More Birthday Fun

Last night Andy and I went out for an early movie and a late dinner to celebrate my birthday. We wanted to see "The Forbidden Kingdom," but the only thing playing at the right time was "Flawless." It was a pretty good story and entertaining enough, but certainly nothing you have to rush out to see. OK, I can't resist the pun: It was flawed! Quite a few scenes just didn't ring true at all. Moreover, although Michael Caine is always a pleasure to watch, Demi Moore can't really act, can she? The movie takes place in London in 1960, so of course she had to try to do a British accent—although twice they made a point to say that her character was an American who had studied at Oxford and then stayed in England, so that would have seemed like an easy "out" for having her not bother trying to sound British. But we do like heist movies, and this one was pretty clever. Afterward Andy said, "You know that actor who played the South African diamond guy? He's the same actor who played a South African diamond guy in 'Lethal Weapon II.'" I just glared at him. Today we checked it out on IMDB. Yup, Joss Ackland is his name. Andy scares me.

Then it was on to dinner.We were once again tempted to try a new restaurant; we were once again unable to resist going back to Mistral. We love the atmosphere, and the food is outstanding. We always end up ordering the same food there, too! I started with the Maine Crab Ravioli with Thyme-Tomato Broth and then had the Half "Whole Roasted" Duck with Wild Mushroom Risotto and Cranberry Gastrique. Andy started with the Seared Foie Gras with Confit of Duck in Brioche with Tart Wisconsin Cherries followed by the Skillet-Roasted  Sirloin Steak Au Poivre with Potato-Chicory Hash, Cognac, and Peppercorns. We had cocktails at the bar before dinner and then shared an excellent Rioja (1996 Faustino "Gran Reserva") with dinner. For dessert we split a Warm Chocolate Torte with Vanilla Ice Cream and Sauce Anglaise. Can't do too much better than that.

Comments

[DJay]

Ahhhhh, "gastrique"?
This isn't a typo?
"Gastrique" is a noun on an American French restaurant menu?

[Karen]

According to Wikipedia:

Gastrique is a thick sauce produced by a reduction of vinegar or wine, sugar, and usually fruit. It is often served over meat or seafood to add a fruit flavor to the dish. It is made in its simplest form by caramelizing sugar and then adding vinegar. It is often used in tomato sauce to help balance the acid of the tomato. An agrodolce is a similar sauce found in Italian cuisine.

[Bonnie Jacobs]

Is your birthday on the 26th? That's mine, and I turned 68 on Saturday.

[Karen]

Nope, mine was the 22nd. Happy Birthday!