled to be me at this point.

And later that night as we were laying in bed, Roy said something to me, and I mumbled back some inane answer.

“Are you asleep?” He asked me.

“No!” I lied as I struggled to keep my eyes open, “It was just a long day.”

“Oh please, Miss Daisy. I did all the driving!”  

“Did you just call me Miss Daisy?” 

“I did.  Old fart, can’t hang.”

I laughed, “Ok, Hoke.  You better get up before my husband gets home.”

Roy laughed and gave me a kiss as I drifted off to sleep… happy and full.

I like to think I am a big believer in this concept for a married couple, but truth be told unless you count going to the gym (while the two younger boys tag along and then go to kids’ club while we work out) a date, Roy and I don’t get out as often as we would like.

Sure, there is the occasional trip to Lowe’s sans clingy kids, or maybe the grocery store.  But seriously, what kind of date is that?  No, I am talking about a real date.

This past Friday, Roy was determined to go out.  There is a restaurant in DC that we have both wanted to try, but a phone call to the restaurant found it being turned into a club and lounge.  That struck fear in my heart!  Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE to dance and will often do just that in my kitchen… no, my fear? What the heck do I wear?  It’s been so long since we went out dancing, and with my current weight loss, I just haven’t taken a whole lot of time to buy something sexy, something I would wear to a club.

“Well, I’m going out… so come on!” Roy jokingly yelled this to me as he climbed the stairs.

“We are?  Where are we going?” I asked him, mentally going through my wardrobe, “Crap, what do I wear?”

“Chris, you HAVE clothes.  And who says you have to get all dressed up anyways? Just put on some jeans.”

I scoffed at this idea, “Jeans? Are you serious? No.” I knew I should have ordered that sequined tank from Victoria’s Secret…

“I need to wash my hair!” I told Roy as I jumped in the shower.

“What? Why?” He asked me pulling some jeans on.

“Because if we are going out, I am going to fix my hair, put on some make up and look nice.” I yelled over the rush of water.

Roy said nothing to this and continued to get dressed. I finished up with my hair and hopped out of the shower.  I pulled out my hair dryer, and then slathered on my prettiest smelling lotion.  It was chilly out, so an outfit was taking shape in my mind.

I finished up with my hair, just as Roy walked in, “Well?” He asked me, pulling a white button up shirt on, “Does this look too young?”

He had on jeans, ok. A nice grey t-shirt, ok. And then a white button up over it… well…

“Looks like something Corey would wear.” I told him, “Just tuck in the shirt.”

He nodded and did so… my husband looked hot.

I walked out and pulled on some black leggings, and grabbed a pretty black and white tunic from my closet.  The tunic has a modern pattern, but it also has a cool collar, and shows a bit of cleavage.  I pulled on my outfit, and added some lipstick to my face.  I looked in the mirror. And, I thought I looked pretty.  My hair was fixed, I had some color in my cheeks, I looked fit and healthy….

“You look great, honey!” Roy came in and put his arm around my waist. “Let’s go.”

The oldest boys graciously agreed to babysit (after the long day, a movie would certainly keep the little ones entertained), and we headed out.  We weren’t sure where to go, and I worried about it being a Friday night.  We tried to get reservations at a restaurant that I wanted to try, no luck… unless we wanted to eat at 10:30.  So we headed up to an area we have been frequenting a lot lately and gave it a shot.

The waits were rough… about 90 minutes, but it was Friday, so we put our name in and headed out.

“Let’s go get some Pinkberry.” Roy told me taking my hand.

I laughed, “That’s not a very good example for the kids!”

“The kids aren’t here, and we have a long wait… come on.” We held hands and walked down the street.  It was cold out, and I pulled my coat tighter around me. Roy let go of my hand and put his arm around me pulling me close. I smiled.

We got out Pinkberry and took a seat, “Oh, wow! This is soo good!” I gushed.

“OK, Let’s go to Potbelly’s and then come back here.” Roy joked, or was he serious?

“Ok…” I laughed as we both considered it for a moment. Yep, PInkberry is that good.

Eventually, we finished up and surrendered our table to some young girls in too tight jeans and too high heels… seriously… is that the look these days?

We decided to head over to the restaurant and see if there was a space at the bar. It was a mad house, but we squeezed in… Roy just had a beer, but I got a yummy Pineapple Mojito.  

The bar was loud, it was crowded, and we got to watch the guy next to us try to hit on a young lady waiting for her friend… but it was fun!

For just a little while, we were a couple.  We had dressed up for one another, put on perfume (cologne in Roy’s case), nice clothes, and we smiled at one another. Roy reminded me how pretty I was with kisses and a soft but proprietary hand on my back. I got to watch the other women check out my handsome husband… no kids hanging on our legs asking to go to Target or ride bikes or play video games, no one whining about the wait. It was just us, and we were in love.

Finally, our pager went off, and we were seated. The food was good, but nothing remarkable, and yet I didn’t mind the wait, which is unusual for me.  Unless there is a roller coaster at the end of the line… I don’t usually like waiting…

But this time I didn’t mind, because I had fun.

I think the first time Roy and I ever went out to eat without thinking of the price was when we went to Disney World in 2003.  We had saved for this vacation for about six months, and I was probably more excited than the kids.  I planned and planned, made reservations for character breakfasts, etc.  But I also made plans for Roy and I to spend some time together.  Corey was only 8 at the time, so we made arrangements for a sitter to come and spend the evening with the boys.  Roy and I decided to go somewhere we couldn’t at home and made plans to visit the Wolfgang Puck Cafe.  I don’t know what I had - I know we had some type of shrimp for an appetizer, but the service and food was superb.  The server knew when to come to the table, he knew when to take our plates, and the best time to bring out the next course; you name it, they had it covered.  And that level of service and the wonderful food came with a price - it was the first time we had spent over $100 on a dinner just for the two of us.  And we both decided it was well worth it.

