Last One Standing Gets A Pony:

I have been considered to be a competitive person; I don’t necessarily agree.  But then upon reflection, I have been known to say “In it to win it.”

My three partners in crime had decided that we had gone too long without a night out.  So, The Puerto Rican, The Grecian, The White Girl, and myself set a date.

Where was this absurd quartet outing to take place? None other than one of the most respected and outstanding restaurants this side of the Mississippi.

Alinea.

24 courses.  Wine Pairings.  Pre-game cocktails. In heels.

The winner.  Gets a pony.

These ladies were going to be difficult to beat.  They were true competitors; well despite the Puerto Rican.  She only weighed in at 102.

I can’t remember the last time I actually sat down and had more than five courses. That and I hadn’t seen the inside of my gym in three weeks…ok, dammit six.  And then there was the dress and heels part. Fine, give me a pair of sweatpants, my couch; Game Time.  But no, not only did I have to dress well, I had to behave well.  We all had friends that worked there and made us swear we would be on out best behavior as they pleaded, “PLEASE, go to Schwa! Anywhere but here!”

To prepare for the evening I visited my local Banana Republic and favorite gay personal shopper.  We planned to look great, but also made a conscious effort to pick an outfit that could fit what my ladies and me call our “food babies.”  Next up, Neiman Marcus for NARS makeover.  Unfortunately for me, my regular girl was off so I made the dumb idea to try another.  One hour later, I looked like a raccoon or a Russian hooker (the results from the poll are not yet in, and no offense to Russian hookers but they do love their black liner!) and quickly hurried home to scrub my face off.

The night started with Krug and cheers to one of the most memorable evenings of 2009.  Well, we hoped to remember it.

Honestly.  After working in fine dining for years, I don’t care to have endless courses, snobby service, and high price tag experiences.  Alinea is none of these- perhaps not the price tag.  But, well worth it. 

Dave Beran, the Chef de Cuisine, is remarkably talented.  The food was fun, beautiful and MOST importantly, flavor forward and balanced.  Our wonderfully attentive Captain, Colleen, made sure that we received everything perfectly and timely.  Last but not least, Richard, our sommelier who beckons the spirit of Edward Scissorhands sans scissorhands, was informative and a perfect gentleman. (Despite calling me a light weight.  I suppose I shall forgive him.)

The highlights: (a.k.a. things that were badass)

Pork Belly with Thai Distillation

White Truffles with Scrambled eggs, and risotto, and mashed potatoes, and taglitelle.

Dried Spicy Peanut Butter

Matsuake with Toro

Hot potato Cold Potato

Bubble Gum in a tube (don’t mind the noise… and Grecian Princess screaming to Puerto Rican Princess “You have to suck harder” as the dining room went quiet.)

Chocolate with BACON NOUGAT.  (In caps because it was the most amazing thing I have EVER had….still waiting on the recipe from Sir Beran.)

My appreciation for the individuals that work so diligently at Alinea is endless and the experience that they provide is truly astonishing.  Complements to the Chef and a warm thank you to the service staff.

But allow me to get to what is most important.

Who won the pony?!

In brief, after a four-hour dinner, numerous drinks at other fine establishments and back to Alinea to have after shift drinks (or bottles) with their crew; at 5am my little Grecian took the prize.

We are so very proud of her.

-Youngest