Weekend Recap: Adam's Birthday Dinner & Ice Fishing

On my way home from work Friday, I stopped by PetSmart to pick up another Martha Stewart bed for Chester. He loves the one we gave him for Christmas last year, but it's been residing in the kitchen for the past few months since he's been allowed free reign of the kitchen while we're gone. Of course he needs one for the living room as well, so he can relax with an antler or bone.

He loved it, and sat on it right away!

A little after 6 we headed downtown for our 6:30 dinner reservation at Faces Mears Park. We had previously dined there once last winter with Adam's family. This time we had a deal for a 5 course tasting menu with wine pairings. It was such an amazing experience, I just can't say enough about how much fun we had.

We were seated along the windows, and had a lovely view of Mears Park.

Sorry for the horrible photos - it was low light and I didn't want to use flash!

The chef came out with every course to explain it and answer any questions we had. Our waiter was also very good. I thought the service was amazing.

First Course: Seared Scallop in a Puff Pastry paired with a Brut Cava

This may have been my favorite course. The scallop was done perfectly, and the sauce was delicious. Paired with the crunch of the puff pastry, it was out of this world good.

Second Course: Prawn Mac & Cheese paired with a white wine (with apple notes)

The mac and cheese was very flavorful, and the panko encrusted prawn was yummy. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the wine, and drank all of it!

Third Course: Filet Mignon wrapped in phyllo paired with a red wine

This course was also extraordinary. It was extremely flavorful and the filet was so tender. After the meal was complete, we both agreed that the best course was between this and the first. I can't stand red wine, so Adam got all of mine with this course.

Fourth Course: Seafood Tagine paired with another Red wine

This was actually the same dish (on a smaller scale) that I had on our previous visit to Faces, so it wasn't new to me. It was still delicious. I'm not a fan of the included salmon (I'm just not a salmon fan), but the mussels were wonderful and I just can't get enough of the tagine sauce. It's lemon, cilantro, paprika, cumin and cayenne that really give it it's flavor. They provided a basket of bread for us to dip in the sauce. Let's just say none of it was left on either of our dishes. Yum. Once again, I'm not a red fan so Adam had mine. He loved that.

Fifth Course: Baked Alaska paired with Moscato

For dessert, we shared a chocolate Baked Alaska. The presentation of this was probably better than the dessert itself. It wasn't bad, but it was probably my least favorite of the courses. I did enjoy that it was paired with a glass of sweet Moscato. I may have found another new favorite wine!

We were there until a little after 9, but the time flew by. It was so much fun and a really special way to celebrate Adam's birthday together!

Saturday was a delightful sleep in day. In the afternoon, we decided to venture out in the cold (like 9 degrees with a negative windchill) for a little ice fishing adventure. It was my first time since I was about 5. It was not fun. We didn't catch anything. I was freezing cold setting up the shack (though inside was quite comfortable). And I was absolutely terrified of walking on the ice and being out on the ice. We kept hearing this loud cracking sounds which Adam said was "normal." I didn't believe him. It was traumatizing. I lasted about 1.5 hours.

I've never been so glad to be on solid ground. And to be back home where it's warm. I think I'll leave the ice fishing to him from now on!!!

I was proud to never leave the house on Sunday other than to take Chester outside. So not much to report from that. It was a fantastic weekend together!