Sunday, May 16, 2010

A Perfect Anniversary

We celebrated our 9th anniversary this weekend and it was perfect. Last year, I was just about to have Collin so our anniversary was celebrated with takeout on the couch. This year, Shane really made up for it. He sent me out for a mani- pedi, to get my hair done, and to the mall to get a new outfit. All of this in preparation to go to my favorite restaurant in the world, St. Johns.


When I say my favorite restaurant in the world, I mean it. I've eaten at some wonderful restaurants from Italy to New York, and St. Johns in Chattanooga Tennessee surpasses them all. When I hear that someone who lives in Chattanooga has never been there, I feel it's like a local New Yorker who's never seen the view from the Empire State building- a shame. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this area, you must must must make reservations to dine there. Want to live vicariously through me? I'll tell you about our meal..... 


While we waited for our first course, we were treated to small bowls of chilled tomato soup with grilled shrimp and ramp Crème fraiche. After the first taste, Shane and I smiled at each other and settled into our seats knowing were in for a few hours of pure culinary bliss. 




For our first course I ordered the quail breast and arugula salad with radicchio, honeybells and maple glaze, sprinkled with edible flowers.  Shane ordered potato and ramp soup with butter poached main lobster and black truffle oil. Mouth watering yet? I wish I had photos to make you even more jealous, but by the time the food arrived, the lighting was too dim (i.e. romantic). I always get the quail at St. Johns. It's delectable no matter how it's prepared. Wondering what a ramp is? It's an incredibly rare wild leek that only grows in the Appalachian Mountains for three weeks. It has a wonderful garlic taste and for the next while can be found throughout the St. Johns menu. I love discovering new foods. 


Speaking of new foods, I decided to be adventurous and try the leg of venison while Shane picked out a Buffalo steak. Mine was served with a gouda cornmeal souffle and marinated beets that perfectly complemented the gamey meat. The buffalo steak was absolutely divine paired with a scrumptious Béarnaise sauce. 


The highlight of the meal was (of course) the dessert. As soon as Shane told me we were going to St. Johns, all I could think was....Chocolate Pudding. Chocolate pudding at a five star restaurant? Oh, you have no idea how good this dish is. Served warm with carmel ice cream, it may be the most divine dessert I've ever tasted. Shane even called ahead to make sure it was on the menu.


I could eat at St. John's every night. Our server Catherine was wonderful, and the chef, Daniel Lindley, is pure genius. By the way, if you want to enjoy St. Johns quality food in a more casual atmosphere (and less expensive), check out The Meeting Place. I've never been, but I plan to try it out...very soon.


Thank you thank you Shane for an amazing anniversary night out. I felt beautiful due to all the pampering you arranged and I had a wonderful time.


Now what to do for our tenth anniversary? I'm thinking....Paris. I've heard they have good restaurants there. :)

7 comments:

Love Being A Nonny said...

Oh my word. You had me at *ramp*. I had never heard of a ramp until two weeks ago.
A man here in NC was having some flown in for a party. Must be good stuff!

Ann On and On... said...

That sounds like a PERFECT day... Happy people make me smile. Congrats and many more!

House Queen said...

Sounds like a fabulous time!!!!!

The Fashion Bloggess said...

wow! another great post as per usual!
I LOVE your blog! Such an inspiration
Am definitely bookmarking you!
Hope you can stop by mine sometime :)
xx

Jessie said...

Oh how I LOVE St. Johns!! Whenever anyone asks where they should go to dinner for a special occasion I suggest that place. Sadly I haven't been in about 4 years. I really need to get back there after reading this ;)

by Ashley Guinto said...

Happy Anniversary to you both **cheers to the next 9!

Anonymous said...

Natalie - I LOVE the Meeting Place! You must go on a night when they are serving Mac and Cheese. I know, sounds weird, but you'll see. Heaven.

I am making reservations to go to St. Johns for my birthday. You talked me into it!

Diane

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