Seattle Itinerary – Bellevue Wine Country Perfect Date

Posted on July 15, 2016 by admin

This weekend heading to Seattle for a two-day trip we did not expect to have one of the best winery trips of our life. We visited Seattle before, we’ve stopped at Bellevue for a quick shopping hit. We did not have a slightest idea that Bellevue had so much more to offer.

We planned the trip around the visit to Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. Riesling from that winery is one of our favorites and trying out a few varieties of the same make was always on our wish list. Winery was close to Bellevue, so we decided to book a hotel there, avoiding Seattle downtown traffic gridlock. Heading out to Woodinville we weren’t sure what to expect, but ended up passing by a number of wineries, before stopping at Château Ste. Michelle. The further we drove the more unique and interesting the area turned out to be. From industrial buildings the surroundings changed into beautiful valley surrounded by family estates and wineries at every corner. Chateau St Michelle is one of the largest wineries in the area and the grounds reminded us a lot of the Mission Hill Winery in Okanagan: expansive gardens, beautiful landscaping, multiple buildings and a huge area for a concert stage.

We were not disappointed with the wines, a Riesling wine tasting had a number of interesting takes on the flavors we already loved and we found a number of favorites to take home. Unfortunately as is sometimes the case with very popular wineries, we weren’t lucky with the service we’ve received – not knowledgeable and completely inattentive guest server left quite a bitter aftertaste from the visit, which was so sad, given how nice the wines were and how much love and care winemakers pour into their craft. We’d still highly recommend the place, and also hope that service standards don’t slip any further.

Barking Frog

We did not find cafes or lunch options at this winery so we headed down the road to the Barking Frog bistro for a late lunch. Right next to the beautiful Willows Lodge hotel and highly acclaimed Farmhouse Restaurant, Barking Frog is a cozy bistro with Northwestern style menu. We were there just in time for brunch/lunch menu and thoroughly enjoyed meat lover’s breakfast and Dungeness crab chopped salad with warm baked bread and home style apple butter. The ambiance, the service, the produce in every dish were excellent, the setting is nice with lodge-style high ceilings, wooden beams and a stunning patio we didn’t get to enjoy because of on and off rain. After lunch we wandered through the Willows Lodge oriental-style gardens – around peaceful small pond, fountains and taken in the merged tree roots sculpture

The wineries around are easy to walk to, and entire little plaza around the Hollywood Circle has a handful of winery locations offering tastings. Next time we’ll be spending more time there, but we had to head back to the hotel. Staying at Westin, in the heart of Bellevue shopping district was great – ample parking underground, beautiful lounge inside and walking distance to many attractions. That location worked great for our trip and one again we’d highly recommend it.

Westin Bellevue

Next stop on our trip and what ended up being one of the best meals we’ve had south of the border was the Purple Café and Wine Bar. This restaurant is right next to one of the wineries near the Hollywood circle, located in the corner of the plaza. We loved the ambiance, and what was the most amazing is the amount of restraint, smart restraint that the owners exercised when decorating the café. The only real decoration on the walls are small candles. The entire wall glimmers with small lights. Lights on the tables. Somewhat rustic, somewhat contemporary, but above all, it’s canvas for honest, great tasting and amazing food. Starters alone were made up of some of my most favorite dishes. We actually ended up sharing a number (way to many) of starters instead of mains. Calamari, baked brie, tuna tartar, crab cakes, mushrooms and steaks, burrata, spreads – each one is better than the other. Incredible taste, incredible service, wine flights – nothing was missed. All the things that we love about the restaurant meal were right there and we wished the time would just stop. Truly a perfect meal. Perfect for a date, perfect for a family dinner. In the middle of wine country, we could not wish for a more perfect experience.

Purple Cafe & Wine Bar

We’ve rounded up the amazing weekend with a visit to Main Street and the Old Bellevue area. Concierge at Westin Hotel recommended Gilbert’s on Main as a place for a breakfast. Just one more thing that we did not expect to find in Bellevue. Small street full of character, cute cafes, small shops, right near waterfront and marina, in the middle of hills and beautiful apartment complexes. Right around the Downtown Bellevue Park – with fountains, playgrounds and green spaces. We were truly amazed by all the things Bellevue had to offer. Great weekend away. Great 2-day escape and a perfect place for a date weekend.

