Food Orgy

Yesterday was my 27th wedding anniversary!

Tom had made dinner reservations at a nearby gourmet spot--Vie in Western Springs--and we were both eagerly anticipating that. Since I worked a half day, we decided to go to the movies in the afternoon to see "Julie & Julia". While I'm not familiar with the former character (the present-day blogger/writer), I had just finished reading Julia Child's My Life in France, loved it, and was curious about the film. So off we went, intending to go to the York Theater in Elmhurst. But, as is typical for us, we somehow took the wrong road (even though we've lived in the area for over 20 years) and ended up in Rosemont at the enormous and gaudy Muvico theater. Think Vegas plopped amid a soul-less office building complex. It was weird! We dashed through the pelting rain and made it to the film, missing the first 10 minutes or so. Phew! The movie was a joy--perfectly cast, funny, poignant. We made it back home without further road incidents and headed out for our big night out.

Vie was incredible. The restaurant was pretty and sleek (and unexpectedly big--I kept stumbling on new rooms); the service was smooth; the food was unbelievably good. I'm sure it helped that one of our daughter's friends, a culinary student, is interning in the kitchen and kept sending out little treats for us. It was La Grande Bouffe and Big Night combined! And I can here testify that I had foie gras for the first time in my life and it was delicious. I also had an incredible beet salad, pork loin, halibut, and a homemade lemon verbena ice cream. My limited powers of description can't do justice to this meal; it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everyone should save their pennies and visit Vie for a special occasion dinner!