Roy likes to treat us to new experiences.  On our third date he took me to The Rainforest Cafe.  Nothing too fancy, but I had never been, and I was enchanted.  I had this yummy salad (though I had to pick out the raw carrots, as I am allergic… weird I know!), and we talked and laughed, and I giggled and pointed out all the crazy animals and characters that made up the atmosphere that is the cafe.  This place became a favorite treat for us - alone AND with the boys.  (though sadly our closest one closed down a few years ago.)

Moving, having Addi, and planning a wedding all came first, but after that trip to Disney, a love affair of fine dining, or should I say expensive dining, began for us.

I will focus on the past 7 years or so, as that is when our discretionary income has really allowed us to visit some of these places and not be concerned with the cost as much as we used too - we still do, but we can plan for them more often now.

Japanese Steakhouses - While a jacket and tie isn’t required to dine at most of these, the prices certainly reflect the flair and fun.  The kids love eating here, and occasionally we will take everyone, but, more often, Roy and I go here with just the little boys or alone - sometimes for lunch.  I ALWAYS get scallops when we go to a Japanese steakhouse.  Something about them grilled on the hibachi - even when they are just ok, they are still pretty darn good!

Ruth’s Chris Steak House - We were given a gift certificate to Ruth’s Chris a few years ago, and Roy took me up there as part of my birthday outing.   I still think the best steak I have ever had was one Roy made me for Valentine’s Day one year, but the one here came pretty darn close!  I had Kobe beef, and boy was it tender, but the real star of the show was this amazing citrus, basil Mojito I had.  I am not a big drinker, and have even asked bartenders and servers to go light on the alcohol, but our waiter asked me to trust him, and I decided to give it a shot - AMAZING!  Roy was jealous, and his own glass of sad wine paled in comparison to the greatness that was my Mojito.  The food, drinks, and service were well worth the $150+ we spent here.

The Melting Pot - MY FAVORITE!  It isn’t super fancy, the food isn’t nouvelle cuisine.  You won’t get anything weird here, but I LOVE IT.  Roy took me here just a few weeks ago for an anniversary lunch, and we actually took Hayden and Dean with us.  They ate free on that day, so why not?!  Eating here is just fun!  The kids enjoyed dipping the food in the cheese fondue (my favorite course) and Roy let Hayden get a “fancy” drink - a virgin strawberry daiquiri with whipped cream.  The kids had a great time trying apples with cheese, and dipping different types of bread.  Hayden didn’t quite understand why he had to wait for his entree to actually cook, but he still enjoyed it and tried all the dipping sauces that comes with the food.  The sweet and sour seemed to be enjoyed by both the boys, though I loved the spicy cocktail sauce with the lobster.  And then the real treat came out - Bananas Foster dessert fondue.  AMAZING!  The fire and sparkling cinnamon drew oohs and aahs from all of us.  I don’t think I have had anything like this ever, and I would drive the hour to get to the restaurant just for this.  I was treated to some beautiful roses as well.  And though it was our anniversary, having the boys there really allowed me to experience it through their eyes, and that is always fun.

We have some wonderful local restaurants as well.  Just a few minutes away from our house, there is a wonderful little place that bills itself as fine dining with a European flair.  We ate here a few years ago, and even though I had a slight sore throat, that didn’t put a damper on my enjoyment of the food by any means.  This was really our first experience with nouvelle cuisine.  Though some of our neighbors just said it was snooty, expensive food that was too small, Roy and I enjoyed it.  We shared some Brie as a first course, and then enjoyed our house salads.  I don’t remember what I got, but Roy really liked his surf and turf.  Yes the portions were smaller than what you might find at a steakhouse for example, but I think the food of this ilk is meant to be savored and neither one of us left hungry.  Just a few weeks ago a raw bar and seafood place opened up downtown.  The atmosphere is rustic.  You sit at picnic tables or bar tables instead of traditional tables, but the price is certainly more upscale.  I had a crab bake sandwich, and it was great!  Big juicy chunks of crab dominated the crab cake rather than breading or fillers you might find in cheaper places, but sadly Roy’s shrimp was over done.  Dean loved the hush puppies though.

We have been to a few Brazilian steakhouses as well, and they are a particular favorite of Roy’s and the boys love them.  Like The Melting Pot, this is interactive eating.  Servers, they call Gauchos, bring meat to the table on long skewers - Hayden and Addi called them swords.  Lamb, flank steak, sausages, chicken - they have it all!  We have been to a Brazilian steakhouse up the road from us a few times, and I have never been disappointed with either the food or the service.  In fact, Roy took everyone there for my birthday this past year, and invited my sister and our niece.  It was pricey (I’m talking Michael Kors purse pricey), but it was a wonderful meal, and I enjoyed experiencing it as a family.

Over the years, we have spent a lot eating out and ordering take out.  Heck, even going to Taco Bell with five kids (sometimes six or seven) isn’t necessarily cheap.  Roy and I are seriously watching what we eat these days, but we both agree that doesn’t mean we should deprive ourselves.  Unfortunately, I pushed for Saturday to be our splurge day, and since that is a busy time for restaurants, I foresee a lot of waiting in our future!