Hidden Gems Vancouver – European Bistro Crawl

Posted on July 6, 2016 by admin

I love bistros. When I think of a place for a date night, I rarely think of a formal dining room, starched tablecloths and 5-course dinners. I think cozy, dimmed lights, easy to enjoy, an interesting patio or a view and of course superb food. Here’s the top three that in a city with hundreds of outstanding restaurants we keep going back to. Each one is located in a neighborhood that’s unique. I like to start out with just walking through the streets and then pair it with a meal and a glass of wine. Makes for a date to look forward to.

Here are a few favorites:

Absinthe Bistro – Commercial Drive

Adesso Bistro – West End, near Second Beach

Espana Restaurant – Denman, near Second Beach

Stable House Bistro – South Granville

Let’s start with Absinthe Bistro. The first time we went there I was blown away with the food that was pure perfection. And I’m not saying it lightly. The rotating seasonal menu offers only 3 appetizers, 3 mains and 3 deserts. The dishes that are not complex or over the top, yet they are cooked in a way that every ingredient tastes the very best it possibly can. The scallops were the best scallops I’ve had in my life. And so was the mashed potatoes that accompanied them. And together with lemony creamy sauce and a spinach, that was the best combination I ever wanted to taste with scallops. The same thing with braised beef – deep, rich, melt in your mouth, paired with parsnip puree, highlighted by the sauce with such a succulent wine taste, you could not leave a drop on the plate. I can go on like that about every dish. The fact that those dishes are made by no more than two people in the kitchen, served promptly and warmly by no more than two servers and usually have every single table full and reservations stretching for weeks, speaks for itself. Absinthe Bistro is a very special gem of a restaurant in the heart of Commercial Drive district. If you have a special occasion coming up, book the restaurant early, plan to walk along the Drive, explore the quirky shops, enjoy people watching and stop by for a pre-drink in one of the many bars along the way. Then go to Absinthe and have the best simple meal of your life.

Adesso Bistro is so close to Second Beach and Stanley Park, which are amazing for a date night walk, taking in the sunset, seating on the logs by the beach. However, if you don’t know where it is, you’ll never find it. We’ve walked the neighborhood dozens of times, yet never turned into Haro St, one of the small streets just off Denman and not far from Robson. In a purely residential street, there is a beautiful green patio, with patio lights sparkling late at night, wrought iron chairs and blankets if the breeze gets cool. The menu is seasonal and features many local ingredients, hand-made pastas and Italian-inspired cocktail menu. Adesso brings together a unique experience, different from many Italian restaurants in Vancouver. It’s not pretentious, takes reservations and does not charge high end prices, combine that with two steps away from one of the best beaches in the city and you’ve got the place we’ll be coming back to over and over again.

Espana Restaurant is another great option right on Denman. One of the most authentic Spanish restaurants in Vancouver, they offer a great selection of tapas dishes, sherry flights, and a seasonal frequently rotating mains. Transported us right back to our Sitges advetnure in Spain.

Stable House Bistro is a relatively new addition to South Granville Dining scene and a really welcome one. Tucked away near Granville St and 12^th Ave., with a tiny patio in the shade of nearby trees, Stable House offers a French twist on Brunch, lunch and a charcuterie bites. South Granville is one of my favorite neighborhoods and had been so for years. I love the closeness of Granville island, the walking distance to Kitsilano beach or along the shore walkways with view of bridges, mountains, skyscrapers. I also love walking along the boutiques, stores and visiting Chapters whenever I’m in the area. However, I never had a place where I enjoyed stopping by for a bite and now we discovered Stables House. It actually reminds me of one of the favourite places in Seattle (Le Pichet) that we made a point of visiting every time we’d cross the border. Yet now with this bistro being under 30 minutes away from where ewe live, charcuterie boards and wine lists that combine some of my most favorite items and service second to none (just imagine I walked in once after a long run, and then two months later we came in for a brunch. The server remembered who I was!). Another bonus is Stables Bistro is on the way home from work – I know for sure we’ll be coming back for casual dates over and over again.

So here’s the list of our favorites in Vancouver, are there any ones you’d add to that list? Please share with us in the comments.

Steveston Hidden Gems and a Date with the Perfect View

Posted on June 17, 2016 by admin

Steveston village is just a few minutes from where we live and every year it turns into a more and more enticing place to visit. Personally I like this as my running destination – a solid 7K run with a reward of a Starbucks and a gorgeous view at the end. It used to be too busy and too touristy to plan a date around, but lately we’ve discovered a few places that are just perfect for a casual dinner, a date with the stunning view and finally a unique courtyard dinner that transport you into a small European town.

