Tonight we celebrated my birthday (no need to mention which one) with a luscious meal at Bistro La Belle in Midway, Ky (a lovely little town boasting of antique and artisan shops and unique restaurants). Normally when I go out to dinner, I have some idea what I want to eat, but tonight I didn't. One look at the menu and I knew (from past experience) that my meal would include the low country shrimp. It grew to far more than that in the end, but it was wonderful. Below is a rundown of my meal and I apologize in advance if the quantity frightens anyone!:
Wine:
Rodney Strong, Sonoma, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005
IMHO - This was full bodied and rich, with a lingering follow of black cherry and cocoa.
Appetizer:
Artichoke Pitza. A bistro favorite! Flatbread topped with creamed artichokes, tomatoes, herbs & Parmesan cheese.
IMHO - This was a mini meal in itself so we shared. Perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Salad:
Fresh baby lettuces and microgreens with a maple vinaigrette dressing
IMHO - I was mildly surprised at how much I enjoyed this dressing. No overwhelming maple or vinegar flavor...very subtle.
Main Course:
Low Country Shrimp & Grits, Sauteed tiger shrimp, onions & peppers, in a classic Bienville sauce. With Weisenberger cheese grits.
IMHO - I've had this before and it was fitting for a birthday feast. Describing this dish to people generally proves difficult due to preconceived notions about grits...forget all you know about grits! This will blow your socks off. I love shrimp and always look for new ways to serve them and I know Southern Living did a similar recipe in the last couple of years. If I can locate it I will be sure to print it because it is WORTHY!
Desert: (it is my birthday after all and I just can't let it rest!)
Vanilla Creme Brulee' with fresh raspberries
IMHO - What can I say. This is my all time favorite dessert (besides wedding cake). Creamy vanilla custard topped with a delicate sheet of crisp caramelized sugar and fresh raspberries. Oh yeah, did I mention coffee with cream (talk about overkill!)
The mark of a good meal is that I would do it all again, and while there is no doubt that I would do it again in a heartbeat, I probably better wait a little while. As they say in Maine, it was wicked good.
If you get a chance, try Bistro La Belle. Here's a link to their website:
http://bistrolabelle.googlepages.com/
Wine:
Rodney Strong, Sonoma, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005
IMHO - This was full bodied and rich, with a lingering follow of black cherry and cocoa.
Appetizer:
Artichoke Pitza. A bistro favorite! Flatbread topped with creamed artichokes, tomatoes, herbs & Parmesan cheese.
IMHO - This was a mini meal in itself so we shared. Perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Salad:
Fresh baby lettuces and microgreens with a maple vinaigrette dressing
IMHO - I was mildly surprised at how much I enjoyed this dressing. No overwhelming maple or vinegar flavor...very subtle.
Main Course:
Low Country Shrimp & Grits, Sauteed tiger shrimp, onions & peppers, in a classic Bienville sauce. With Weisenberger cheese grits.
IMHO - I've had this before and it was fitting for a birthday feast. Describing this dish to people generally proves difficult due to preconceived notions about grits...forget all you know about grits! This will blow your socks off. I love shrimp and always look for new ways to serve them and I know Southern Living did a similar recipe in the last couple of years. If I can locate it I will be sure to print it because it is WORTHY!
Desert: (it is my birthday after all and I just can't let it rest!)
Vanilla Creme Brulee' with fresh raspberries
IMHO - What can I say. This is my all time favorite dessert (besides wedding cake). Creamy vanilla custard topped with a delicate sheet of crisp caramelized sugar and fresh raspberries. Oh yeah, did I mention coffee with cream (talk about overkill!)
The mark of a good meal is that I would do it all again, and while there is no doubt that I would do it again in a heartbeat, I probably better wait a little while. As they say in Maine, it was wicked good.
If you get a chance, try Bistro La Belle. Here's a link to their website:
http://bistrolabelle.googlepages.com/
2 comments:
LizaJane! It's always fun to know what is going on in ya'll's kitchen and beyond! Feed us!
r- scott
Sounds delightfully sinful and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hanging head in shame one more time - Belated Happy Birthday to you. Love you, "Auntie Maget"
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