The curtains of the night soon draped closed and we decided (after watching a pathetic amount of home-makeover shows) it was time to get up from the couch once and for all. Much like nocturnal animals in search of prey, we hungrily crept outside to hunt for the juiciest restaurant around. After coming up empty-handed on ideas of where to go, I remembered I had an unused gift-certificate to a Cuban restaurant. Even though I wasn't really in the mood, you can't argue with free so on we went. By this time, Mandy and I were famished. Food consumption consumed my every thought. It's almost astonishing what the lack of food can do to a human; my thoughts were scattered, I was weak and agitated, and my mouth was salivating more than a sink facet. I know this sounds extreme, but my high metabolism doesn't care what I think- it wants what it wants, when it wants it. I am just an empty vessel following orders.
We drove downtown, parked, and headed to the restaurant. I joked along the way saying, "Watch it's closed," and sure enough, when we tugged on the door, we got an irreverent tug of war from the other side. It was locked, dark, and dismal inside. Of course it was closed! We should have known better since this type of thing happens to us so often when we're together. I think the universe enjoys watching how our goofy attitudes will react to challenges. Last month for example, Mandy and I were traveling through Costa Rica and we ran out of money in the small beach town of Montezuma. We walked to the only ATM in town, but alas, it was out-of-order. We had just enough money for transportation the next day, or for a few beers that night- we opted for the beer. We woke up, split a cab with some fellow American travelers, and after arriving at our destination, kindly asked them if they could front us the fare. They unenthusiastically agreed. We then arrived at the hostel, politely asked the receptionist to hold a room for us (and all our belongings - very uncommon) while we went searching for an ATM. Don't worry, we promptly found one and paid everyone back. I'm sure Karma is smiling upon them as you read this. The next day, we woke up to catch a bus-boat-bus back to San Jose, but the ferry that the bus meets was broken...I could continue, but I'm sure you can see my point. When the two of us are together, there is always an obstacle.
So here we were- starving, hopeless, and confused as to where we should go. If it was any other night than Sunday, it wouldn't have been an issue, but unfortunately, Austin dies every Sunday like a flower in the night. Suddenly, we had the brilliant idea to try out Blue Dahlia Bistro. We cleverly thought to call ahead, and yes, they were open! Blue Dahlia, here we come.
If you haven't been to Blue Dahlia on east 11th, your palate is missing out on one pleasurable time. I must warn you though that this is not for the deli-loving type. Instead, this bistro is more of a cutesy cafe with fancy ingredients and a romantic European appeal. Perfect for two hungry ladies in the mood for healthy food. I've previously been to this restaurant for lunch and happy hour on many occasions, but never for dinner and I was delighted to see that it's like a whole new place after 5pm! The same daytime set-up is present (seats for two and a few large communal tables), but at night, intimate lighting, tablecloths atop the outdoor front patio tables, and an overall airy, delicate atmosphere makes you want to bathe in a bottle of red wine. They have such an eye for detail down to their black slated plates and adorable quotes you receive with your bill (which is placed on the table underneath a stone), that I feel like they truly think about every aspect of their restaurant. The French inspired menu is the same during dinner with a few succulent additions which we both were dying to try. After grilling our poor waitress like a panini on what to order, I decided (in a delirious frenzy) on the special: the goat cheese, black olive and roasted red pepper "tartine" (an open-faced sandwich cut into many wedges), while my companion ordered the porchini ravioli with basil pesto and parmesan cheese. Her meal came with a side salad and bread as well for only $8.95. We divided everything equally so no one would get hurt.
(Note: one bite is missing, illustrating my true lack of restraint)
I don't think two words were passed between us for about ten minutes after the plates (or slates) were delivered. I might have managed a "pass the bread" a few times, but other than that, my mouth was glued around my fork. I think my meal alone would have been too much goat cheese for just one girl (yeah I know, like that's possible), but with some greenery from her salad added on top, it was perfection. The parmesan cheese on the ravioli was carefully sliced, not grated, and the basil pesto sauce was just right.
Did we stop at dinner you ask? Hell, no! We ordered cheesecake for dessert. Not any cheesecake though- the creamiest, cheesiest, chocolate saucy and berry covered cheesecake any respectable New Yorker would enjoy. I felt as though I was staring at fluffy white clouds through an airplane window as the dessert disappeared into the cabin of my mouth. At that point I was full. So full of overindulgence that I had to unzip my pants to allow my stomach to act like the mushroom cap it wanted to be. We sat stupefied drinking what seemed to be a pot of coffee in one large soup-bowl of a cup. Around 10pm, I happily zipped myself up like an over-packed suitcase and left the table grinning for more. I will be back Blue Dahlia, oh yes, I will be back.
Did we stop at dinner you ask? Hell, no! We ordered cheesecake for dessert. Not any cheesecake though- the creamiest, cheesiest, chocolate saucy and berry covered cheesecake any respectable New Yorker would enjoy. I felt as though I was staring at fluffy white clouds through an airplane window as the dessert disappeared into the cabin of my mouth. At that point I was full. So full of overindulgence that I had to unzip my pants to allow my stomach to act like the mushroom cap it wanted to be. We sat stupefied drinking what seemed to be a pot of coffee in one large soup-bowl of a cup. Around 10pm, I happily zipped myself up like an over-packed suitcase and left the table grinning for more. I will be back Blue Dahlia, oh yes, I will be back.
Honorable mentions: The chicken salad/humus/or roast beef tartine. The daily frittata. We were also told the mushroom crepe or four cheese lasagna is worth a try.
Things to avoid: The white bean and tomato soup special (it had the consistency of a thick tomato sauce). Also, beware, the tartines are very bread filling, so if you don't love bread, go for their salads instead!
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