So here’s my Steveston Hidden Gems List:

Quick casual dinner – Steveston Village Vietnamese Restaurant
French Patisserie – The Sweet Spot Bakery
Appies with the best view in town – The Catch Kitchen & Bar
Gastropub – exciting beers, wines and food –Britannia Steveston Brewing
Authentic spanish tapas & best kept secret place – Porthole Steveston

We love all of these places and frequent them quite often. However, it is the Catch Kitchen & Bar that’s been so good to discover this year. Fresh, seafood-focused food served with great service at a place with the best view. Seriously, their view can not be beat. Located just above Blue Canoe restaurant, on the second floor, every seat at a restaurant offers the view point at the Steveston waterfront – the boats, the sunsets, an occasional seal and kingfishers. The ambiance is understated, with lots of light, unobstructed windows, nautical motives, high stem glasses at the every table. The staff is passionate, knowledgeable, dedicated. The menu is changing from time to time with the kitchen testing out different dishes. Great ingredients, not over complicated dishes, some of our favorite wines and IPAs available from the bar.

In a place like Steveston, that’s full of restaurants that just take advantage of touristy traffic and lower their standards over time, it’s so refreshing to find a place that’s trying to do things right, and treat clients the best they can and bet on this amazing view that you never ever want to leave. We’ve gone there for a few afternoon drinks, impromptu date outings and not once regretted the decision.

So if you’re heading to Steveston with your loved ones, kids or even group of friends, here’s the plan:

Start with the nice walk around Gary Point Park. We know the Pajo’s Fish and Chips are tempting, but save your meal for checking out the Catch Test Kitchen. Head back towards the Steveston Village and wonder through the Prickly Pear Garden Center. If you’re there around Christmas they have some of the most unique Christmas decorations and souvenirs. Kids would love exploring the decorated trees and you just might check off a good number of Christmas stockings and gifts off your list. Head to the Sweet Spot Bakery or D Original Sausage House located just next door to each other. Stock up on amazing pastries, quiches or scones. Or if you’re into charcuterie, pick out deli meats, cheeses and sausages crafted by owners without use of preservatives.

Now you’ve worked up and appetite and the time might be nearing the afternoon. Now is the hardest part – making the choice of where to grab a bite:

Catch restaurant or bar upstairs locations with unbeatable views. Order a glass of wine or one of the feature cocktails and just look out the window and take in the view. Mussels and seafood chowder are nice and so are the sliders, served three ways – beef, fried chicken and salmon. Linger over the appies, watch fishing boats coming back, see if you can spot seals from you spot. Ask waiter staff about this new place and with that it stays exactly as it is, so that we can enjoy perfect dates with perfect views in Steveston for years to come.

Britannia Steveston Brewing if you crave a beer, seaside cottage style design, some of the best seafood dishes in the area – seafood chowder, crab cakes, fish and chips, halibut if you are lucky to get it in season and if you have a room for desert, a killer toffee pudding.

Porthole Steveston – if you miss your European travels and are looking for an authentic Spanish experience, maybe some live music, wine flights, croquets, olives and flatbreads.

Christmas Date – CinCin

Posted on December 24, 2014 by admin

The are some cherished traditions that come with the holidays and make all the rushed shopping, crowded malls and endless “to do” lists all worth it. Every December as I count down days to Christmas, I also know that just a few days before we unwrap the gifts we are going to once again revisit a tradition of our Christmas Lunch Date.

Every year in late December we leave the hustle and bustle of the office life and disappear into a beautiful, festive CinCin restaurant for a lunch meal that we then remember for the rest of the year. We have not changed the location of our Christmas date, even though there is a myriad of worthy and inviting restaurants all around Vancouver. The reason is simple, from first steps into the restaurant hallway, as we go up the stairs, and into the warm terracotta walls of Cin Cin we get magically immediately transported into the rich, warm and golden feeling of Italian Christmas. Christmas lights, intricate decorations, golden light, wooden stove – the atmosphere is warm and relaxing and we are ushered to the table by the window- stark contrast between the grey rain outside and golden warmth of where we are.

We are introduced to the seasonal special – irresistible burrata appetizer with truffle oil and micro greens salad. Suggested by the knowledgeable staff – professional, unobtrusive, knowledgeable of every detail of the menu and the wine list. Mushroom and chestnut soup is velvety and stunning in its simplicity. Specialty dishes are made in the wood burning stove – moist and tender inside and with the golden crust outside. We’ve tried the roasted pork with the crackling skin and octopus over polenta and a chicken over mashed potatoes. Both dishes were amazing – balanced and luxurious and rich in taste and textures. Finished with a shared desert – a tiny caramel apple tart – a perfect finish to a memorable date.

