August Date Night {Part I - Neb Wine Bar}

The weekend after my birthday we headed downtown on one of my most anticipated nights of the summer {more on the second half later}.  Leslie had graciously sent me some old Tom Douglas gift cards that she no longer could use so we decided to try them out at Neb, a newish TD spot in the old Serious Pie location that had a yummy looking menu.  We got there right when it opened and for awhile were the only two in the restaurant {I guess downtown really is dead}, but were excited to be able to hit up happy hour for a few drinks and yummy appetizers.  We started with the homemade rosemary fossette {like a focaccia} and burrata {so delicious} then ordered our pastas {rigatoni with arrabiata, ground pork and sesame oil for me and uni spaghetti with tobiko and nori for C}.  Both had super unique, intense flavors {uni is C's favorite so he was in heaven, and the sesame really added a new layer to my red sauce} and we gobbled everything down quite happily.  It was the perfect way to start the evening {made even better by the gift cards - thanks Pags!} and somewhere we'll definitely be heading back to next time we find ourselves downtown.

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Birthday Dinner {San Fermo}

For my birthday dinner I kept going back and forth, trying to figure out somewhere that had a fun patio, yummy food, and that we don't go to often.  About an hour before we decided to leave the house I finally landed on San Fermo, a delicious Italian restaurant in Ballard that C had never been to {and I had only been to in the winter time}.  We got there right when they opened to just a small line and were seated on their side patio which felt like we were dining at someone's home.  We had yummy drinks and the Sea Wolf Baguette, then shared the Summer Peas appetizer with jalapeno, herbs, tomato vinaigrette, and stracciatella that was to die for {and we both agreed we could've had several more plates of}.  For the main course I got the Saffron Bolognese {the house specialty} while C went with the Cavatelli with poblano cream sauce, corn, and guanciale {a twist on a carbonara}.  They were both excellent and left us too stuffed for dessert, so instead we walked across the street to grab some Swedish candy at the new candy shop to take home.  It was a wonderful, quiet evening out with my love to celebrate another year around the sun :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

July Date Night {Part I - Stateside}

Last Saturday we headed out for our monthly date night, this time making our way up to Capitol Hill for dinner at Stateside, a restaurant I’ve always loved but haven’t been to in years. We sat at the bar where they were doing happy hour and proceeded to order some pretty and refreshing drinks and yummy appetizers. I love the vibe of the restaurant and every dish was really flavorful and delicious - it was a great first stop for a really fun date night!

crispy duck fresh rolls + baby beet salad with pesto and tofu 

crunchy creamy chili garlic prawns - our fave so we ordered them again 

sticky rice dumplings with dungeness crab and mushroom broth

turmeric rockfish with vermicelli and herbs

xoxo,

stephanie marie

June Date Night {Sunny Hill}

June's Date Night was a few weeks back on a sunny Friday afternoon where we knew we had to get out and find a patio ASAP.  We had to run some errands in the Crown Hill area so we decided to head to Sunny Hill for dinner, one of our faves when the weather is nice that serves yummy food and thirst quenching drinks.  Luckily we were able to snag a table on their back patio {the front is fun but when the sun comes out it is way too hot there} and we were able to relax, enjoy the warm evening, and eat some delicious food that always hits the spot.  I love a spontaneous date night with my fella, especially when we can get outside and enjoy the beginning of summer!

{the 'hey ya!' was like a spicy pineapple margarita - so refreshing}

{waffle fries and homemade black garlic ranch}

{roasted broccoli with miso ginger tahini}

{the patty on the smash burger was about twice the size of the bun}

{our first time trying the round pie - we got the 'death my misadventure' - and i think i prefer the square pies here}

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Kedai Makan

On our Sunday walk we decided to stop for lunch at Kedai Makan, a Malaysian restaurant on Capitol Hill that I've wanted to try for years {I never made it to their walk up window but this was the next best thing}.  Typically it's really busy in the evenings so we figured since we could walk right in on a Sunday afternoon we should take advantage and cross it off our list.  We had no idea what to order but went with the waitress's suggestions of Nasi Lemak {the national dish of Malaysia} with chicken curry and the Laksa Lemak with tofu & prawns alongside a "funky" pineapple and cucumber salad {Kerabu Timun Nanas} which was really refreshing.  Everything we ate was delicious with bold flavors and yummy spices and it was the perfect meal to fill us up for our walk back down the hill.  I'm so happy we got to spontaneously try this place that's been on our radar forever and I'd definitely head back to try more of their yummy menu.

xoxo,

stephanie marie

May Date Night {Eden Hill}

For our May date night we decided to stick to our neighborhood and try out Eden Hill, a place I've wanted to go to forever {and sister restaurant to one of our favorite burger joints}, and when we found out it will be closing in September we knew we had to make it there before the end of summer.  They are known for their chef's tasting menu which changes daily and is not on any written menu, so you're surprised by course after course of seasonal, local cuisine.  We decided to go for it since it would probably be our one shot at going to this place {and we were celebrating C's new job!} and every course {and the yummy cocktails} did not disappoint.  The price was way more than we would typically spend for a dinner out {like, a month's worth of groceries} but it was worth it to splurge at this cute spot before they are gone forever.  A perfect place to celebrate a fun date night!

{oysters with tahini ice cream & caviar}

{crudo with watermelon and serrano peppers}

{salmon with corn, white strawberries, pesto, & farro}

{pork shoulder katsu with soft boiled egg and tomato curry sauce}

{wagyu ribeye with gnocchi, morels, and raisins}

{orange sorbet & miso cheesecake with rum soaked pineapple and lemon meringue}

xoxo,

stephanie marie