Wellfleet Valentines Day Dinner

Last night we went to Wellfleet, a really cool chicago concept called occasional or underground dining. (Not sure if the same thing exists elsewhere) For most of the year it operates as a specialty fish shop called The Fish Guy Market, but a few nights a month you can be treated to an imaginative multi-course seafood extravaganza! Big Guy and I gave an evening at Wellfleet as Christmas presents to his parents and his sister and her boyfriend(who may as well be our brother-in-law).


Everything was amazing-the atmosphere, attention, service and food.
When you walk in you can see the juxtaposition of the seafood cases and deli counter against the luminaries and candles, the tapered vases filled with Iris, and the white linens. it almost has the feeling of being on a boat-with that hazy etherial and reflective feeling. Since there are only 12 seats in the venue-with one dinner seating a night- we had a lot of attention. The owner explained everything - from the origin of the Sturgeon caviar we were about to eat-where the Tuna was from and even about the guy who sells him the lobster. I totally recommend the place if you live here- and even if you just come for a visit - it is such a unique experience. For more info you can check out their website.
I did want to share pictures of the menu since I know there are some foodies out there.
The first course was an amuse bouche- Fois Gras with scallion, lemon zest and truffle oil...so good!!!
The second course was a few blini with creme fraiche and caviar- which was so salty and fresh tasting. The owner explained that it was probably caught within the past two weeks-which-for caviar is really fresh. (so they said) Big Guy's parents bought a bunch of caviar to take home for our Academy Awards party.

The next course was so delicious that I ate it before remembering to take a picture, but luckily I was able to find a picture of it on the website. We had Oysters prepared with an asian flair with notes of soy sauce, cilantro and a little spicy kick!

Next Course: Lobster Thermidor- which was almost an au gratin taste, full of rich cheese and cream and butter...and lobster of course!

Then finally, tempura maki with ahi tuna-

But instead of the tuna tempura being rolled inside the maki- they tempura battered and fried the entire roll! It was so different- I really loved the idea.

For dessert we had freshly made hand dipped chocolates- the heart shaped one was adorable and so good! It was such a cute finish to a spectacular meal!

I recommend Wellfleet to locals and visitors. It is definitely a taste of the Cape transplanted in the Midwest. It was so interesting to hear the stories of the owner growing up summering on Cape Cod and how the memories of that time go into everything he does today. The atmosphere is friendly and inviting and it is upscale with a twist! I really enjoyed this memorable Valentine's day dinner.

Valentine's Day Martha Stewart Style

Leave it to Martha to come up with a million beautiful ideas to make the day special. Unfortunately I have been working all week (except Monday when I stayed home with my pup.) and haven't really had the time to do any of these fantastic crafts/projects. Imagine my perfect Valentine's day! I would wake up in my adorable house and set about decorating-putting out the cute little tulip arrangements complete with valentines day heart candy (see pic above) and I would place the hanging heart on my front door(just like the picture). I would send my husband off to work with Valentine's Day cookies for the whole office and set about preparing for my little Valentine's day fete for all my closest friends- I would make the Cafe Latte and decorate with hearts (just like the picture) and maybe some brioche and a few goodies as well. Of course the invites would have looked adorable (again pictures above) Why does this pesky job get in the way! Oh the things I could do if I didn't have to work. A girl can dream.....

In any case...Happy Valentine's Day all-- I hope you have a lovely evening. Big guy and I are going to dinner at a place called Wellfleet. I am hoping to do a profile and review of the place tomorrow so stay tuned!

Shoes Glorious Shoes!

Since I have been living in my Uggs and Wellies, it seems that shoes had temporarily fallen off my radar--But the thrill is back in a big way with these beauties! These SCREAM Charlotte York in the most elegant and adorable way and I can just see myself wearing them with a very tailored vintage inspired little black dress. I think they are fantastic- and J. Crew of course.

While I was looking at them, my clicks began to wander and I found these others that I love as well...(all J. Crew)

Puppy ER!

Look at my poor baby! I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Last night I suddenly noticed that he wasn't snuggled on the couch with us. He is so small that sometimes we need to pat around and check under blankets to find him. I decided to check the bathroom since he sometimes climbs into the tub to lick the drain when his wanter bowl is empty and then can't get out--but he wasn't there either. I finally found him in our bed under the covers. I was a little worried, but figured he wasn't feeling well, or was cold-until I noticed him walking funny. I will spare you the gorey details, but let's just say that when I took a look at his rear end I just jumped up grabbed my boots and yelled- we need to go to the Emergency Vet! Luckily it wasn't anything life threatening, but he has a wound on his butt cheek that sure isn't pretty. They had to put him out because the little issue that he had, needed to be fixed and they said it was really painful, so now he has puppy painkillers and a big cone on his head! He hates it, but it is for his own good. I just wanted to share the pictures because even though I feel so bad for him, I can't help but laugh at that silly cone.