The room fills up with more people – some holding holiday meetings with clients, some meeting up with the friends for another once-a-year tradition, and then others picked this place for a lunch date, just like us. Gifts (maybe gold and diamond earrings just like these) and hugs are being exchanged, champagne poured into glasses and it truly feels like a perfect Christmas gathering. Definitely a tradition to be continued.

Kelowna Itinerary – Mission Hill Winery

Posted on November 26, 2014 by admin

In the previous Okanagan trip post we’ve suggested that you start your Winery Day Trip at the bottom of the hill at the beginning of the West Kelowna Trail and work your way to the top . At the very top of the hill you will reach the magnificent Mission Hill Winery Estate. If you have started your winery journey early in the day, it’s a perfect place to stop for a lunch date. However if you only had an afternoon, I can imagine how breathtaking dinner at the Terrace Restaurant would be. As it is an open air dining, the restaurant is only opened during the summer season, starting in May.

We’ve reached Mission Hill gates in the late afternoon. It’s a good idea to reserve in advance, even on the week day, there was about 40 minutes of wait to get seated at the restaurant. Which actually worked out great, as we had some time to take in the architecture, the views, walk around the gorgeous green lawns, take pictures and, of course, sample the wine. The estate is breathtaking in its scale, artistic vision and the use architecture to compliment the landscape. Sculptures of people as if frozen in time and in moment are situated all throughout the garden: looking up the tree, gazing through the window at the winery and lake below, sitting down on the grass – as if people that wanted to stay at the Mission Hill Estate forever just turned into stone.

Wine Boutique Tasting Bar and the store also carries that artistic touch. Wines, dishes, souvenirs and artisanal treats are grouped around an art theme and positioned in tasteful groupings throughout the store. Wine tastings are offered at two stations and a trip to the Mission Hill Cellar is available as a private tour.
After enjoying the grounds and a visit to the store it was our time to get seated at our table at the Terrace. Every seat at the restaurant has a gorgeous view of the wine fields and the Okanagan lake, with tables located in two long rows in the open air. Local, seasonal and stylish menu is offered and dishes are changed based on what is in season. It’s impossible to even think of rushing such an experience and we wished we could stop that moment in time. Servers glide almost invisibly between the tables and take great care to not disrupt the conversation. The food is light, balanced and tasteful. Produce tastes of summer, soaking up the sun and perfect taste is not overpowered. This is one of a kind dining experience where the place, the wine and the food are in perfect harmony. Where conversation is long and thoughtful and with every bite and every second we wished we could just stop the time and extend the feelings of peace and summer and natural beauty that we are lucky to enjoy in BC.

Okanagan Itinerary: Quail’s Gate and Westside Wine Trail

Posted on November 24, 2014 by admin

You’ll need more than a day to really enjoy an Okanagan Trip, plan for three days to focus on Kelowna wineries. Do spend that time together in that beautiful part of British Columbia without rushing and taking in the beauty of the area and the dedication of the winemakers, and it will be the most relaxing, enjoyable and memorable trip you’ll take all year.

Here’s how we started the trip. We drove to West Kelowna area and stayed in one of the hotels with the lake view. There is plenty around, we’ve stayed at The Cove Lake Resort, the suite had a fridge, kitchenette which are a must as you will have to try some of the wines and local cheese after the long day at the wineries.

As this was our first foray into the wine country, we’ve wanted to start small and explore a grouping of West Kelowna wineries (The Westside Wine Trail), which happened to be just a few minutes drive from our hotel.

The wineries are located along the winding road leading towards the top of the hill. I highly recommend you start at the bottom and work your way to the top. We’ve started with Volcanic Hills winery, and were blown away with some interesting Ice Wines, continued through the Little Straw winery, Mt. Boucherie, German style whites at Sonoran Estate Winery. We’ve enjoyed tastings at each one and picked up a few bottles at each of the styles that we’ve liked the most.

Quail’s Gate Winery

Some of the wineries are small, with tiny tasting rooms, and as you move up the hill, you come across more and more elaborate stores, larger vineyards, until you hit two of the gems at the top – Quail’s Gate and Mission Hill Wineries.

