Date night French Bistro
The other night I made mussels. I had a craving for french bistro. To go somewhere dark, sexy, tightly packed and loud, yearning to hear the clanking of silverware and clinking of glasses. It was Friday, and I wanted to go on a proper date.
Date night as of late is currently at my kitchen table in the suburbs of Columbus, OH with my husband and new baby. It’s light, airy, open, the gentle coo or blood curdling cry is more the vibe here. He was born on a Friday so every Friday is his birthday, and it’s also Bread Club Day. The only club I have joined since relocating from downtown Manhattan is a sourdough bread pickup at the chicest restaurant here called Lindey's . With its long copper bar, gilded ceiling and olive leather banquets, it has the ambiance level of a New York restaurant, cozy yet bustling, nooks and crannies to be private or seen, and unbelievably fresh and highly coveted bread-which is really hard to find out here. So every Friday I go pick it up, which makes me feel very french, and think of a fun dinner to make for our Friday night dates en suite that involve this loaf.
My background is in events, and experiences- I am a makeup artist who gets people ready for events around the world. My day to day life at the present moment is less glamorous so my imagination has been running wild…
This date night idea came about that morning while watching The Today Show 3rd hour with Hoda and Jenna (my favorite). The topic was break ups- “have you ever been broken up with at a restaurant and if so- did it ruin the restaurant for you?” I have, mine was Hillstones. I found it to be so rude to do it there since it’s such a staple on so many levels. I honestly think I was more upset about the location of the break up than the break up itself, which says alot about the relationship. We actually still ate after he dumped me, it was dinnertime, and finding a bar spot there is next to impossible so we had the spinach dip and bid adieu. Hoda said Flex Mussels was hers, and I thought that was really rude! Sharing a pot of mussels is an intimate exchange. When that black steaming pot arrives at the table, the anticipation of the about to be shared experience is exciting. You break bread and soak up the sauce...delighting in the deliciousness together. Not a very good breakup food in my opinion. That would ruin it for me too, but today- it sparked an idea of what to make for dinner.
I curate these Friday dinners like an event planner- I text my husband an elaborate “menu” with fancy vocabulary to which he usually responds… “ok sounds good” or “lol”
Date Night Menu
For starters:
Endive, radicchio and icicle lettuce salad hand whisked honey dijon vinaigrette.
Entree:
PEI Mussels in white wine, with shallots, garlic, and herbs today’s fresh homemade sourdough accompanied by Isigny Ste Mère Beurre de Baratte* (* french butter that’s a game changer)
Pairings:
Perfectly chilled Sancerre and locally brewed IPA
As I begin to cook and hit play on Edith Piaf Radio on Spotify- My mind immediately goes to what I’d wear on this date. A body hugging black turtleneck, or oversized blazer with a silk cami, great jeans, and a belt with any of the few chosen letters of the alphabet, G, H, or LV. ( I'm originally from Long Island). The Makeup would definitely enhance the eyes since this is a mouthy dinner ( definition: a meal that involves hands to mouth, and ingredients that could mess your lipstick) Waterlined rims of the eye in an espresso brown, softly smudged in a subtle wing shape that will look even more sculpted in the candlelight. Something that says that says “I am not trying to look sexy I just am, so what are we going to do about it?” Think Penelope Cruz from the opening short film with Brad Pitt at the show in Paris- Basically that entire look.
Of course IRL I was in my finest pair of Amazon leggings and oversized cardi with a stretchy cami because I am postpartum and breastfeeding. But alas, a girl can dream, or reminisce. Whichever comes to mind first.
Hope you enjoyed this little tale! Links below to get your french bistro date night going:
French Butter
Bobby’s Steamed Mussels
Edith Piaf Radio