Gal Pal Plus Gougeres

There's nothing like a dinner with a great gal pal at a great restaurant. That is, except for a dinner with great gal pal at two great restaurants -- plus the added puffy addition of addictive Gougeres (pictured above).

Said gal pal was my dear friend Bethanne. First stop on our chick's night out was the bar at Eleven Madison Park where we gabbed like old school chums and popped ethereal Gougere after Gougere into our awaiting mouths, as we put back a cocktail or two for good measure.

Next, we headed over to the dignified Italian dining room of A Voce where we gleefully slathered slices of peasant bread with Sardinian Sheep's Milk Ricotta and ooh-ed and aah-ed over Spaghetti with Ramps, Speck and Parmesan as we polished off a bottle of wine to keep our buzzes buzzing along.

Would this fabulous gourmet experience have been as marvelous without Bethanne at my side? Heck, no!

Mind you, that might not stop me from whipping up a batch of Gougeres on a rainy day when I'm home alone. But I just might have to give Bethanne a ring as I take my first warm, delicate, unearthly bite.