dinner IS the show

this year, for the hub's bday, we decided to go all out and have dinner at the one restaurant in sacramento we've been saving up to try...

the kitchen!

we weren't disappointed.

the chef showed us all of the fresh product he used in the courses, described where he sourced these products, and in exquisitely gratifying detail, talked about how he and his chefs created our lovely menu. was a foodie's dream- at least, this foodie's dream come true.

though they had many wines, including one with the awesome label above to the right ("I was about to draw you a pretty picture when it dawned on me that pretty pictures annoy me."), we indulged in a nonalcoholic treat- french apple cider!

and to end our evening, a "white glove" tea service where we got personalized brews of tea in our own little kettles. though i think the best part of our dinner was their wonderful accommodative spirit- for example, i asked for some soy milk for my coffee (given my lactose intolerance). turns out they didn't have any... but instead, they MADE some rice "milk" on the spot- FYI it involves a blender. they were also able to make substitutions on all the courses that had non-SDA-approved meats, which were mostly successful. twas an extravagantly expensive (though not as outrageous as french laundry- that must wait til next year, hehe) meal, but truly worth it in my opinion for the experience. turns out i benefited quite handsomely as well from the hub's bday... just the way it should be ;)