Just pretending to be grown ups – A pretty perfect evening

Two nights ago, for our anniversary, my long suffering husband Mr H and I escaped from the house and the children and pretended to be grown ups……

We had dinner for two in an actual restaurant. Not a pub, or a café. No children to wrestle with. Just Mr H and I, tête a tête. I think this is what proper actual real life adults do, although it’s been so long I’m not quite sure. The last time we attempted an evening like this I was pregnant, dehydrated and I ended up in hospital. This time, come hell or high water, we were going!

We arranged for my brother and his lovely girlfriend to babysit and I made Mr H ring to book a table (because that’s what gentlemen do of course) at a lovely little restaurant called La Rue which bills itself as, ” A classy venue serving a modern British menu.”

For once I got to wear my fabulous purple platform shoes (they’re a lot less trashy than they sound), albeit with jeggings and a purple cable knit jumper dress. I even attempted to straighten my newly coiffured hair rather unsuccessfully with an old set of straighteners. I gave my lashes the mascara treatment, blushed my cheeks, gave my lips a slick of pink and even dug out my eyeliner for the occasion. To top it off I wore some lovely Rachel Lucie handmade earrings that Mr H bought for me.

We arrived punctually (which is somewhat a rarity now we are parents) and were seated at our table for two. We perused the menu, then perused it some more. Not being overly accustomed to eating out in good restaurants it took me a while to decide on what treats I was going to gorge indulge myself on.

I sipped a small glass of Rioja Rosado (which since I rarely drink lasted me all evening!) and eagerly awaited the delights to come.

Firstly a celery soup appetiser was delivered in an espresso cup, with cheese and onion bread. I leant forward to Mr H and, in a moment of Pretty Womansque naivety, asked him where the spoon was. He quietly pointed out to me that it was in a cup and I should perhaps drink it. Oh, yes, rightyho, just testing hahahaa….

Then came my starter of ham hock, pea and Parmesan risotto which was utterly delicious. So delicious in fact that I am going to attempt this at home, although I suspect the results may not be entirely as tasty.

My main course of scallops and king prawns cooked three ways (sweet chili sauce, basil oil and leeks cream and Gruyere) was absolutely scrumdiddlyumptious! I’d never had scallops before but will most certainly indulge again. The were soft and melt in your mouth tender and just a little bit sweet. I could eat them again right now. Mmmmm.

Dessert was Saville Marmalade custard tart served with dark Belgian chocolate ice cream (divine) and the evening was rounded off with a cup of dark rich coffee.We spent the whole time laughing and talking, which we don’t seem to have enough time for these days.

It was, all in all, a pretty perfect evening and I cannot wait to do it all over again, babysitters and finances permitting, of course.

Sigh.

Image courtesy of www.champagne.org.uk