The Enjoyment Made it Worthwhile

Somehow the calendar has gotten away from us. Nearly half the year has gone by, and we haven't enjoyed a sit-down meal at a nice restaurant.

It was a family member's birthday, and, as we did for our anniversary last year, we reserved a table at the Iron Gate French restaurant in Belmont.

The service was good on a crowded Tuesday night, and the cuisine was better. I treated myself to a New Zealand rack of lamb (pictured). The $68 cost was 50% higher than it was five years ago, but the enjoyment on the birthday girl's face (she had veal) made it all worthwhile.

We did a poor job pacing ourselves tonight and brought home leftovers. Next time we'll plan better and have enough room for the Grand Marnier Soufflé,