A Rare Night Out....

Streetscaping at twilight...lovin' those wrought iron lampposts!

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My youngest son attended his first Junior High dance tonight (I would love to have been a fly on the wall!) and afterward was a lock-in until midnight, so we got to go out on a date! We decided to try a new spot in a nearby town; and the drive over was so enjoyable...all the fields of winter wheat, green velvet lawns, flowering trees, and all colors of tulips was breathtaking! This is a restaurant that was a remade old long-closed wrought iron patio furniture factory. The top floors were made into upscale rental offices, business offices, condominiums, the lower level was made into an upscale restaurant. For a minute, I thought we were in Chicago or Indianapolis! This place had a happenin' city feel to it. (We are decidedly not upscale folks, but every now and then we venture out of our comfort zone.)

So I thought I'd take you along to show you a few pictures of our evening together...it was a nice treat and enjoyable to visit, on the ride over, during dinner, and on the way back....just the two of us. (On the way home, we even stopped in at a small Chrysler dealership to get an up-close look at the new Dodge Challenger...Whoa, Nelly! Be still my heart!)

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So pleasant were the surroundings at the restaurant: lots of industrial brick, high ceilings, huge windows, industrial fixtures, open ductwork, wooden floors, huge wooden beams overhead, laquered table tops, live music. Part of the dining area faces the railroad tracks, and railroad ties are used in the decor. Food is served for brunch in an area that once was the loading dock. They use regional foods whenever possible and use locally produced organic premium angus beef, locally produced organic lettuces, locally produced bread.

Drawn or infused butter with three flavors circling the plate, with a chewy bread served before dinner.

An organic salad with many lettuces, and a nutty flavor served with a most unusual very dark cinnamon-ish house dressing.

My entree, a pasta dish (don't recall the name) with mini-shrimp (locally grown), and a roasted red pepper sauce as well as fresh spinach and artichoke hearts, and other fresh vegetables like zuchinni and red onion.

His entree...a New York Strip. The flower was edible, according to the waitress. Mr. wasn't very interested in any edible flowers...and as you can imagine, he didn't get too excited over this part of the meal!

Cool glass o' water...wonder if they sell these glasses, I like the graphics!

A great cuppa ...served on a paper doily-adorned saucer...

The finale....was delicious! We shared a slice of cheesecake with a raspberry sauce and whipped cream! Hope there might be something rare in store for you in the next few days...HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, EVERYONE!