New Years Eve Dinner

On New Years eve, Chris and I had dinner with his parents at Cacharel, a very fine French restaurant in Arlington, Texas. (Where Karen and Jason also happened to have their wedding reception.)

I always enjoy fancy restaurants and good food. But I've realized recently that I also really, really enjoy reading the menu. When I was younger, I found these types of menus hard to decipher, but as I've gotten more experienced with food, I enjoy them. I can imagine the way a dish would taste based on the description, which of course makes it difficult to ultimately choose just one!

While we poured over the menu, a discussion occurred that made me realize I wasn't the only one having a problem reading the menu. It wasn't indented quite where I thought it should be. I found that it wasn't always clear where a new item started or when the item simply ran onto the next line. Chris didn't seem to have the problem so I peeked at his menu. Turns out his menu had numbers which made the indenting correct! I quickly realized that the numbers were prices and that because I was a woman, I didn't get a menu with pricing. We were all a little shocked at this old fashioned procedure, but it was Steve who said it best, "That's sexist!" I wholeheartedly agree.

But I didn't let the sexism take away from the experience. Everything was perfect! The food at Cacharel is exquisite. My menu...

• Belgian Endive and Watercress Salad served with Apple Slices, Walnuts and Wisconsin Blue Cheese

• Grilled Filet of "Texas Ostrich"
• Grand Marnier Souffle

Chris had the buffalo steak which was incredible too.

Conversation that evening was every bit as good as the meal. We talked about our predictions for 2007 specifically in the social and political arenas. We talked about the war, the federal government, immigration, the stock market, and the economy in general. I really enjoy talking with Chris's parents who are intelligent and like engaging in thoughtful conversations. I had such a wonderful time I'm so glad to be included in this family tradition.

Comments