Vines

We were lucky to hit an open reservation at Quail’s Gate winery restaurant – Old Vines – the night of our arrival at the hotel. This was an unforgettable dinner, on the outside patio, over- looking the sunset over the vineyard and the lake. Sometimes things come together perfectly – the weather, the timing, the atmosphere of the place, the server with the great sense of humor and impeccable timing, the wine, the, food, the deserts and the view. That was that type of dinner date. We’ve done a sampling of the wines at the Tasting room before setting down for the meal, but made a note of coming back there the next day to fully take in the winery during the day light. The restaurant is a must try and the experience is unforgettable. With the menu changing seasonally, there will always be something new to try and be blown away with.

Magical French Date: Le Crocodile

Posted on May 28, 2014 by admin

There is a certain effortlessness and beauty in picking a date location that has a decade of stellar reputation as Vancouver’s best French restaurant. Le Crocodile is more than a great place to eat – it’s an institution, a place to be seen, a well orchestrated show of impeccably trained staff and above all a fantastic food experience.

Located within a walking distance of Vancouver Art Gallery, this can be a perfectly planned ending to visiting a latest arts exhibit. If you had to le Crocodile before a show or a theater performance, reserve well in advance – you never want to rush le Crocodile experience and the time flies by deceptively fast. We came to Le Crocodile for a dinner date. I was dreaming for months of trying out a restaurant I’ve heard and read so much about.

Right from the very first steps, the restaurant starts working its magic, sets the tone with its formal dining room, grand floral arrangements, polished crystal and lacquered floors. The atmosphere of romance and old world glamour made me wish I had on a set of family jewels or sparkling fancy earrings, perfect for such an occasion.

The service starts with an offer of champagne or aperitif cocktails. We loved our server’s knowledge of the menu, polished charm and perfectly timed attention to the table. We are tempted by all the scrumptious appetizers – foie-gras, truffles, caviar, but decide to go with the signature soups – Lobster Bisque and Tomato and Gin soup. From the first bites we knew we were in for an extraordinary dining experience. Balance of flavor, texture, presentation – we could not have a more perfect start! Followed by a dish of salmon and a rack of lamb. Both dishes so refined, every element complementing the main ingredient, sauces in perfect harmony, not too heavy, not too light. And then there were deserts. We were served a customary pear and champagne sorbet before the desert course. We’ve shared an apple tart, even though every item on desert menu was incredibly tempting. Only the agreement to come back another time helped us make a sensible choice of sharing the single desert.

The meal was well balanced, every bite perfectly executed, we enjoyed every moment at Le Crocodile and did not notice the time flying by. Perfect date indeed and we’ll be back for more.

Valentine’s Date at Miku

Posted on March 8, 2014 by admin

Valentine’s Day is a great reason to celebrate the relationship and steal a few precious moments together from the rushed everyday life. We have a tradition, where we celebrate the actual day of February 14th by making an elegant dinner at home, which we’ll usually follow by a movie and a chocolate fondue for dessert. A weekend after, when the restaurant rush around Valentine’s dates is over we’ll do the actual Valentine’s date and dinner out. This time the destination was Miku – modern Japanese fine dining restaurant.

Located along the Burrard Inlet and next to Fairmont Waterfront and Pan Pacific Hotels, it offers the view of the ocean and North Shore from almost any point of the dining room. Even on stormy and rainy night, we were amazed by the view of the ocean contrasted by the welcoming yet clean decor inside. We were smart to have reservations, as the waiting line even for a bar seat was close to an hour. From drinks, to changing courses, to introducing elements of every dish, the service was fast and impeccable – they’ve never missed a beat. Cocktail menu was unique, with oriental influences and unique spirits featured as well as a selection of Sake.

Stunning Smoky Quartz Earrings

And then there was food. Shrimp croquettes, tuna tataki were taken to a completely different level in texture, sauces and presentation. Every bite memorable and perfectly balanced. Miku is known for its unique preparation of sushi – Aburi style – torch seared and matched with its individual sauce for ever type of fish. i could not avoid their Chef’s sushi selection. The combinations of taste matching and textures of the dish made me never look at sushi plate the same way again. I looked wishfully at every plate and presentation served at the tables around us. I’ve also sampled “melt in your mouth prime rib” dish my date ordered and it was also exceptional.

Miku gave us an extraordinary experience – lighting, view, incredible food, skillful service made for a perfect date experience we were looking for at our Valentine’s dinner. This is definitely a special occasion restaurant and it delivers on every promise. If you are looking for a gift that matches the refined minimalistic feel of the date, smoky quartz delivers the dreamy, magical reminder of the special date.

