It had most certainly been a while since Lady M and I had gone out on the town. We were due.
It was Saturday night and we had Manhattan at our feet. Where to go?
It was cold and blustery and we were already in Lady M's part of town - the Lower East Side - so the 'hood decision was fairly easy.
Finding a drink was not.
East Side Company Bar was closed for a private event. Barrio Chino had an hour wait for a space at the bar. Little Giant was packed to the rafters.
It was sad. Two parched women in search of cocktails.
We looked too good to remain sad for long.
Finally we found a perch - and a Vodka Martini and Manhattan - at Tenement. The scene became cheerier by the sip.
The drinks and chatter were marvelous, but soon we required more sustenance. Women can't live on conversation and alcohol alone! Or can we? We decided not to find out - and headed over the LES's throbbing restaurant row - Clinton Street.
Once again, we were able to find a perch - this time at Alias Restaurant. The Sangria was tasy and the view was sublime - a full-frontal view of the kitchen complete with a tempting hunk of a chef. But would he tempt us with more than the menu?
One bite into our appetizer of Roasted Cauliflower, Chanterelles, Red Grapes, Rosemary, Aioli and oozing Poached Egg and we could have cared less. (OK - That's a lie. But, dang if that dish wasn't an orgasm in a bowl!) My meaty St. Louis-Style BBQ Ribs with Jumbo Onion Rings and a vinegary Cole Slaw was pretty moan-worthy too. And, Lady M seemed similarly pleased with her entree of Seared Sea Scallops.
By the time Lady M's consort Sir M arrived there was little possibility that the grins were going to be wiped off our faces any time soon.
Sir M was wise enough to appreciate the tableau before him - and assisted us in maintaining our smiles with a double-dip into the dessert menu - a buttery, intense Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie and a decadent Ice Cream Sundae drizzled with warm chocolate sauce and topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
That was it. We were done. Even a Cheshire cat grin from the chef couldn't have put me over the edge. (Not that I didn't get one as I exited, mind you!)
Heading home that night, I couldn't help but think that more LES exploration would be required in 2007. I also realized that Lady M would be essential to these jaunts. And, if Sir M plays his cards right, he may be invited too.
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