After hearing Boyd talk of his meal at Gino's last week, I told Chris that I wanted to go there for dinner. He and I have been there several times for wine and or drinks, but he has never eaten there. Chris, a lover of all things Italian, I thought would really enjoy it. Yesterday I began thinking it may be nice if we had dinner somewhere downtown so we could walk for our date (rare we get to have dates these days). When he asked last night if I was still wanting to go to Gino's, I took the opportunity to suggest we go to one of the two Italian places downtown since the weather has been nice and we could walk. He said, "I was thinking the same thing". Little Village was agreed upon. He made our reservations sparing enough time for me to squeeze in a trip to the gym prior to (thank goodness). I hurry home after to shower, finish a load of laundry and get ready. We rush out of the door and walk very quickly, too quickly in the wooden soled shoes I chose to wear last night, to Little Village. Erik, Chris, Sheridan and I would sometimes order takeout from Little Village when we all worked together at Avoyelles. I had only had salads or apps from there while Chris had tried a few entrees. We order a bottle of wine to share and skim the menu. I decided I would have a large salad with shrimp and Chris is disappointed in my decision. When the waitress returns to serve our wine, she tells us the night's specials. The last one she tells us, I decide is for me!. Peppercorn crusted rare seared tuna, set over a bed of spinach, and topped with a wasabi aioli. He is pleased that I change my mind. I don't know why a salad would not have been ok. I was having deja vu from the night before when dining with the parents and they too were upset with my dinner choice. Chris makes a very sweet toast, we sip our wine and chat about our day and what may be going on that the other doesn't yet know about. When our entrees arrive, I notice a significant amount of wasabi aioli drizzled over the sliced tuna. I think it looks like a lot, ask Chris, he agrees. I decide to taste. It was waaaaaaaaaay too much wasabi. The last thing I want to do is complain about a meal Chris has made such an effort to provide. I ask him to taste mine. Wasabi has the habit of hitting you after a second. I watch him chew and he makes a face moments later. He says "that about knocked me out of my chair". The fish was amazing. I scrape a good bit of the aioli off and continue to eat. The waitress approaches and notices. I tell her it is a bit strong but do not want to send it back (I know the guy who runs their kitchen and don't want to complain). After eating a salad and piece of bread, I do not have much room for the tuna anyway. When closing our dinner check she tells us she had the kitchen taste the aioli and they agreed it was too strong. Tuna stayed on ticket anyway! We close and leave. Walked over to Red Star to have one drink with Collin and Lars (there is that name you love, Natalie). Walk back to the house, drink in hand. It was very nice out last night, so the walk was very enjoyable. Once home, we pop in season one, episode one of Sex and the City (thanks Chris!). I didn't think we (or I) looked happy enough in the picture taken in the restaurant so Chris took another picture once we were home!
