Being a foodie

I have discovered that there are distinct disadvantages to being a "foodie" - an appreciator of good food and, of course, good wine. It means that I'm a food and wine snob, and that going out to restaurants can often be a disappointing experience.

Tonight, we had our pre-2008/2009-science-fair dinner at Bella's, an Italian restaurant just down the street from me. It's moderately priced - mains range from $17-$35 (pastas, veal, steak, etc.). After an internal debate about what to eat, I decided that my 10 km run at lunch would allow me to have a good dinner, so I had mussels for an appetizer, and salmon as my main. Dessert was a "dense flourless chocolate cake", which, as was pointed out to me, is impossible - the terms "dense" and "flourless" are oxymorons.

The mussels, I must admit, were very good - well cooked and they were the small, firm ones - not the large, mushy ones we often get in the summer. The salmon though, not up to par for the price. It came with 3 small baby potatoes, 4 small beans, one piece of cauliflower, and one broccoli floweret. Not enough green for my liking, but oh well. The salmon was okay. Not bad, but not terribly good. I have realized that given my interest in cooking, my vast eating experience in so many countries and so many good restaurants ranging from mom-and-pop food stalls to 5 star restaurants in France, I'm very critical of restaurant food. The dessert was good though, although it wasn't dense in the least!! It certainly was chocolately and rich!

Anyway, a good evening was had by all. Dr. Roy, if you're reading, it was great to see you again as it's been way, way too long and we really need to do cidre more often, no matter how busy we both are.

I had debated whether or not to go or whether to go to the gym and train. I think I made the right choice. Actually, my left arm is killing me from the drills yesterday so best to give it a break. Coming back to full-time training HURTS! I really have to learn to stay in top form, not go through this roller coaster in-shape/out-of-shape ride. Not that I'm really "out of shape" - it's all relative, right? I'm just not as in shape as I was before Iowa. It's all perception in my own head.