A Date With Myself

I think most people would describe me as social, or at least ... chatty. I'm an over-compensator by nature and often when I'm nervous, or concerned, or thinking "maybe I'm being awkward", I try to chat over it.

It's not the most attractive personality quality.

Truthfully I chat when I'm happy too. So you never know what you're getting when you hang out with me.

Well, even though I am what I am. I also like to be alone. I like to do things by myself. I don't mean this in a ,"Woe is me, I'm a busy lady, my life is so full, yadda yadda, I need alone time because there isn't any, waaah."

I just like to be alone.  I don't think it's unusual for people who have hobbies. As much as one can enjoy a social knit, a quilt class, a cooking evening with friends. It's nice just to focus on your own.

Yesterday I got a chance to take myself out, alone. It was pretty dreamy.

After work I had a reservation at Rich Table for 1.

This was my second time here. (It's also 3 -4 blocks from my office. hehe)

You know I have a weakness for oysters. They were serving up some lovely thin ones from Massachusetts with a sunchoke mignonette. The mignonette was my main reason for wanting to try one. Traditionally it's made with shallots and red wine vinegar. Sunchoke? Really what's that like? Well it was more savory, carmelized a little garlicky and with a squeeze of lemon, divine. I tried one, and ended up ordering 2 more.

Also seen in the picture is their Black Garlic Mortadella with coffee mustard (I saved some of this for the Manfriend).  If you can't tell, this place is all about turning traditional flavor combinations anew. I was wary before my first visit, but now I can honestly say, I'm won over.

For my entree, Bucatini, pork bolognese with grilled beets and New York rye. Translation, lovely Bucatini, hollow spaghetti pasta (a personal favorite) with ground pork and grilled diced beets, topped with some breadcrumbs made with New York Rye = delicious with a glass of Gamay. :)

It was fun to watch and listen to the restaurant around me. I'm a bit of a Lookey Lou and Gawker as HM will tell you. (she noticed it on our very first playdate when we went out for tea.)  I also studied and compared 2 baby blanket patterns I had been carrying around in my purse.

The boys sent me a text of their homework dinner. Grilled cheese and store bought tomato soup. Tasty if not fancy :)

Dinner took me slightly longer than I was expecting. (To be clear, this was me, not service.) So I had to power walk it up the street to Books Inc., at the Opera Plaza to catch the Yarn Harlot.

She was a great presenter, and she read very well. She comes off so personable and funny. Her crowd of knitters & readers ... very nice and friendly people. Shocking, right? ;)

I got a signed book. Yay! That was pretty special and fun for me. I gifted her a loaf of Douglas Fir Levain bread from the restaurant. I know, I know. Both the Manfriend and HM were like, you're such a weirdo. I admit, I am a bit of a weirdo gift giver. I didn't want her to feel obligated, but yarn and what not, is not good for a traveling author. I remember reading she often gets stuck in airports and she is hungry and a vegetarian. I thought I remembered she liked fresh bread ...

Anyhow, I think I totally threw her off guard, but she was kind about it. I was really embarrassed. But it's the thought that counts, right?

I used my time to disclaimer and give her a gift instead of ask for a photo which is just as well since I was totally gross and disheveled from my power walk up there and now blushing with embarrassment.

I took the bus home. Homework and dishes were done and I had the strength to knit 2 rounds before going to sleep. I didn't need sweet dreams since I had such an excellent evening.