CCLXXXVII: Spoiled Happy

Tonight my friends Oli and Mylo took me out for an unnecessary but greatly appreciated belated birthday dinner at Market. You may recall that this is the same place my parents took me for brunch on my actual birthday.

It was the first time there for both of them (plus my first dinner there), so we were excited to look through the menu. We each chose an appetizer, agreed upon one main course and one dessert, and shared everything:

• Tuna Tartare Avocado, Spicy Radish Ginger Dressing
• Foie Gras Brulé, Fig Jam, Toasted Brioche
• Beef Carpaccio Mushroom, Arugula, Parmesan Pizza - yum!
• Soy Glazed Short Ribs Apple - Jalapeño Puree Rosemary Crumbs
• Warm Chocolate Cake Vanilla Ice Cream
• Wine: Grenache 2005 Bethany 61 Barossa Valley, Australia

When I think about what we ordered, I realize that Nicky and I were pigs yesterday as we did the reverse, sharing one appetizer and three entrées. Wowza.

We were happily full from our meal and the standouts for me were the foie gras (rich and delicious, good for sharing!), the pizza, and the ribs. I loved the ribs because they were boneless, tender, and coated in a sauce that reminded me of my motherland. Our dessert was like a chocolate lava cake and was yummy as well.

It's safe to say that they make good food here; but if I were to recommend this place to a first-timer, I would suggest going for brunch/lunch, only because the menu items are similar but you also get the added bonus of WAFFLES. Also, when I went for brunch the restaurant was bright and spacious, whereas tonight it was quite dim and busy, which I guess is a good thing for dates and such. Oh, and make sure you use the washroom when you go. There are individual washrooms, each lined with black marble and very luxe indeed. 

Since we finished dinner around 9pm, the girls suggested an impromptu movie night at Oli's so Mylo and I got to watch Bram Stoker's Dracula for the first time. It was entertaining to see Keanu Reeves' bad acting, Gary Oldman's crazy transformation as Dracula (both physically and emotionally), and some creepy stuff. Now I really want to see Interview with a Vampire too since a few people have told me it's really good.

There's nothing like getting home a bit before 1:00am on a weeknight! Except I have a vacation day waiting for me tomorrow. Yay for sleeping in! Sort of...