Hike and Dine Date: Deep Cove

Posted on December 15, 2013 by admin

Deep Cove is one of North Vancouver areas that attracts me like a magnet. I find every excuse to go there and every single time I get a sense of awe of the beautiful BC nature and a sense of inner calm once I reach the quiet rocky beach surrounded by magnificent mountains. To me there is no place more romantic than Deep Cove and it has been a destination of quite a few memorable dates.

The one I love the most is a combination of a hike and a dining experience. Not a high heel type of affair, but if you ware looking for some quality time together and want to impress your date with breath-taking views and a dinner at a romantic, cozy bistro, here’s an idea.

Head out to North Vancouver into the Deep Cove village, along Panorama Drive. Look for the sign on the left side of the street and walk up the edge of the driveway towards the wooden steps…you are looking for an entry into the Quarry Rock hiking trail. It’s graded as Easy hike by Vancouver Trails, but there is plenty of steep hills and it takes about 50 minutes one way. So wear comfortable shoes, bring some water and maybe a few snacks for when you reach the top. The trail is well maintained, taking you through the mountain forest over the small bridges, waterfalls, creeks and valleys. After a beautiful hike through the forest, you will see an opening in the trees – you’ve reached Quarry Rock look out with an unforgettable view of Salmon Arm below, Deep Cove and surrounding mountains. Take in the the scenic view: tiny yachts and kayaks gliding on the water below, sun reflecting in the ocean water. It is an amazing experience – sharing the view like that and a feeling of being on top of the world together. Whether it’s just a beautiful date or a perfect spot to pop the question – the location and an experience are not to be missed.

After a while it’s time to head back. Somehow the walk back always seems faster, maybe because one of the hidden gem restaurants, Arms Reach Bistro is waiting at the end of the hike. Reserve the table and ask for the window seat You will be seated by a welcoming hostess at a table with one of the best views of Deep cove. Lunch and dinner menu have a mix of favorite staples and seasonal dishes. Mussels are amazing if you are in for a light meal, so are soups. Seafood pasta is chock full of shrimp, lobster mean and is unbelievable value. Arms Reach Bistro has got it right – gorgeous view, cozy patio, unique atmosphere inside, professional and friendly staff, mouth watering dishes, interesting cocktails. It’s the type of cozy and romantic restaurant where I want to stay for hours, sipping wine, looking out, enjoying closeness and sampling one excellent dish after another. And whatever you order, leave the space for desert. Creme brûlée flavors change seasonally and the chocolate flourless cake is to die for.

Unforgettable Gastown Date: L’Abattoir

Posted on November 8, 2013 by admin

If you ask me to pick five Best Vancouver restaurants, this place will always be in the top five. I might think hard about the other four, but there will be no question about l’Abattoir being “the place” to experience. I’ve been hearing lots of good things about this rare Gastown gem and coming up was the perfect occasion to visit it. Our upcoming anniversary that we have a tradition of celebrating at really great restaurants. With the past choices being Grouse Mountain’s Observatory and Yaletown’s Chambar – this was a really tall order.

This is one of those rare occasions when I’m not dying to explore the areas around the restaurant, walk the streets and combine the great dinner with sightseeings. Don’t get me wrong, Gastown has plenty of sightseeings to offer. If you have more willpower than us, plan a nice stroll through cobblestone streets, browse through eclectic boutiques and stylish furniture stores, even make a stop on your drive at the Coal Harbour and take in landing planes. Us? We are going straight for the L’Abattoir restaurant. Showing up first after they open and making sure we get a seat overlooking the bar. And then the magic starts.

We watch bartender mixing our drinks, his hands doing some crazy dance measuring out ingredients, pressing juices, for a cocktail list that is both intriguing and delicious. Our jaws drop at the sight of first course. Something that was unassumingly called “Potato salad with steelhead” arrived gorgeously arranged on plates, accented with sauces of different colors, fish tasting better than any other fish course I’ve had in my life. Every dish we tried was unbelievably good – Steak Diane, melt-in-your-mouse octopus, deserts… Every plate

looked gorgeous and fairly small, but don’t be fooled – every bite is rich and very filling. Looking around the room I was jealous of every dish I have not tried. Atmosphere, decor and service matched perfectly prepared food, completing amazing dinner experience. Servers know every aspect of menu, cocktail and wine list. Dimly lit beautiful rooms combined restrained design with cozy romantic atmosphere. We loved every moment there, enjoying every sip and every bite. Saying the date was unforgettable is quite and understatement. How do you match an outstanding experience like this with a gift? Well, let me suggest something that’s just as high-end, restrained and breathtaking at the same time. Black and white diamond earrings.

The Perfect Date

The art of living one day and one trip at a time

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